David Michael Farrell, better known as Phoenix (Plymouth, February 8, 1977) is an American multi-instrumentalist, known for being the bassist of the band Linkin Park.

Biography

He was born in Plymouth, Massachusetts but later moved to Mission Viejo, California at the age of five. Farrell was taught how to play guitar by his mother when he was in high school. He also played the violin in high school. Farrell attended UCLA, where he was roommates with future bandmate Brad Delson. Farrell graduated from UCLA with a degree in philosophy.

MUSIC CAREER

Tasty Snax

While attending high school, Farrell joined a Christian ska punk band named Tasty Snax, who would later rename themselves to The Snax. Phoenix transitioned from the electric guitar to bass to accommodate The Snax. The band included Farrell's longtime college friend Mark Fiore, who was also associated in making various video albums for Linkin Park. The band recorded two studio albums and one compilation album, signed to Screaming Giant Records. Farrell left the band in 2000.

Linkin Park

Farrell joined Xero, the earliest incarnation of Linkin Park, after meeting Brad Delson at UCLA. He contributed to the band's self-titled demo tape in 1997, but left the project to tour with Tasty Snax. Farrell's void was temporally filled by Delson, Ian Hornbeck and Scott Koziol, who all contributed to Hybrid Theory, Linkin Park's debut album. Farrell returned to Linkin Park in 2000 after a year-long absence. He served as the band's bassist for six of the band's seven studio albums. Along with Brad Delson and Rob Bourdon, Farrell also helped manage the band's business operations.

Linkin Park went on a hiatus after Chester Bennington died in 2017; Farrell chose not to speak at Bennington's memorial service because he said he was unable to fully express his feelings with words. Farrell and Linkin Park returned after a seven-year hiatus to work on a new album, From Zero, and tour in 2024.

PERSONAL LIFE

In 2008, Farrell stated that his political stances are "all over the place", agreeing with some Democratic views and some Republican views. Farrell is an avid golfer. He has a podcast with his best friend and professional golfer, Brendan Steele, and Mark Fiore, Linkin Park's videographer and video editor. He enjoys drinking coffee, beer, and wine.