Linkin Park co-founder Mike Shinoda has addressed the controversy surrounding the band’s new vocalist, Emily Armstrong, insisting that she is not attempting to replace the late frontman Chester Bennington. The announcement of the band’s return, coupled with new music featuring Armstrong, has drawn mixed reactions from fans, especially given the emotional legacy left by Bennington, who tragically took his own life in 2017. His son, Jaime, has publicly accused the remaining members of the band of “quietly erasing” his father’s legacy, adding to the scrutiny faced by the band.
During an interview on Radio 1’s New Music Show, Shinoda emphasized that the band’s comeback is “not meant to be a redo or a rewrite of Linkin Park.” He acknowledged the band’s immense legacy, noting that they are one of the most recognizable rock acts globally, having sold millions of albums and garnered billions of streams since their inception. Their debut album, Hybrid Theory, released in 2000, is widely regarded as one of the most significant albums in rock history, as highlighted by publications like Kerrang! magazine.
Shinoda explained that this new chapter in Linkin Park’s history is about exploring new creative avenues rather than attempting to replicate past successes. “The old chapter was a great chapter, and we loved that chapter,” he remarked, reflecting on the band’s storied history. “It ran its course, and now we were faced with a challenge of: ‘well OK, if you start from scratch with another voice, what do you do?'”
The new lineup first performed live during a recent comeback gig, where they showcased a blend of classic hits and new material, with Armstrong taking over Chester’s iconic parts. According to Shinoda, he had been collaborating with Armstrong since 2019, initially not with the intention of resurrecting Linkin Park, but rather to create music together. “We talked about putting her voice on things we’d already written that only had my voice on them,” he said. Their experimentation led them to the conclusion that Armstrong’s voice added a refreshing dynamic, prompting them to incorporate her into more songs.
Despite the excitement surrounding their return, criticisms persist, particularly from Bennington’s family. His mother expressed feelings of betrayal regarding the reunion and voiced her concerns over the lack of communication. Jaime also criticized Armstrong, citing her past connections with the Church of Scientology and her associations with convicted rapist Danny Masterson, which led to additional scrutiny of the new singer. While Armstrong distanced herself from Masterson in a statement, she did not address her alleged ties to Scientology, a movement often criticized for its controversial practices.
In defense of Armstrong, Shinoda praised her unique talent, stating, “When she sings, it’s like the passion and she’s just 100% her, that’s the best part. She’s not trying to be Chester; she’s not trying to be anybody else. She’s her, and that’s why it works.” This statement underscores the band’s desire to forge a new identity while honoring their past.
Linkin Park’s new single, “The Emptiness Machine,” has already gained traction, peaking at number four on the UK Official Singles Chart and reaching number 25 on Billboard’s Hot 100 in the US. The band has successfully sold out shows in major cities like London, New York, and Los Angeles, showcasing their enduring popularity. As they embark on this new phase, Shinoda noted, “We rehearsed more for this than we’ve ever rehearsed for anything in our lives,” emphasizing their commitment to delivering an exceptional performance that honors both their history and future.
As Linkin Park moves forward, the band aims to navigate the complexities of their past while embracing new beginnings, ensuring that the spirit of Chester Bennington remains a part of their journey.
