by Mike Shinoda has addressed ongoing criticism from Chester Bennington fans regarding Linkin Park’s new singer Emily Armstrong. He made the statement on Radioacktiva Colombia.
The Linkin Park co-founder defended Armstrong while honoring the legacy of the band’s late vocalist. He emphasized that fans don’t need to choose between the two.
“Chester was an exceptional guy and singer, and Emily is an exceptional woman and singer, and what’s so nice is you can have both, right?” Shinoda said.
He continued to address the divisive nature of online discourse surrounding the band’s new direction.
“It’s an Internet thing to have to have choose one or the other. I don’t feel like you have to do that. So you get to have both,” he added.
The statement appears to be Shinoda’s final response to critics who have questioned Armstrong’s role as the band’s new vocalist.
Shinoda’s comments come as the band continues to navigate the transition following Bennington’s death and Armstrong’s introduction to the lineup.
Rare Form Audio reported that Emily Armstrong was announced as Linkin Park’s new lead vocalist in early September 2024. The band regrouped and confirmed their return with her as the frontwoman. The announcement was marked by a surprise live concert debut and the release of their new album From Zero scheduled for November 15, 2024.
The transition has presented challenges in fan reception. Armstrong is stepping into the position left by Chester Bennington, whose legacy remains deeply cherished by the band’s fanbase. Fans have expressed mixed reactions. Some critical voices focus on the high expectations set by Bennington’s iconic status and skepticism about Armstrong’s fit. Others have praised her energy and vocal talent.
LP Association noted that Mike Shinoda and the band have publicly supported Armstrong and welcomed the fresh energy she brings to Linkin Park. In live event commentary and interviews around the comeback shows, Shinoda and band members have acknowledged the difficulty of following Chester. They express a positive outlook on Armstrong’s contribution and encourage fans to embrace the transition.
The band’s decision to move forward with Armstrong represents a new chapter for Linkin Park. They balance honoring Bennington’s memory while forging ahead with their musical evolution. Shinoda’s latest statement reinforces the band’s commitment to this direction while attempting to ease tensions within the fanbase.
