One Step Closer

From Xero to #1: Becoming Linkin Park

By: Jeff Blue

Narrated by: Jeff Blue

Length: 6 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's summary

The dramatic story of the unlikely partnership that led to Hybrid Theory, the biggest-selling debut album of the 21st century.

From the unique perspective of the executive who discovered them, One Step Closer reveals how Brad Delson's college internship was a catalyst for a group of young musical visionaries, led by Mike Shinoda, which gave rise to a band that survived countless rejections, exceeded everyone's expectations but their own, and became the voice of a generation.

This against-all-odds story chronicles the early days of Linkin Park, from their first demo and Whisky a Go Go performance as Xero, through their tireless efforts to perfect their iconic sound and the discovery of Chester Bennington. Jeff Blue was there when no one else believed - first as their publisher, then as their A-and-R guy. This is his memoir of that incredible journey.

Riveting and inspiring, One Step Closer is a testament to perseverance, as well as a detailed behind-the-scenes account of the building of a dream and what it takes to make it.

©2020 Jeff Blue (P)2021 Tantor

Is anyone really happy?

I've become enamored with memoirs from highly successful people as of late. Olympians, artists, actors, comedians, and CEO of Nike. Every single one of these successful individuals have suffered immensely. This book doesn't even expose us to their "life on the road". After seeing what that life looks like I'm pretty certain that very few people could handle it.

All of these people who complain that life is harder for then than it is fir everyone else, just needs to make some real friendships. Chester was sleeping in his car while the band kept getting rejected by every record label.

I've thought to myself sometimes that the entire group has talent that no one else had, and that there was no way they didn't end up as the most popular group, but after you listen to the story you will see that it's not true. We are so lucky that this guy fought so hard to get them a deal, and then fight even harder to keep the flame going.

They were a really amazing group!

Great read for Linkin Park Fans

thanks Jeff for this beautiful book. thanks for the insight into the early beginnings of Linkin Park and how the music industry works. thank you for pouring your heart and soul into this book. my condolences for the loss of your father, grandmother, and chester. may they rest in peace.

Linkin Park

Great engaging story. Loved the book.
It's an amazing story how never giving up makes dreams come true.

The guy behind linkin park.

Without this man linkin park would not exist. And gives great story’s of linkin park

Informative, Great Listen

I cant seem to enjoy reading a book, this was my first attempt at an audiobook and it was delivered well. I have my next 5 lined up already. I loved this audiobooks content, I enjoyed every part of it immensely. Obviously being a LP fan made it easy BUT I feel like I could do it again.

Incredible!! And easy to listen to! Thank you!

Wow Honestly this is my first full audiobook that I have listen to. It kept my attention the entire time. It actually took two sessions of listening to it. I was addicted the entire time. It was well written and well spoken. I highly recommend everyone to listen or read this book even if you don’t know who Linkin Park is.

The ups and downs of the music industry

This book was an up close and personal account of the valleys and peaks not only with the industry but life. I laughed, cried, got angry and felt deep the struggles of depression and the effect it has on others around you.

It wasn’t just a band…

… it’s a story of all of us who listen to LP as a novel to our life experiences. This story therapeutic and tragedy. Well told and enjoyable.

Great Listen

Gave me a newfound appreciation fort favorite band and some of the adversity that they overcame. Great listen for any LP fan.

Amazing

Amazingly written it was like you were right there every step of the way. Ive laughed and I’ve cried. I loved to hear first hand how Chester came to be the greatest rock star of all time!!! Thank u Jeff Blue for this book!