Staggering Across the Finish Line.

The performance at the Griffith Park Observatory seems like forever ago. The show, and performance of The Catalyst for the MTV VMAs was the kickoff of our tour for A THOUSAND SUNS. Now, at the end of the tour and cycle, a moment of reflection is in order.

To be honest, we were really hurting at the end of it all. Earlier this week, I stumbled into the venue in Bangkok with my band mates, dumbfounded at our state: one man down from food poisoning, two arms in slings, a bruised hand, cuts all over, sleep deprivation, and motion sickness, on top of what would be another 7+ hour travel day.

A year before, at Griffith Park, this tour started with the release of an album that was challenging to make, and a challenge for fans to understand. We knew the road ahead was going to be difficult. There were exhausting tours, confused and angry fans, and bloodthirsty critics on the horizon. But that night in Thailand, before the show, those obstacles were in front of me in the realest way.

A year before, we knew what we were getting into. And we believed in our album, we were encouraged by the fans. As time went on, as some fans went away and others came along for the ride, I’m proud of the thing we all built together. The tour took us to amazing new places. The performances at Puerta De Alcala, Griffith Park, Red Square, Tel Aviv, Abu Dhabi, and Singapore (among others) were landmarks for the band.

And the fans in Bangkok helped us power through one of our most difficult shows, showing the love that Linkin Park fans all over the world are known for.

So at the end of it all, I just wanted to take a moment to say a heartfelt thank-you to my bandmates, our staff, road crew, and fans for making this tour and album cycle amazing. Thank you.

Now, time to go home and get back to work…

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Comment by Luanne cleversley on September 27, 2011 at 7:50pm: I would like to thank YOU LP for all you do all your energy and compassion. I now Eat Pray Love Linkin Park!!!!!!!!

Yours Always,

Luanne

Comment by Maryati on September 27, 2011 at 7:29pm: Thank you for every song you guys have made & for all your stage performances..longing for the band again in Jakarta..Thanx!!

Comment by Evo on September 27, 2011 at 7:29pm: LP the tour was awesome from what i saw in all the footage cos i didnt get to attend any of your shows..:( awesome is an understatement cos it was truly phenomenal..you guys deserve a well earned rest..thank you for making unreal music for us..im a true fan of you guys and will be there with you no matter what just the way i have been for the past 10 years. cant wait for your next album! Thanks again you guys! LP forever!!!

Comment by Emeral on September 27, 2011 at 7:11pm: thank you. a thousand suns was a great albam and i cant wait for your guys next albam and you guys deserve some rest and time with family . LP forever

Comment by Hashad khodabacchus on September 27, 2011 at 7:05pm: thnk you so linkin park a fabulous tour l like tht hope we will get ur album next year

Comment by Ryan Voight on September 27, 2011 at 5:56pm: An excellent blog mike, the fans do know how hard it is for you guys as you get older and while many people along with fans and critics took a while to see what the new album really was, in the end A thousand suns has gotten to high places. Just learn that pushing yourselves can be a bit much sometime but in your cases its proven to be worth it.

Comment by Death note nerd on September 27, 2011 at 5:32pm: Thank you. A thousand suns was an incredible album and I'm sure the tour was amazing. Unfortunately I didnt get to go to any shows. Oh well maybe next time! <3

Comment by Humberto Alonso de la Haza on September 27, 2011 at 5:26pm: Linkin Park THANK YOU SO MUCH!! for gave us your awesome music and I hope you can come here to Peru,a lot of fans are waiting for you guys LP forever!!!

Comment by Carlos on September 27, 2011 at 4:19pm: Never do that again....I seriously thought this was you guys disbanded and i almost panicked lol. Thanks for coming to London, was an amazing show and atmosphere. Keep doing what you guys do next and i'll be supporting you through it anyway, you've not lost your TRUE fans, you've kept them and gained new ones. Keep it up guys, see you soon (Y)

Comment by Diego Burgos on September 27, 2011 at 4:10pm: A good rest isn't even half of what you guys deserve: All of your albums absolutely blew me away, and I'll listen to anything you guys write up. Also, hate to be a total troll to my favorite band, but we're still waiting on your arrival in Puerto Rico. Anyways, rest well, guys.