Criticism is widespread and substantial over the Linkin Park concert performance. - Intense Scrutiny of Linkin Park's Show Delivers Harsh Feedback
Here's the inside scoop on the buzz surrounding the pre-match gig that had Munich's Allianz Arena grooving - and sparking controversy!
On a moonlit Saturday evening, the Champions League Final between Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan took a backseat to the electrifying pre-game performance by none other than American rock titans, Linkin Park, and violin maestro David Garrett (44). Although the event left some football enthusiasts like Marco van Basten (60) - 1988 European champion and two-time Champions League champion - grinding their gears, the show was met with rousing cheers from music lovers and fans gathered in Munich and tuning in worldwide.
Van Basten, a sports commentator on Ziggo Sport, couldn't help but vent his frustration. "I can't fathom the absurdity of this spectacle," he fumed. He went on to lambast UEFA for scheduling the performance a half-hour before the kickoff, causing the players to cut their warm-up short. In Van Basten's view, the musical interlude amounted to little more than an avoidable disruption for the players.
Rafael van der Vaart (42), Van Basten's co-commentator, joined in the critique, labeling the pre-match show "tiresome." But while these football legends were in agreement regarding the potential drawbacks of the performance, their fans aboard the Linkin Park bandwagon took to social media - sharing their giddy reactions with riveting exchanges like, "This is so much better than the game itself!" and "Unbelievable! Bring on the final!" However, the stadium itself did not share the enthusiasm, failing to erupt in the thunderous applause expected following Linkin Park's setlist.
After a hiatus following the tragic death of frontman Chester Bennington in 2017, Linkin Park returned to the spotlight in autumn 2024 with new vocalist Emily Armstrong (39). The band's reunion and the release of their album "From Zero" sent shockwaves through the charts; Linkin Park became the only rock band to hit over two billion annual streams in 2024, according to Billboard, marking another milestone in their remarkable comeback.
While the performance captivated most, some dedicated fans expressed a longing for Chester Bennington, with comments like, "Linkin Park just isn't the same without Chester." But the majority were gracious, welcoming Emily's "beautiful voice" into the fold.
The concert beamed across the waves in UEFA's bid to transform the Champions League Final into an unforgettable, comprehensive experience akin to the Super Bowl halftime show. The performance boasted spectacular visuals, masked dancers, and cutting-edge technology, with millions of viewers around the globe tuning in to bear witness.
Although Marco van Basten's criticism stirred ripples in the water, it's important to remember that the majority of fans embraced the pre-match show - a dynamic fusion of football and music that brought the Champions League Final to new heights!
- The performance by Linkin Park and David Garrett before the Champions League Final in Munich's Allianz Arena, though controversial among some football fans, created a captivating fusion of entertainment and sports, similar to the Super Bowl halftime show.
- The pre-match show, featuring Linkin Park and David Garrett, was met with rousing cheers from music lovers, despite the criticism it received from sports commentators like Marco van Basten for disrupting the players' warm-up.
- The euphoria of that night was shared not just by those present at the Allianz Arena, but also by millions of TV viewers worldwide, as the Champions League aimed to transform the Final into an unforgettable, comprehensive experience.
