Joshua Rivera
Updated on: October 8, 2024 1:35 pm GMT
Linkin Park Welcomes New Singer Emily Armstrong Ahead of Upcoming Album and Tour
US rock band Linkin Park has officially announced that Emily Armstrong, the former lead singer of the alt-rock band Dead Sara, will join them as their new vocalist for their forthcoming album and world tour. The announcement comes as the band prepares to launch their new album, From Zero, and marks their first new music since the passing of former lead vocalist Chester Bennington in 2017.
Emily Armstrong Joins the Band
Emily Armstrong, who co-founded Dead Sara in 2005, will share vocal duties with Linkin Park’s Mike Shinoda. She has expressed her excitement about joining the iconic band, sharing how their music influenced her career. “Linkin Park’s Hybrid Theory was everything for me. I listened to it a trillion times,” Armstrong reflected in a recent interview with Billboard.
Shinoda noted that this collaboration aims to bring a fresh dynamic to the band while honoring the legacy of Bennington. “We want to keep pushing ourselves and keep evolving,” he said in a press release accompanying the announcement.
Joining Armstrong and Shinoda will be bassist Brad Delson, guitarist Joe Hahn, and bassist Phoenix, while Colin Brittain takes over as the new drummer, replacing long-time member Rob Bourdon, who stepped back from his role in the band a few years ago.
New Album and Tour Plans
The upcoming album, From Zero, will be preceded by a single titled “The Emptiness Machine,” which showcases the band’s new sound. The first performance of the new lineup was broadcast across Linkin Park’s social media platforms, highlighting their readiness to embark on this new chapter.
The forthcoming world tour is set to kick off with shows across major cities including Los Angeles, New York, Hamburg, Seoul, London, and Bogotá later this year. This tour will mark the band’s first live performances since the tragic loss of Bennington, who died at the age of 41.
Legacy and Succession
Linkin Park is not the only band to replace a lead singer following the death of a frontman. Other notable examples include Alice in Chains and Queen, which have both successfully continued their musical legacies with new vocalists. The band’s bold decision to initially expand its membership reflects a broader trend in the music industry where groups strive to adapt and evolve in the face of personal loss.
Controversy Surrounding Emily Armstrong
Despite the excitement surrounding her new role, Armstrong has faced backlash regarding her past associations. Following the announcement, criticism surfaced on social media stemming from her alleged ties to actor Danny Masterson, who was recently convicted of sexual assault. Cedric Bixler-Zavala, the vocalist for The Mars Volta, publicly called out Armstrong on social media, accusing her of supporting Masterson during his preliminary court appearances.
In response to the situation, Armstrong took to her Instagram story to clarify her past actions. “I went to court as an observer for someone I considered a friend,” she wrote. “I realize now I shouldn’t have. I empathize with the victims of these crimes.” She also stated unequivocally, “I do not condone abuse or violence against women.” However, Armstrong has not addressed the claims linking her to the Church of Scientology, where both she and Masterson have ties.
Criticism from the Community
The allegations against Armstrong have sparked conversations within Linkin Park’s fanbase about her relationship with Scientology and its controversial beliefs regarding mental health. Given that themes of mental health feature heavily in Linkin Park’s music, many fans have expressed concern that her associations could clash with the band’s legacy and message.
Cedric Bixler-Zavala, who has previously been vocal against the Church of Scientology, emphasized his discontent with Armstrong’s connections. He noted the severity of the situation, especially concerning the historical treatment of victims within the church structure.
While many Linkin Park fans are eager to see how Armstrong will contribute to their new sound, the tension surrounding her past may influence public perception as the band embraces this fresh start.
Next Steps for Linkin Park and Armstrong
As Linkin Park embarks on its newest chapter, the focus will likely center around how they adapt their music and public persona in light of past tragedies and new controversies. With their world tour and the upcoming album on the horizon, the band aims to reconnect with a devoted fanbase while navigating the complexities of their new lineup.
Further details concerning the album’s release and the upcoming tour dates are expected to follow, providing clarity on how they plan to journey forward as a band.
Linkin Park and Armstrong are working hard to mix their music dreams with their personal stories. This will surely be a big topic of conversation as they get ready to return to the stage.
