Brad Delson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Brad Delson
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Delson in 2024
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Bradford Philip Delson |
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| Born | December 1, 1977 Agoura, California, U.S. |
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| Occupation(s) | Musician |
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| Years active | 1995–present |
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Bradford Philip Delson (born December 1, 1977) is an American musician. He is best known as the lead guitarist and one of the founding members of the famous rock band Linkin Park.
Contents
Early Life and Music Beginnings
Brad Delson grew up in Agoura Hills, California. He went to Agoura High School with his friend, Mike Shinoda. Brad started playing the trumpet, and then picked up the guitar when he was about nine years old. He loved listening to bands like Guns N' Roses and Metallica.
In 1995, Brad played in a rock band called Relative Degree with drummer Rob Bourdon. However, the band broke up after their very first live show in 1996.
Brad later attended UCLA. He studied communication and even had an internship with Jeff Blue, who worked in the music industry. Jeff shared his knowledge and gave Brad helpful advice about music. Brad graduated from UCLA in 1999. He thought about going to law school, but decided to follow his dream of becoming a professional musician instead.
Music Career
Forming Linkin Park
In 1996, Brad Delson, along with Mike Shinoda and Rob Bourdon, started a band called Xero. This band was the very first version of what would become Linkin Park. Soon, other members joined, including vocalist Mark Wakefield, bassist Dave Farrell, and turntablist Joe Hahn.
When Mark Wakefield left Xero, Brad asked his former boss, Jeff Blue, for help finding a new singer. Jeff introduced the band to Chester Bennington, who joined as their full-time vocalist. Jeff Blue later helped the band sign a record deal with Warner Bros. Records.
Brad's Role in Linkin Park
Brad Delson has played guitar on all eight of Linkin Park's albums. He even played bass on their first album, Hybrid Theory, when Dave Farrell was temporarily away.
After Hybrid Theory came out, Brad worked closely with Mike Shinoda to shape Linkin Park's unique sound. They both helped produce the albums The Hunting Party (2014) and One More Light (2017).
While working on The Hunting Party, a famous music producer named Rick Rubin encouraged Brad to play more guitar solos. Brad said he was "rediscovering the guitar and having a lot of fun with it." Besides playing music, Brad also helped manage the band's business, including their marketing and money matters.
Linkin Park took a break after Chester Bennington passed away in 2017. The band announced their return with new members in September 2024. Brad shared that he won't be touring with the band, but he will still be an official member and work behind the scenes. He also helped produce their eighth album, From Zero (2024).
Machine Shop Records
In 2001, Brad Delson and Mike Shinoda started their own record label called Machine Shop Records. Brad explained that they wanted to encourage new ideas in the music industry instead of sticking to old ways.
Discography
With Linkin Park
- Hybrid Theory (2000)
- Meteora (2003)
- Minutes to Midnight (2007)
- A Thousand Suns (2010)
- Living Things (2012)
- The Hunting Party (2014)
- One More Light (2017)
- From Zero (2024)
Playing Style and Gear
Brad Delson has said he doesn't like to "show off" with his guitar playing. He tries to make his guitar sound like a keyboard or strings so it blends well with the band's mix of hip-hop and electronic sounds. He also likes to create a rough, "sampled" feel with his sound.
Even though he once said he didn't like guitar solos, Brad started playing them more after his bandmates encouraged him. You can hear his solos on songs like "What I've Done" and "The Little Things Give You Away." He also played many solos on Linkin Park's album The Hunting Party.
During live shows, Brad sometimes plays other instruments like the piano or percussion. He also sings backing vocals. Brad often wears Shure headphones during performances to protect his hearing.
Guitars
Brad uses many different guitars, including:
- Paul Reed Smith Custom 24/Standard 24/CE 24 guitars
- Fender Rory Gallagher Tribute Stratocaster
- Ibanez guitars
Effects
To keep his sound consistent and protect his gear, Brad keeps his effect pedals in a special rack. He controls them from a pedalboard on stage. Some of his effects include:
- TC Electronics G-Major effects processor
- Boss pedals (like Flanger, Noise Suppressor, Compression Sustainer, Chorus Ensemble)
- Dunlop MXR Micro Amp
- Ibanez LF-7 Lo-fi pedal
Amplifiers
For the first two albums, Brad used Mesa Boogie and Marshall amplifiers. Later, he used many different vintage and rare amplifiers to get new sounds. For live shows, he now uses a modern digital setup called a Fractal Axe-FX II.
Personal Life
Brad Delson married Elisa Boren in September 2003.
In 2009, Brad was the main speaker at his old university, UCLA, during their graduation ceremony. He has said that singer Sebastian Bach is a big influence on him. Brad is also Jewish.
Helping Others
- 2004: Brad and his wife started the Delson Scholarship Fund at UCLA. This fund gives four-year scholarships to amazing students from Huntington Park every year.
- 2005: Linkin Park created Music for Relief, a non-profit group that helps people affected by natural disasters and works to fight global warming. Music for Relief has raised millions of dollars to help victims of events like the 2004 South Asian tsunami and Hurricane Katrina.
- 2005: Brad also became a supporter of Little Kids Rock. This group gives free musical instruments and lessons to children in public schools across the United States. Brad has personally given instruments to kids in the program and is an honorary member on the group's board.
Images for kids
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Brad Delson's signature
See also
In Spanish: Brad Delson para niños
