Fiery Backlash Over Linkin Park's Chaotic Pre-Game Show at Munich's Champions League Final
Criticisms Surfacing Regarding Linkin Park's Show - Severe backlash faced by Linkin Park's concert appearance
Unleashing a storm of controversy, American rock titans Linkin Park's performance at the Champions League Final between Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan sent waves of dissent rippling through audiences. Stirring up a tempest, Dutch football guru Marco van Basten (60), a 1988 European Champion and two-time Champions League winner, turned heads with his fiery outburst.
While Linkin Park belted out their global smashes like "The Emptiness Machine," "In The End," and "Heavy Is The Crown," the shockwaves of resentment were palpable, particularly from Dutch television. An angry Van Basten, sitting on Ziggo Sport, ranted, "This is ludicrous!" He lashed out, calling the performance "completely worthless, really worthless."
Van Basten's caustic remarks were fueled by the fact that the teams were compelled to cut their warm-up short by half an hour due to the show. Viewing this move as ludicrous, he derided UEFA, critiquing in tandem with his expert colleague Rafael van der Vaart (42): "This treatment of players is a total joke." Both perceived the musical interlude as a needless distraction.
The World Awaits on Social Media
While the spectacle sparked ire in some circles, fans expressed their unwavering enthusiasm online. As the performance unfolded, one user posted, "This is a showstopper, even better than the football game!" Another chimed in, "Linkin Park slays it. The final is here!" But the crescendo of applause in the stadium was notably absent after Linkin Park’s performance.
The dynamic six-member troupe, marked by the return of new vocalist Emily Armstrong (39) in the fall of 2024, delivered a medley of their most beloved hits. Following their set, violinist David Garrett graced the stage, playing a fitting rendition of Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes. As the crowd belted out the beloved stadium classic, it marked another triumphant moment in Linkin Park's comeback.
The band's resurgence had been on full display since the tragic demise of frontman Chester Bennington in 2017. With their new album "From Zero, " they dominated international charts - breaking records as the only rock band to reach over two billion annual streams in 2024, according to Billboard[3].
Nostalgia and Controversy
The air was thick with nostalgia, but the absence of Chester Bennington was keenly felt. "Linkin Park without Chester is simply not the same" and "Chester Bennington is deeply missed" echoed through some comments[4]. Others found solace in the band's new vocalist: "I yearn for Chester Bennington, but Emily's voice is captivating."
The music spectacular, underwritten by Pepsi, aimed to transform the Champions League Final into a total sensory experience - modeled after the Super Bowl halftime show. Beaming to millions of viewers worldwide, the performance showcased breathtaking special effects, secretive dancers, and groundbreaking stage technology[3].
- Linkin Park
- Allianz Arena
- Champions League Final
- David Garrett
- Munich
- Chester Bennington
- UEFA
- Marco van Basten
- Criticism
- Sports
- Emily Armstrong
- Television
- Van der Vaart
- Despite the controversial performance at the Champions League Final in Munich's Allianz Arena by Linkin Park, sparking criticism from Dutch television pundits like Marco van Basten and Rafael van der Vaart, the band's set was met with enthusiasm by many fans who attended the event and watched it worldwide.
- The performance of Linkin Park at the Champions League Final in Munich, Allianz Arena, which featured violinist David Garrett, aimed to create a total sensory experience, similar to the Super Bowl halftime show, and was underwritten by Pepsi.
- Though the absence of Chester Bennington was keenly felt during Linkin Park's performance at the Champions League Final in Munich, Allianz Arena, the band, marked by the return of new vocalist Emily Armstrong, continued to captivate audiences with their hit songs, dominating international charts.
