Emily Garbutt
Updated on: October 7, 2024 2:01 pm GMT
Linkin Park’s Exciting New Chapter: Welcoming Emily Armstrong and the ‘From Zero’ Era
In the world of music, few bands have left as profound a mark as Linkin Park. Their unique blend of rock, hip-hop, and electronic elements resonated with millions around the globe. However, the tragic loss of lead vocalist Chester Bennington in 2017 left fans and the band reeling, sparking questions about the future of this iconic group. Fast forward to 2023, and a renewed sense of hope and excitement is in the air as Linkin Park embarks on a new chapter, introducing Emily Armstrong, the talented singer from the band Dead Sara, as their new co-vocalist. Alongside this significant change, the band is set to release new music after a seven-year hiatus and will soon embark on a world tour. Let’s delve deeper into this new era for Linkin Park, exploring their exciting announcements, anticipated music, and upcoming tour.
A Band Reborn: Emily Armstrong Joins Linkin Park
On a thrilling Thursday, Linkin Park unveiled Emily Armstrong as their new co-vocalist during a live performance event. Fans were captivated by the announcement, as well as Armstrong’s immense talent and dynamic stage presence. Joining her is Colin Brittain, a renowned songwriter and producer known for his work with artists like G Flip, Illenium, and One OK Rock, who will take on the role of drummer for the band.
The choice of Armstrong marks a significant moment in Linkin Park’s history. With her unique vocal style and experience, she brings a fresh perspective to the band while honoring the legacy left by Bennington. As Mike Shinoda, one of the band’s founding members, stated, the decision to bring in new talent wasn’t simply about trying to replace Chester. Instead, it was about finding artists with whom they could form a special artistic kinship, ultimately leading to a vibrant new sound.
A Soundtrack for a New Generation: ‘From Zero’
Accompanying the announcement of Armstrong’s addition to the band is the release of their new single, “The Emptiness Machine,” marking Linkin Park’s first new music in seven years. This track serves as the lead single for their upcoming album, “From Zero,” scheduled to drop on November 15, 2023. The album represents a critical return to the studio for the band, their first full-length project since the devastating loss of their iconic frontman.
The title “From Zero” holds special significance for the band. It draws a connection to their beginnings as a group and symbolizes their journey from the past into a future filled with fresh possibilities. Shinoda described the album as a blend of the band’s signature sound with new and invigorating elements, encapsulating themes of growth, remembrance, and hope.
What to Expect from ‘The Emptiness Machine’
“The Emptiness Machine” is not just a single; it is a bold statement that channels the very essence of Linkin Park. The song promises to evoke nostalgia while simultaneously forging a new path for the band. Shinoda emphasized how “empowered” they felt with the new lineup and how they have woven together various sonic touchpoints that fans have come to love.
The essence of the lyrics resonates deeply, reaching out to both long-time fans and newcomers alike. The music video and live performances surrounding the release are designed to bridge the gap between memories of Bennington and a hopeful, evolving future for the band.
A Tour to Remember: The ‘From Zero’ World Tour
In conjunction with the new album, Linkin Park has announced the “From Zero” World Tour, a highly anticipated six-date event set to begin on September 11, 2024, at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles. This marks the band’s first tour since Bennington’s passing, making it a significant milestone not only for the musicians but also for their dedicated fans.
The schedule includes stops in major cities across the globe, including New York, Hamburg, London, Seoul, and Bogota. The tour promises to provide an unforgettable experience for attendees, showcasing both the band’s classic hits and new material from the forthcoming album.
Tour Dates
| Date | City | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| September 11, 2024 | Los Angeles, CA | Kia Forum |
| September 16, 2024 | New York, NY | Barclays Center |
| September 22, 2024 | Hamburg, Germany | Barclays Arena |
| September 24, 2024 | London, UK | The O2 |
| September 28, 2024 | Seoul, South Korea | INSPIRE Arena |
| November 11, 2024 | Bogota, Colombia | Coliseo Medplus |
Pre-sale tickets for the tour will first become available to the LP Underground fan club starting on September 6, with general ticket sales kicking off on September 7. Given Linkin Park’s massive fan base and the emotional significance of this tour, these tickets are expected to sell out quickly.
Looking Back: The Legacy of Chester Bennington
As Linkin Park embarks on this journey, it is essential to reflect on the profound impact that Chester Bennington had on the band and its fans. His powerful vocals and emotional depth resonated with countless listeners and turned songs into anthems of hope and healing. Even during the darkest times, Bennington’s passion and dedication were palpable.
The last performance featuring Bennington was a tribute concert held in October 2017, shortly after his passing. This concert served as both a memorial for him and a moment of closure for fans. Shinoda shared how performing that night was a bittersweet experience and emphasized how much it meant to take the stage in honor of their bandmate.
Moving forward without Bennington brings both challenges and opportunities. Shinoda acknowledged the difficulty of finding a singer who could match the unique vocal abilities Bennington possessed, but ultimately the band decided that it was essential to bring in new talent who could contribute to their evolving sound.
Final Thoughts: A Journey Reimagined
Linkin Park’s evolution with the addition of Emily Armstrong and their upcoming album, “From Zero,” signals an exhilarating new chapter for the band. This new era embraces both the band’s past and its future, blending nostalgia with innovation. As they prepare to embark on the “From Zero” World Tour, the excitement among fans is palpable.
Linkin Park is showing how strong and creative they can be, even during tough times. Chester Bennington’s memory will always be important, but the band is more than just his loss. They still bring people together with their music and energy. Fans can’t wait for new songs and amazing shows. One thing is clear: their love for Linkin Park is strong, and the band’s journey is still going on.
