D.C. Chapter GRAMMY U students had an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the GRAMMY Award Winning band Linkin Park’s first show of their U.S. tour which kicked off at Jiffy Lube Livein Bristow, Virginia.


Students were taken back stage by Cory O’Donnell, a member of the Linkin Park management team for an engaging Q and A session that included several members of the production crew. Jim Digby, production manager, engaged the students explaining that the music industry is “a game of happenstance”, expressing that they should be prepared at all times because an open position can present itself at any time. Maurice, a muse on the tour, spoke to the students about the toll touring can take on a person’s personal life. He drove the point home by telling them “music is my girlfriend” and shared his journey, from promotion to a production assistant to a muse; every position a matter of being in the right place at the right time. Mark Fury, documentarian for the band, relayed that “in the music business you need to have lots of different skills”. Adam Ruehmer, who is in charge of social media for Linkin Park talked to the students about the level of trust that he shares with the band to make sure he represents the brand correctly to the fans.


While touring, the students were able to see pyro tests, the tour bus, dressing room, the engineering board, the production run through and enjoy a mini concert that consisted of all the elements that would dazzle the audience on opening night. Another highlight was the chance to have dinner with the entire crew, prepared by the tour caterers and take photos with Linkin Park members.


Ultimately, this was a once in a lifetime opportunity for the students to get close to a crew and experience a concert production on an intimate level. Behind the scenes with Linkin Park was a fun learning experience that was a huge benefit of membership in GRAMMY U.


Special thank you to Trish Evangelista, member of the management team for Linkin Park for the opportunity.

Also, Mike has been painting roadie cases whilst on tour, nice to see some of his artwork, photos from Mike’s instagram account, and also Megumi’s (megumi045) account of her case Mike painted have been of the work in progress and finished product.

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