Chapter 10: Linkin Park

There were a total of six stages built along this one-mile-long street, each hosting different bands. The audience could choose their favorite stage to truly immerse themselves in the festival's vibrant atmosphere.

Jacob Tibo led the way. They had arrived a few days earlier, so they were familiar with the stage layout. Their band, Melancholy, was a rock band, so they naturally headed to the rock stage. Despite the presence of three to four thousand people, the length of the street and the way people gathered in front of the stages made the aisles manageable.

Evan Bell followed his bandmates, soaking in the festival's intense atmosphere. As they passed one stage, he paused. There were only a few dozen people in front of it, certainly no more than a hundred. On the stage, a girl sat alone on a high stool, her hoarse voice barely audible over the surrounding guitars and drums. She was singing blues, and her soulful voice drew Evan Bell closer.

The girl had black hair styled in loose curls, casually draped over her shoulders. Her hand rested on the microphone stand, her head lowered, making her face hard to discern. Her voice, rich and textured, skillfully navigated through various transitions. Each note was delivered with elegance and depth, creating a feast for the ears.

Although her singing was impressive, the quiet blues tune contrasted sharply with the energetic performances on the other stages, leading to a smaller audience.

Evan Bell moved closer, hoping to see the girl's face better. He thought that surely such a talented singer could achieve great things with the right producer. If scouts were present, they would most likely have noticed her by now.

As he neared the stage, he stood out among the sparse crowd. The girl glanced in his direction but remained focused on her singing. Before Evan Bell could get a clear look, someone pulled him back, causing him to stumble. He managed to keep his balance from falling but felt annoyed at being pulled back so abruptly.

He turned to see who had done it, only to find Jacob Tibo. "We all moved forward, and I thought you got lost," Jacob explained, his voice loud enough to be heard over the music. He led Evan Bell back to the main street, keeping a firm grip on his sleeve.

"There's a great band performing up ahead. You'll regret missing it," Jacob shouted, pointing to a stage about 200 meters away. "How could you stay behind and wander alone? It's hard to find someone in this crowd." Jacob kept a firm hold on Evan Bell's sleeve, as if afraid he would wander off again. "Where did you go? Did you fall in love with that girl?"

Evan Bell's charm and gentle manner with girls were well-known, evident from his popularity at Harvard University and his performance at the Lotus Bar. Jacob's envy was clear. "Yes, she seemed interesting, but I didn't get a good look at her," Evan Bell admitted nonchalantly.

Jacob mentioned casually that the girl's name was Alicia, invited from Columbia University. She had performed earlier in the day with great results, but the afternoon's busier schedule meant fewer listeners for her blues set.

As they walked, Evan Bell recalled Alicia Keys, an outstanding R&B singer with impressive record sales and numerous Grammy Awards. He wondered if the girl on stage could be Alicia Keys or another talented singer named Alicia.

The noise from another stage interrupted Evan Bell's thoughts. He saw Gillen Haas and Bruce Stewart waiting on the main street, with Bruce anxiously glancing towards the stage. They nodded at Evan Bell and Jacob before squeezing into the crowd.

Around 700 to 800 people were gathered in front of this stage, the busiest of the six. The band was clearly popular. Evan Bell stood at the back, clapping along to the rhythm.

The lead singer, wearing a black vest, was singing the chorus: "I'm about to break. I need a little room to breathe." His powerful voice electrified the crowd. The audience shouted with all their might, the energy of metal rock palpable. The overwhelming music and crowd made everyone lose themselves, shaking their heads wildly to the beat.

Evan Bell was caught up in the fervor, forgetting everything else. This was the power of music. The song expressed the turmoil of painful love and the decision to break free. Despite its dark, underground metal style, the chorus had a commercial appeal that resonated with many.

When the lead singer's voice roared "Shut up," Evan Bell realized he knew this band and song. It was "One Step Closer," the debut single by Linkin Park, released in 2000. Their album, "Hybrid Theory," sold over 10 million copies and made a huge impact.

Linkin Park, renowned for their live performances and blend of heavy metal, punk, nu-metal, and hard rock, also had mainstream appeal. Their music is featured in major films like the Transformers trilogy. Witnessing Linkin Park live at the Eagle Rock Music Festival was thrilling for Evan Bell. Whether they were promoting their first single or had already released their album, the experience was definitely unforgettable. Music, especially live, has a unique power, which is why concerts can manage to captivate so many people.