From the Inside: Linkin Park's Meteora
An Interview with Linkin ParkWe 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 withFrom the Insidewas to give our fans a more intimate view of what theMeteoratouring 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 2is 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 playHalo 2against each other.Amazon:What are the the best rock books of all time?Phoenix:Motley Crue's The DirtAmazon:What 10 CDs would you choose to accompany you on a deserted island?Phoenix:Can I have instructional survival cd's?Rage Against the MachineJoshua Tree~ U2Legend~ Bob MarleyWeezerThe Black Album~ Jay-ZWhite Pony~ DeftonesTidal~ Fiona AppleAnthology~ Beatles--can that count as one?  ...and maybe some classical.Six Photos fromFrom the Inside