Hybrid Theory Reunites For Sold Out Show!

Story and Photos: Spencer Fleming

Saturday night at the Waiting Room (3.15.25) was a historic evening on two fronts. First, it was the debut of The Black Parade - A My Chemical Romance Affair and a very special reunion of the legendary Hybrid Theory, the Midwest's premier Linkin Park tribute band.

In addition to these heavy hitters was one of Germany's most notable bands (outside of Falco and Hasslehoff) Rammstei, by way of tribute band Auslander. While I had seen Hybrid Theory several times both Auslander and the Black Parade were a first for me.

As I arrived at the Waiting Room there was a line out the door which is always a good sign. By the end of the night the show was a complete sell out! This is a huge feat for the local scene. There have been many national tours that have graced the Waiting Room stage that can't claim this prestigious honor.

The Black Parade was up first and they knocked it out of the park! It was so awesome seeing MCR songs that I never got a chance to experience live. I was lucky enough to see My Chemical Romance five times when they were coming up during their Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge era, but I never got to see The Black Parade or Danger Days performed live. One time MCR played the Pershing Center in Lincoln with Rise Against for the Black Parade tour and I missed it. It's one of my biggest concert regrets. To see these guys doing the songs justice was such a cool experience. I was telling everyone at the show it's been a hot minute since I was at a show where I knew every word (for both MCR and Linkin Park).

Something different that The Black Parade showcased was a sign language performer on stage. How cool! I've always felt the Omaha scene has been pretty inclusive, but this just took things up another notch. Hope, or her stage name Alchemy had such passion for the songs. She didn't just sit idle, she sang along and signed her heart out. It was a trip! If you missed MCR in their prime and you're anything like me, not big on stadium tours (the atmosphere or the cost), The Black Parade is where it's at. Make sure to give them a follow so you can catch the next show!

Next up was Auslander. These guys had the look down and the tunes were on point. I was never a huge Rammstein fan, but you can't deny the stage presence. They had all kinds of cool stuff, from a video backdrop with lots of flames, silver pants and boots, to a treadmill keyboard player, it was wild! They pummeled the crowd for 45 minutes with industrial beats and heavy riffs. The lead singer stared everyone down and raised his fits with passion. At one point he had a giant inflatable penis and a knife!? He wielded his phalic weapon on stage and then stabbed it until it was deflated. I've never seen Rammstein, but I caught Til Lindemann last summer at Knotfest and he's all about the shock factor. Auslander captured Rammstein's essence perfectly. Blake from Hybrid Theory said "I hope Auslander didn't scar your kids for life". I said "They mentioned something about the "sus" part of the set. I can only assume they meant giant inflatable penis, haha". Of course the band closed with "Du Hast" and the room exploded. When I think of some of the biggest metal songs of the late 90s/2000s "Du Hast" is definitely on the list. Next time you want to get out some industrial aggression, Auslander is for you!

Around 10:30 (way past my bedtime), Hybrid Theory took the stage to raucous applause. They kicked things off with "What I've Done" from 2007's Minutes to Midnight and the room was in a frenzy! These guys are absolute pros when it comes to nailing the sound of Linkin Park. I joked with lead singer Blake that my photos are going to make them look like rock stars. But you know what? They are rock stars! You think it's easy to get up there and not only sing, but scream like Chester? Let me know how that works out for you. Shout out to both Tony and Dakotah for playing bass/guitar in both The Black Parade and Hybrid Theory! Big kudos to Scott for killing it on the drums even doing a wicked solo set during the Joe Hahn breakdown song "Cure For The Itch". It was mesmerizing.

As I mentioned above, I've seen Hybrid Theory several times but this show was soooo much fun. The sold out room brought so much energy to these timeless classics. After two songs the band kicked into what might be my favorite Linkin Park song "Papercut" from their debut album Hybrid Theory. They ended up playing the album in full and it blew my mind! You could argue that Linkin Park had bigger albums like Meteora or Living Things, but I don't think anything will ever top Hybrid Theory. It's the album that introduced us to the band and spawned so many hits. During what could be considered Linkin Park's biggest hit "In The End", before the final chorus Blake told the crowd "Everyone together now" and I got chills. The energy was so electric it was palpable. Hybrid Theory's themes of alienation, personal struggles, and conflict will forever be relatable.

It's awesome to see younger generations embracing Linkin Park, and while it's never going to be the same without Chester, I'm glad they are continuing to make music. I'd like to think Hybrid Theory held the torch in their seven year absence, for Omaha anyway. I know Hybrid Theory's mantra has always been "Make Chester Proud" and I have no doubt he was smiling down on them Saturday. With all the crazy stuff going on the world socially and politically it's these moments that get us through. Taking time to sing your favorite songs with friends is the best medicine.

A huge thanks to Hybrid Theory for booking photos and supporting Stories From The Crowd. Make sure to check out all the good shows coming through Omaha/Lincoln (there are tons) and make some memories with your friends soon.

Thanks for reading and we'll see you at the next one!