Margaret Chrystall
Updated on: October 8, 2024 1:40 pm GMT
US rock band Linkin Park has announced that Emily Armstrong will join them as their new lead singer for their upcoming album and world tour. This comes in the wake of the death of their previous frontman, Chester Bennington, in 2017. Armstrong will team up with Mike Shinoda, Brad Delson, Phoenix, and Joe Hahn, alongside new drummer Colin Brittain. The announcement coincides with the launch of their forthcoming album, “From Zero,” and a new worldwide tour, which kicks off soon.
New Lineup and Upcoming Projects
Emily Armstrong, best known as the lead singer of the alt-rock band Dead Sara, has recently declared her excitement about joining Linkin Park. The singer co-founded Dead Sara in 2005 and has often cited Linkin Park’s 2000 album, “Hybrid Theory,” as a significant influence on her musical career. In an interview with Billboard, Armstrong reminisced about how the band inspired her aspirations to scream and express herself as a vocalist. “That album was everything – I’ve listened to it a trillion times,” she stated, highlighting the deep connection she has with Linkin Park’s music.
Joining Linkin Park marks a pivotal moment not only for Armstrong but also for the band itself, as it prepares to perform live for the first time since Bennington’s untimely death. The new drummer, Brittain, replaces Rob Bourdon, who expressed a desire to step back from the band’s activities. “Rob had said to us at a point…that he wanted to put some distance between himself and the band,” said Shinoda, acknowledging Bourdon’s transition while wishing him well.
- New Members: Emily Armstrong (vocals), Colin Brittain (drums)
- Returning Members: Mike Shinoda, Brad Delson, Phoenix, Joe Hahn
- Upcoming Tour Locations: Los Angeles, New York, Hamburg, Seoul, London, Bogotá
Musical Influence and Impact
Linkin Park has solidified its place as a dominant force in the modern music landscape, being the only band featured in Spotify’s top 10 most-streamed albums of all time. Their greatest hits collection, “Papercuts,” continues to achieve remarkable streaming numbers, with over 9 million streams per day. This level of success underscores the band’s significant legacy, as they seek to continue evolving while staying connected to their roots.
Emotional Response and Controversy
The announcement of Armstrong joining the band has not been without controversy. Following her appointment, she faced backlash related to her past association with actor Danny Masterson, who was recently convicted of sexual assault. In a social media post, Armstrong responded to the allegations by clarifying her position regarding Masterson. She acknowledged attending a hearing out of friendship but stated that she misjudged him and does not condone his actions. “To say it as clearly as possible: I do not condone abuse or violence against women,” she wrote, expressing empathy toward victims.
The criticism also stems from Armstrong’s alleged ties to the Church of Scientology. Cedric Bixler-Zavala, lead vocalist of The Mars Volta, publicly rebuked her involvement in supporting Masterson and raised concerns about her affiliation with Scientology. In a series of posts, he alluded to past events that he deemed troubling, including alleged harassment experiences related to the church.
Community Reaction
The reaction from the community has been mixed, as Linkin Park fans express concern over Armstrong’s associations. Many members of the fanbase have pointed out the troubling implications of linking Scientology’s controversial stances with mental health issues—topics that resonate deeply with the band’s history, especially following Bennington’s death, which was tied to his struggles with mental health.
As discussions continue, fans and industry insiders alike remain attentive to further developments regarding Armstrong, the band’s new music, and their upcoming performances. With the prospect of new material and the return to live music, there is an undercurrent of hope and anticipation replacing uncertainty about the band’s future.
Future Performances and New Music
Scheduled events will allow fans to experience Linkin Park’s new direction. The band is preparing to release their first new single, “The Emptiness Machine,” which promises to signal a new era for the group. This single will follow their hour-long concert streamed across social platforms, serving as the official announcement of the new lineup. The tour marks a significant milestone, providing an opportunity for reflection and celebration of the band’s formidable legacy.
The band is getting ready to make a big comeback! They are dealing with a mix of feelings, like sadness and hope for new starts. In the next few months, we will see how Linkin Park changes and grows. Armstrong is stepping up to help lead the way, and people are both excited and curious about what will happen next.
