40 Facts About Brad Delson

Early Life and Education

Brad Delson's journey from a young music enthusiast to a rock legend is nothing short of inspiring. Let's dive into his early life and education.

1. Brad Delson was born on December 1, 1977, in Agoura Hills, California.
2. He attended Agoura High School, where he met future bandmate Mike Shinoda.
3. Delson's musical journey began with the trumpet before he transitioned to the guitar at age nine.
4. He co-founded Xero, the earliest incarnation of Linkin Park, in 1996 with Mike Shinoda and Rob Bourdon.
5. Delson attended UCLA, where he met future bandmate Dave Farrell.
6. He interned for Jeff Blue, then the vice president of A&R for Zomba Music, gaining valuable industry insights.
7. Delson graduated summa cum laude from UCLA in 1999 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies.

Musical Influences and Style

Brad Delson's unique guitar style and musical influences have played a significant role in shaping Linkin Park's sound.

8. Delson has cited Guns N' Roses and Metallica as major influences in his early days.
9. His guitar playing style blends rock with hip hop and electronica elements.
10. Despite criticism for not performing solos often, Delson prefers to fit in with the band's overall sound.
11. He is known for intricate guitar solos and a unique approach to sound.
12. Delson's guitar rig includes a variety of amplifiers and effects pedals, adding depth to his music.

Formation and Success of Linkin Park

Linkin Park's rise to fame is a testament to the hard work and dedication of its members, including Brad Delson.

13. In the early days, Delson played in a band called Relative Degree with Rob Bourdon.
14. Relative Degree disbanded after their first live show in 1996, paving the way for Xero and eventually Linkin Park.
15. Linkin Park's debut album "Hybrid Theory" sold over 30 million copies worldwide.
16. Delson's iconic guitar riffs in songs like "Crawling" and "In the End" were instrumental in the band's success.
17. Linkin Park has won numerous Grammy Awards, including Best Rock Album for "Hybrid Theory" in 2002.

Philanthropy and Community Work

Brad Delson's commitment to giving back to the community is as impressive as his musical achievements.

18. In 2004, Delson and his wife established the Delson Scholarship Fund at UCLA.
19. The Delson Scholarship Fund awards four-year scholarships to extraordinary students from Huntington Park.
20. Delson is an official supporter of Little Kids Rock, providing free musical instruments and lessons to children.
21. He has been involved with Music for Relief, a non-profit founded by Linkin Park to aid disaster victims.
22. Music for Relief has raised almost three million dollars for various causes, including tsunami and hurricane relief.

Personal Life and Interests

Despite his public success, Brad Delson keeps his personal life relatively private.

23. Delson married Elisa Boren on September 16, 2003.
24. The couple has three children and resides in Los Angeles' Beverleywood neighborhood.
25. Delson is of the Jewish faith and values his cultural heritage.
26. He is known for his down-to-earth personality and humility.
27. Delson's unique stage presence includes wearing large Shure headphones, designed by him and Mike Shinoda.

Impact on Music and Pop Culture

Brad Delson's influence extends beyond Linkin Park, impacting the broader music industry and pop culture.

28. Delson has collaborated with artists like Busta Rhymes on the song "We Made It."
29. He has contributed to soundtracks for films like "Transformers" and "The Expendables 3."
30. Linkin Park's music has been featured in various films and TV shows, broadening their audience.
31. Delson's unique guitar style has inspired a generation of rock and metal bands.
32. His contributions to Linkin Park's sound have solidified his place as an influential rock musician.

Technical Mastery and Equipment

Brad Delson's technical mastery and choice of equipment have played a crucial role in his distinctive sound.

33. During the recording of "Minutes to Midnight," Delson used vintage and rare amplifiers.
34. His live rig includes several Randall MTS Modules to recreate different amplifier sounds.
35. In 2014, Delson switched to a Fractal Axe-FX II setup for greater control over his sound.
36. He uses a Devi Ever Shoegazer fuzz pedal, an Electro-Harmonix H.O.G., and a Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor.
37. Delson's intricate guitar playing techniques add unique textures to Linkin Park's music.

Legacy and Influence

Brad Delson's legacy in the music industry is multifaceted, inspiring aspiring musicians and shaping contemporary rock music.

38. Delson's dedication to his craft and philanthropic efforts make him a role model for aspiring musicians.
39. His contributions to Linkin Park's success have left an indelible mark on the rock music scene.
40. Delson's influence extends beyond Linkin Park, inspiring future generations of musicians.

Brad Delson: A Rock Icon and Philanthropist

Brad Delson's journey from a young guitarist in Agoura Hills to a founding member of Linkin Park is nothing short of inspiring. His unique guitar style, blending rock with hip hop and electronica, has left a lasting impact on the music industry. Beyond his musical achievements, Delson's dedication to philanthropy, through initiatives like the Delson Scholarship Fund and Music for Relief, showcases his commitment to giving back. His academic success, graduating summa cum laude from UCLA, adds another layer to his multifaceted persona. Delson's influence extends beyond music, inspiring aspiring musicians and making a difference in communities. His legacy as a musician, philanthropist, and role model continues to inspire and shape the future of rock music.