Linkin Park's Mike Shinoda Says Band's 'New Chapter' with Singer Emily Armstrong Is 'Not About Erasing the Past'

Mar. 15, 2025

Mike Shinoda and Emily Armstrong of Linkin Park performing at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles on Sept. 10.Photo:Jesse Grant/Variety via Getty (2)

Jesse Grant/Variety via Getty (2)

Linkin Parkis back in action.

“It is not about erasing the past,” he added. “It is about starting this new chapter into the future and coming out here for each and every one of you.”

“We love playing for you guys, we love writing this music – we’re very f—ing excited about the new record. So thank you guys very much – we’ve had an incredible night with you. Hopefully we’ll see you soon,” concluded Shinoda.

Linkin Park — now featuring a lineup of Shinoda, Armstrong, Brad Delson, Joe Hahn, Dave Farrell and Colin Brittain — played a set filled with hits as well as tracks from the upcoming album,From Zero, out Nov. 15.

Linkin Park.James Minchin III

James Minchin III

The band announced its return and the additions of Armstrong and Brittain on Sept. 5. According to a press release, Shinoda, Delson, Farrell and Hahn began spending time together again over the past few years.

Shinoda said Linkin Park feels “really empowered with this new lineup,” adding, “We’re weaving together the sonic touchpoints we’ve been known for and still exploring new ones.”

Chester Bennington and son Jamie in May 2013.Jerod Harris/WireImage

Jerod Harris/WireImage

Days after the announcement, Bennington’s son Jamieexpressed disapprovalover the band’s decision to hire Armstrong in a series of since-expired Instagram Story posts.

Jamie called out Armstrong’s ties to the Church of Scientology and her support ofDanny Masterson, who was convicted of two counts of rape and sentenced to 30 years to life in prison in 2023, according toVariety.

Mike Shinoda, Chester Bennington, Rob Bourdon and Dave Farrell of Linkin Park in May 2017.Scott Dudelson/WireImage

Scott Dudelson/WireImage

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Additionally, he claimed Linkin Park “failed to address the concerns of their diverse fan base” and “betrayed the trust” of fans who “trusted you to be the bigger better person. To be the change. Because you promised us that was your intention.”

Jamie called the band “tone deaf” and said Shinoda “quietly erased my father’s life and legacy in real time… during international suicide prevention month.”

source: people.com