Rob Bourdon

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Lore & Background

Rob Bourdon's journey with Linkin Park began in 1996, when he joined Brad Delson and Mike Shinoda to form the band then known as Xero. Before that, Bourdon and Delson had their own band, Relative Degree, which played a sell-out concert at the Roxy Theatre before breaking up. Bourdon served as Linkin Park's drummer for seven studio albums and many international tours. Beyond drums and percussion, he also handled the band's business operations with Delson and bassist Dave Farrell. During the production of the band's sixth studio album, The Hunting Party, Bourdon played the drums for ten hours a day for seven consecutive days, mainly practicing "Keys to the Kingdom." He injured his back but later recovered. He remained with Linkin Park through 2017, when the band went on hiatus following the death of vocalist Chester Bennington. Bourdon later informed the other members that he wished to distance himself from the band, and did not participate in re-release promotional activities or the 2024 compilation album Papercuts. Linkin Park announced their reformation on September 5, 2024, with new members, including Colin Brittain replacing Bourdon.

In Their Own Story

The stage lights dimmed, leaving only the glow of monitors before the roar began. Rob adjusted his cymbals, feeling the familiar weight of the sticks in his hands. He didn't need words; the click track was enough to sync him with the rest of the trio. As the first chord struck, he locked into the groove, knowing that every snare hit would carry the energy of thousands waiting in the dark. In that moment, the rhythm wasn't just music—it was a bridge connecting the band to their audience, steady and unbreakable regardless of what had changed over the years.

Reader's Guide

Rob Bourdon served as Linkin Park's drummer for seven studio albums: Hybrid Theory (2000), Meteora (2003), Minutes to Midnight (2007), A Thousand Suns (2010), Living Things (2012), The Hunting Party (2014), and One More Light (2017). He also handled the band's business operations with Brad Delson and Dave Farrell. His musical influences include Led Zeppelin, Tower of Power, Aerosmith, The Police, Bad Religion, Steely Dan, System of a Down, Incubus, and Dave Matthews Band. Bourdon resides in Los Angeles and is Jewish. He attended Santa Monica College where he studied accounting, and worked as a waiter and party coordinator before becoming a full-time musician.

Did You Know?

• Rob Bourdon received classical piano lessons at a young age before taking up drums.
• He was personally introduced to Aerosmith drummer Joey Kramer after attending an Aerosmith concert, which inspired him to play drums.
• Bourdon attended Agoura High School in Agoura Hills, where he met future bandmates Brad Delson and Mike Shinoda in the high school's jazz band.
• During the production of The Hunting Party, Bourdon played drums for ten hours a day for seven consecutive days, mainly practicing 'Keys to the Kingdom,' and injured his back but later recovered.
• Bourdon studied accounting at Santa Monica College and worked as a waiter and party coordinator before becoming a full-time musician.