Ever since announcing their arrival during a live concert on Thursday, September 5, Linkin Park has been in the press nonstop. The band surprised fans by revealing their new track, “The Emptiness Machine,” and their intentions for a global tour. This tour marks their return after a seven-year-long break, which began following the tragic death of the band’s lead lead singer Chester Bennington in 2017.
Additionally, Emily Armstrong from Dead Sara was unveiled as the group’s new lead vocalist. The band also revealed that well-known musician, Colin Brittain will also be joining them on drums in their new journey.
Linkin Park’s reunion has already sparked criticism, just shortly after the news made headlines. Emily Armstrong, their recently formed bandmate, has come under fire for her alleged ties with the Church of Scientology and her previous support of convicted rapist Danny Masterson.
Armstrong immediately responded on social media, clarifying that her support for Masterson stemmed from attending a court appearance “before she knew the full nature of the allegations” against him.
She added: “To say it as clearly as possible: I do not condone abuse or violence against women, and I empathize with the victims of these crimes.”
In the midst of all of this, Linkin Park is once again in the headlines as one of Linkin Park’s original members has unexpectedly dropped out from the band’s eagerly awaited reunion tour only days after confirming it.
Guitarist Brad Delson took to Instagram to confirm that he would not be joining Linkin Park on tour. His statement reads:
“I am really thrilled to announce this new chapter with the world. Bringing our vision to life is the culmination of several twists and turns, as we continue our special journey together.”
Delson emphasized that his choice to rule out the tour had nothing to do with the controversy surrounding the band’s new singer, Emily Armstrong.
Instead, he expressed that he prefers working behind the scenes:
“Over the years I’ve come to realize that I thrive most when I’m passionately working with my bandmates behind the scenes – in the studio, working together on our new music, and building our live show. While I will not be joining my bandmates in this new chapter, I am super excited to introduce Alex – my handsome deputy on the road.”
Delson went on to praise Alex as a “world-class musician” and close friend, adding that the band was lucky to have him on board for the tour.
Despite Delson’s departure, fans are eagerly awaiting the band’s return. Despite this, some of the fans have voiced their confusion, with some even proposing that Linkin Park should consider changing its name in the absence of Delson and Bennington from the lineup.
