LINKIN PARK to Rock the UEFA Champions League Final Kick Off Show Presented by Pepsi
Linkin Park Takes Center Stage at UEFA Champions League Final
On April 16, 2025, PepsiCo announced a highly anticipated collaboration with the legendary rock band Linkin Park, who will perform at the UEFA Champions League Final Kick Off Show on May 31 at the Munich Football Arena. This annual event is renowned for marrying the thrill of football with electrifying live performances, and Linkin Park's participation promises to elevate it to new heights with their unique sound and energy.
Having recently made a powerful comeback with their album FROM ZERO, which is breaking records globally, Linkin Park has positioned themselves once again at the forefront of the music scene. Their single, Heavy Is The Crown, alongside the massively popular The Emptiness Machine, have not only topped the charts but also amassed over 250 million streams, marking them as one of the most listened-to rock bands of the past year.
As they gear up for their world tour, which kicks off on April 26 in Austin, Texas, Linkin Park is excited to share their newly recorded remix for the UEFA event. This fresh take integrates the band's signature style with elements of European football culture, incorporating sounds like a referee's whistle and the roar of passionate fans.
The band stated, "We're eager to bring the same energy and enthusiasm that our fans have shown us into the Kick Off Show. It’s a brand-new experience for us, and we can't wait to showcase our favorite tracks from both the past and present to an audience of thousands of attendees and millions of viewers worldwide." This performance symbolizes not only their musical prowess but also a celebration of their enduring legacy in rock music.
Pepsi's global brand marketing vice president, Eric Melis, expressed pride in featuring the band, highlighting, "Linkin Park is arguably one of the most influential rock groups of the 21st century. With their performance, we expect to create an unmatched spectacle, live from Munich. Their dedication embodies our motto ‘Thirsty for More’—a commitment to innovation and boldness that reflects our brand’s spirited journey."
Guy-Laurent Epstein, co-managing director of UC3, commented on the excitement surrounding the final, promising that this year’s Kick Off Show will be a spectacle like no other, combining an iconic band with the world’s most watched football showdown. The performance will not only serve as entertainment for fans in attendance but will also reach millions globally via various broadcasting platforms.
Pepsi and UEFA continue their mission of creating unforgettable moments by blending the realms of football and music. Fans are encouraged to tune into the Kick Off Show through local broadcasters and the official UEFA YouTube channel, ensuring that they don’t miss out on this monumental occasion. The hashtag #PepsiKickOffShow is already lighting up social media as anticipation builds for this historic event.
As Linkin Park steps onto the stage, they’ll not only be representing their latest musical evolution but also igniting the passions of football fans around the world, proving once again that the combination of sports and music can deliver truly unforgettable experiences.