An Interview with Linkin Park
We got a chance to talk with Phoenix from Linkin Park and their photographer, Greg Watermann, about the new book. Here's what they had to say.

Amazon: In which ways is this book different than a tour program?

Phoenix: Our goal with From the Inside was to give our fans a more intimate view of what the Meteora touring cycle looked like. From studio, to video, to touring, the book captures moments spanning over a two year period. A tour book is a souvenir from a show.

Amazon: The book seems to lack a focus on the typography that has become an important part of your image. Is this intentional?

Phoenix: Everything we do is intentional. I've never been asked about our "typography" before... good eye.

Amazon: None of the photos are credited to band members. We think you need to get cameras.

Phoenix: Do you sell cameras on Amazon?

Amazon: Which photos best capture the intensity of the band on the road?

Phoenix: The live photos... especially those that show parts of the crowd.

Amazon: Which photos show fans your lighter side?

Phoenix: Any in which we are laughing/smiling.

Greg Watermann (Photographer): I do all my live photography with a Nikon F3. Everyhting is shot on film - Fujichrome 400 (color) and T-Max 3200 (b&w), using various ASA's depending on the venue. No autofocus. No zoom lenses. And I never use a flash.

Shooting Linkin Park live is like photographing a basketball game standing in the center of the court. There's so much energy on stage; they're constantly moving. And, it's happening in front of tens of thousands of people. The key is to be quick and accurate, and never get in the band's way.

Having an "All Access" situation is the ONLY way to get the best shots at a concert, but I have to make sure I'm not a distraction from the show. I have to figure out how comfortable a band is with having me around, and then operate right at the edge of that zone. That's always where the best photos are....

Amazon: Is it true that dipping the tip of a towel in water makes it a more effective weapon against your opponent? Describe your technique.

Phoenix: Definitely. The technique is simple. It's all about the snap. Toss your towel gingerly towards your opponent, and then snap it back quickly.

Amazon: Halo 2 is out. Does this mean we'll see a string of tour dates soon?

Phoenix: We have to write and record an album first... unless people would want to come out and see us play Halo 2 against each other.

Amazon: What are the the best rock books of all time?

Phoenix: Motley Crue's The Dirt

Amazon: What 10 CDs would you choose to accompany you on a deserted island?

Phoenix: Can I have instructional survival cd's?

Rage Against the Machine
Joshua Tree ~ U2
Legend ~ Bob Marley
Weezer
The Black Album ~ Jay-Z
White Pony ~ Deftones
Tidal ~ Fiona Apple
Anthology ~ Beatles--can that count as one? ...and maybe some classical.

Six Photos from From the Inside

Book Description
SoCal alt-metal sextet Linkin Park's first CD Hybrid Theory was the record industry's biggest seller of 2002, with over 14 million copies sold. The band's fusion of hip-hop, rock and electronic music has attracted a diverse, dedicated following around the globe. During their 2003-04 world tour to promote their latest multi-platinum effort, Meteora, Linkin Park brought in photographer Greg Waterman and others to document their experiences on and off the stage. The results come alive in this essential book, filled with deluxe full-page, full-color photos on premium paper, with candid captions, written by the band members themselves. Presented with all the attitude and honesty LP fans expect, From the Inside offers an intimate glimpse into Linkin Park's life on the road. This one-of-a-kind book follows Mike, Rob, Phoenix, Brad, Mr. Hahn, and Chester, as they ride high on the wave of Meteora's success. As a special bonus for the band's many fans around the globe, the book features an introduction by Phoenix in English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Hebrew and Arabic!

FROM THE PUBLISHER