Aayush Pathak
In an exciting development for both music and gaming fans, Riot Games has officially confirmed that the iconic rock band Linkin Park will perform the anthem for the 2024 League of Legends World Championship. This announcement follows weeks of speculation regarding the band’s involvement, which has now been put to rest.
A Triumphant Return
Linkin Park, renowned for their chart-topping hits like “In the End” and “Numb,” is making a triumphant return after a seven-year hiatus following the tragic passing of their former frontman, Chester Bennington, in 2017. The band’s recent addition of a new lead singer, Emily Armstrong, marks a promising new chapter in their history. Fans, who have eagerly awaited new material, are now filled with excitement and hope, especially with this collaboration with Riot Games.
The track that will serve as the official anthem is “Heavy Is the Crown,” which is part of Linkin Park’s upcoming album, From Zero, which will be released on November 15. This song will be heavily featured throughout the tournament and is expected to be performed live during the grand final at London’s O2 Arena on November 2.
Building Anticipation for League of Legends World Championship
The speculation surrounding Linkin Park’s involvement began when social media accounts associated with LoLEsports started engaging with the band’s posts, often using a golden crown emoji. This playful interaction hinted at a potential collaboration. Additionally, the tracklist from their upcoming album included “Heavy Is the Crown,” further fueling fan excitement.
Riot Games has a rich history of collaborating with high-profile artists for their championship anthems. Previous performers, including Lil Nas X, Imagine Dragons, and K-pop sensation NewJeans, have all contributed to creating an electrifying atmosphere during the annual League of Legends finals. This tradition of bringing together music and gaming fans in a shared celebration is something we can all be proud of.
A New Chapter for Linkin Park
The announcement is pivotal for Linkin Park as they navigate their comeback with a fresh lineup. Emily Armstrong, previously known as the lead vocalist for the band Dead Sara, brings her unique energy and vocal style to the group. The band’s co-founder, Mike Shinoda, has expressed enthusiasm about this new direction, emphasising that it’s not about replacing Chester but evolving as a band while honouring their legacy.
Shinoda remarked, “It is not about erasing the past; it is about starting this new chapter into the future.” This sentiment resonates deeply with fans who are both excited and apprehensive about changes within the band.
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