Gig review: The L1nKn P4rk Experience at SaltBox

Opening the night was Firmament UK, an up-and-coming five-piece metal band hailing from Nottingham. Combining a diverse range of influences from across the wider rock spectrum, they deliver a fresh and modern take on metal.

When I spoke with the band before they took the stage, they shared their excitement about this being their 12th gig and were absolutely thrilled by the incredible turnout at Saltbox. If you haven’t caught Firmament UK live yet, I highly recommend it—they’re a band on the rise and one to watch this year. Their performance was electrifying, brimming with energy and passion as they left it all on the stage.

The second support act of the night was 7eventh Sea, another talented metal band from Nottingham. From the moment they hit the stage, it was clear they were here to make an impression. The lead singer was an absolute force of nature, commanding the crowd with infectious energy and charisma, and had everyone headbanging in no time.

7eventh Sea not only brought the energy but also delivered a polished and dynamic performance that kept the momentum of the evening alive. If you’re a fan of high-octane metal with a commanding stage presence, this is definitely a band to keep on your radar. They have recently had their music played on Kerrang! Radio, and have been streamed 41,000 times in 102 different countries.  

If you haven’t heard of The L1nKn P4rk Experience, let me take you back to just before August 2024. Around that time, you may have come across a post calling for musicians to join the band on stage at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena to perform legendary Linkin Park songs. That post was my first introduction to The L1nKn P4rk Experience.

On 18th August 2024, they brought that ambitious vision to life. The band, joined by an incredible ensemble of 1,000 musicians, took over the arena floor and delivered an unforgettable performance. It was a monumental moment, where the sheer scale of collaboration and energy celebrated the enduring legacy of Linkin Park’s music in spectacular fashion. This incredible initiative was all about raising funds to provide free mental health counseling and support services for the alternative community. The name 1000 Lights was inspired by Linkin Park’s One More Light tour, which holds deep significance. It was during this tour that Chester Bennington gave his final performance with the band, held in the very same arena just weeks before his tragic passing in 2017.

Since then, they’ve been touring across the UK, performing at various venues, and we were fortunate enough to have them stop by Nottingham. This was my first time experiencing their live performance, and I was blown away by how closely they captured the sound of the original Linkin Park. Their passion for the band’s legacy and their heartfelt tribute to the late Chester Bennington were evident in every note, making it a truly unforgettable experience.

Performing iconic hits including In the End, Numb and Crawling, they had the crowd roaring with excitement. I spoke to a few fans in attendance, some of whom had travelled from as far as Birmingham and Sheffield to witness the show. It’s rare for a tribute band to draw such a dedicated following, especially from other cities, but this speaks volumes about the impact they’ve made and the loyalty of their growing fan-base.

That fanbase was an absolute delight to be around—passionate, supportive, and full of energy. The band themselves were incredibly humble and deeply appreciative of the incredible support they’ve received. Many fans had been following them to multiple shows on the tour, creating a sense of community that perfectly complemented the band’s heartfelt performances.

I truly hope they return soon, and I’m confident they could easily sell out Rock City with the kind of energy and talent they bring to the stage.

The L1nKn P4rk Experience performed at Saltbox on 12th January 2024.

@l1nkn_p4rk