This book is a very detailed account of the history of one of my all time favorite bands and that’s what I liked so much about it. I’ll have Linkin Park songs in my head for days which is great. I can understand why the details, especially around other popular bands at the time might slog the book down for some people but those details were very informative for me. But really, the primary focus was on how Linkin Park came into existence and there was so much that I didn’t know about them. Sure, Mike and Chester are front and center in this book but that’s because they ARE front and center. I loved all the insight about what was going on when they wrote each chart topper. We all know about Chester’s struggles and it was heartbreaking to read about how he put so much of himself into writing the songs. He may have been revealing his own personal issues but the lyrics and his presentation were something that everyone could identify with in some way. And those songs will remain timeless and still speak to fans across generations. Jason Lipshutz did a fantastic job with this book. His descriptions made the band and their songs jump right out of the pages - so easy to picture how it all came together and unfortunately, what came apart. He also did a great job capturing all the emotions. The book is a great read for fans of this terrific band!

I really enjoyed this book! I loved that the behind-the-scenes stories cover everything from songwriting and album production to the band members personal lives. I also loved the explanation of how current events shaped the evolution of rock music and artists.

Solid Look At Linkin Park Pre 2024. Lipshutz does a truly excellent job of detailing the life and times of Linkin Park as a band, from most of their days in California toiling as Zero (giving rise to the 2024 effort "From Zero"... ;) ) and Chester's days in Phoenix pre-LP signing in various bands to their formation as one group to their initial success and detailing every record they ever made, before yes, coming to Chester's suicide and its aftermath. This particular section is handled with the care it deserves, yet is also easily the dustiest rooms you'll experience reading this book. Ending with discussions as recently as 2023 noting that the band didn't know what the future held and releasing just weeks after the announcement of Emily Armstrong as the new lead singer of the band, this book truly does encompass pretty much every aspect of the "Chester Bennington" era of the band.

Long time fans are going to find a lot to enjoy here. Those who simply enjoy biographies of musicians are going to find a lot to enjoy here. Those of us who have been listening to Linkin Park's music since they first hit radio are going to find a LOT to enjoy here, particularly if you weren't one of the truly fanatical that may have already known much of this and even possibly been there for some of it.

Ultimately, this is going to make you want to go in and listen to Linkin Park all over again and appreciate ever more just how great this band is.

Very much recommended.

It Starts With One
By: Jason Lipshutz
Review Score: 5 Stars

Boogie’s Bulletpoints
•Nonfiction
•New stories
•Chester’s Legacy
•Emotional

———

It Starts With One was kindly provided as an ARC by NetGalley and Hatchette Books. Thank you for allowing me to enjoy this wonderful book!

Yall, I wasnt sure what I would feel when I got this book. As a diehard Linkin Park fan, I had no idea what to expect in this book. I didn’t know if I would love the portrayal of the band, and all of the things that would be shared, or if I would hate the portrayal, vehemently disagreeing with what was written.

I can honestly say that I loved this book. I loved all of the little pieces of Linkin Park’s history. There was a lot I already knew (again, super fan), but so much I didn’t.

I straight up cried when Lipshutz talked about Chester’s death, and the Celebration of Life show that the band held after he passed (I went to that show, and am front and center in so much of the footage, which is still on Youtube).

The band has since reformed, and has a new lead singer, and obviously, they are happy to be making music again. I am so excited to see their growth, and that doesn’t take away from the pain of missing Chester and all he brought to the band.

Obviously, this book was very personal to me. I loved it. I’ve read books about bands that I like, and I have enjoyed those too. But man, this one really dug deep for me.

It Starts with One: The Legend and the Legacy of Linkin Park was a nostalgic stroll through the discography, tours, videos and back stories of a beloved band, Linkin Park. Jason Lipshutz, Billboard’s Executive Director of Music, has written a comprehensive biography that chronicles the lives, innovation, and enduring influence of Linkin Park on the modern music scene. The biography is a finely crafted tribute to a band whose hybrid musical style defied labeling, and whose emotionally vulnerable lyrics spoke to a generation struggling with questions of identity, self-acceptance and alienation. Lipshutz doesn’t shy away from the controversies surrounding the band’s evolving musical expressions which were often misunderstood and and sheds light on their daring choices. The tragedy of Chester Bennington’s untimely death by suicide is handled with the sensitivity and gravitas it deserves, and speaks to how Bennington gave voice through his lyrics to so many suffering with mental health issues long before it was openly talked about. In keeping with Linkin Park’s messaging, ongoing commitment of destigmatizing mental health and promoting mental health care, a portion of the book’s proceeds will be donated to the National Alliance on Mental Health and Backline, a nonprofit organization that connects those in the music industry and their families with mental health and wellness resources.

As I read, I found myself pausing to listen to LP hits and videos. Lipshutz gave me a deeper appreciation for the artistry and the impact LP had on the modern music landscape. But I was most taken by the emotionally resonant stories of the friendship, craftsmenship and artistic collaboration between frontmen Mike Shinoda and Chester Bennington. It Starts with One is a reminder of the power of music to connect, inspire, heal and transform. Whether you are a long time fan, a casual listener of LP’s music, or enjoy reading musical biographies, I highly recommend you make room on your TBR for It Starts with One.


Many thanks to the author @JasonLipshutz, @HachetteBooks and @NetGalley for the pleasure of reading this digital arc in exchange for an honest review.

This book means the world to me. Linkin Park was and is still my favorite band. When Chester passed I cried a lot. I still tear up listening to certain songs & I’m happy the band is back even though it is bittersweet. So when I saw an arc review of this book I jumped on NetGalley as fast as I could to see if it was still available. It was. I went on a rollercoaster of emotions throughout the journey this book takes you on. First it was happiness & excitement of seeing how the band formed. There was frustration & anger when reading about how the label wanted them to change their sound & especially when they proposed getting rid of Mike. I laughed out loud reading about how One Step Closer came to be. Naturally I cried & even had to pause reading to collect myself when we reach July 20, 2017. I have nothing but love for this book. I bought the audio & physical copy as well. This is a must read for any fan of Linkin Park. It’s just a beautiful thing.

Thank you NetGalley & Hachette for the advance copy.

Through in-depth reporting and interviews, as well as new reflections from their collaborators and contemporaries, IT STARTS WITH ONE explores how one band made such a big impact on modern music, effectively cementing Linkin Park’s long overdue place in music history.

Thank you Hachette Books for sending me a digital ARC of this book! I enjoyed this book. I never met the band or saw them in concert. I’ve only watched their Live In Texas DVD or watched them perform on a livestream online but I feel like I got to know them really well after I read this book. My older brother and I grew up listening to Linkin Park. When he was a teenager and I was a little girl, I used to hear him listening to Linkin Park and then I started listening to Linkin Park and then we started listening to Linkin Park together so when Chester died, we both took it really hard and I still haven’t accepted that he’s gone even though it’s been 7 years since his death. How do you get over your favorite musician dying especially when you grew up listening to their music your whole life? I don’t know. I’m still trying to figure that out.

No matter if you are a longtime listener or just a fan of a few songs the songs & members can unite everyone. Even though Chester tragically passed it still celebrates his life & that of his band mates.

It Starts with One by Jason Lipshutz is a compelling and deeply engaging exploration of Linkin Park’s extraordinary career, providing fans and newcomers alike with a comprehensive understanding of the band’s impact on the modern music landscape. As one of the 21st century's most influential rock bands, Linkin Park's journey is chronicled with the depth and respect they deserve, highlighting their innovative sound, vulnerable lyrics, and enduring legacy.



Lipshutz, Billboard's executive director of music, meticulously charts the band's rise from their early days to their meteoric success with albums like Hybrid Theory and Meteora. He provides insightful commentary on how the band synthesized elements of rock, pop, and hip-hop to create a sound that resonated with a generation struggling with themes of alienation, mental health, and identity. The author also dives into the individual contributions of each band member, with a particular focus on frontmen Chester Bennington and Mike Shinoda, whose artistic partnership was the driving force behind Linkin Park’s unique sound.



What sets this book apart is not just its detailed account of the band’s discography and tours, but also its emotional resonance. Lipshutz effectively captures the band’s cultural significance, particularly how their music provided solace to fans worldwide and opened up conversations about mental health. The book doesn’t shy away from the tragedy of Chester Bennington’s death, handling it with the sensitivity and gravitas it deserves, while also celebrating the music and message he left behind.



For long-time fans, It Starts with One serves as a nostalgic trip down memory lane, revisiting key moments in Linkin Park's career with fresh insights and behind-the-scenes stories. The inclusion of new interviews and reflections from the band's collaborators and contemporaries enriches the narrative, offering a broader perspective on the band’s legacy. Lipshutz’s writing is both accessible and informative, making it a perfect read for anyone interested in understanding the profound impact Linkin Park has had on the music industry and popular culture.



The book’s structure, which intersperses detailed recountings of the band’s milestones with personal anecdotes from those who knew them best, ensures a well-rounded portrayal of Linkin Park’s journey. The emotional depth of the book is particularly evident in the sections dealing with Chester’s struggles and the band’s response to his untimely death. These passages are both heartbreaking and hopeful, underscoring the importance of the band’s message of resilience and self-acceptance.



It Starts with One: The Legend and Legacy of Linkin Park is an essential read for fans of the band and anyone interested in the evolution of modern rock music. For those who follow Rock 'n' Roll Highway and have a deep appreciation for the stories and history of influential music figures, this book is a must-read. Jason Lipshutz has crafted a fitting tribute to a band that not only defined a generation but also continues to inspire millions with their music and message. This book is a testament to Linkin Park’s enduring legacy and a reminder of the power of music to connect, heal, and transform.

It Starts With One: The Legend and Legacy of Linkin Park is essentially the history of the band and the impact their music has had over the past two decades.

As a fan of Linkin Park since they released their first single, I was super excited to read this book. From learning about how the group got together and became Linkin Park to how they wrote their songs and what the meanings were, the reader is taken on a journey that inevitably leaves you in the present wondering what could be next. The author explored how each band member fit into their roles and what they brought with them. The hardest part was reading about Chester and how he struggled but then ending on the band’s tribute to him. Although I felt like the book was maybe a little too long, it was still well written and paid homage to, in my opinion, one of the greatest bands.

Thank you #Netgalley and Hatchette Books for providing me with an ARC for my honest feedback.

A huge thank you to NetGalley, Hachette Books and author Jason Lipshutz for the advanced review copy.

Growing up, Linkin Park was that first band that truly ever spoke to me and I became a huge fan of. I was obsessed and a huge part of the community from the first time I heard them. I was a longtime member of LPUnderground (the band's official fan club) and also a member of the (at the time) 4000 person worldwide Official Linkin Park Street Team (before it opened up and anyone could join). To say I was a fan of LP was an understatement.

This book chronicles the beginnings of the band, but truthfully is an ode to the impact that their music had on not only their fans, but the music world as a whole. While the recording of Hybrid Theory, and to a lesser degree, Meteora, are covered in depth, the rest of the book does read like a quick glance over the remaining parts of their career, leading to Chester's untimely death in 2017. In many ways, this book is more about Chester and Mike and the legacy they led with the band. That's not to discount the efforts and work of Joe, Phoenix, Rob and Brad. But to truly tell the story, it needed to be focused on the frontmen.

For much of the book, I felt a wave of nostalgia as I revisited old friends and memories through the band's early years, and honestly, by the time it got to Chester's death, there were tears rolling down my face. When Chester died, I immediately went out and got the LP logo (circa 2000) tattooed on my leg in honor of everything that Chester and the rest of the band had done for me.

For hardcore fans, there's very little new covered in the book, but it still feels good, as I mentioned before, like revisiting old friends. But for those unfamiliar this book will be a trove of new knowledge and respect for all of the band members.

Thank You Chester.
Thank you Linkin Park.

I want to preface this review with saying I’m a huge Linkin Park fan. I’ve been listening to them for 20+ years. I have their logo from the album Hybrid Theory tattooed.
I loved this book. I, like the author, first fell in love with the band listening to them in middle school. I saw the video for “Crawling” on MTV in the early 2000s and have been hooked since.
The experience of reading this book and learning more about how the band formed was thoroughly enjoyable. I like the “interludes” from people who knew them as well.
Lipshutz’s analysis of music is easy to follow for someone who hasn’t been that closely involved in the industry like myself; I’m just a casual listener.
Lipshutz’s further narrative of LP’s following albums was wonderfully written. I love how it showcased all of the brilliant moments in the bands career. Chester was and is a hero of mine as I struggle with my own mental health demons. I can’t wait to own this book myself it has given me more insight into and reasons to love these songs even more.