Linkin Park Return with New Music, Line-up, and Tour Dates

UPDATE: Since this story was posted on September 5th, 2024, there have been changes to the article. These changes include Emily Armstrong’s alleged ties to the Church of Scientology and her past support of convicted rapist and actor Danny Masterson. In separate news, guitarist Brad Delson won’t be touring with the band. It has also been explained why founding drummer Rob Bourdon hasn’t rejoined the band.

After days of speculation, Linkin Park has announced they are returning. With a line-up consisting of original members Mike Shinoda, Brad Delson, Dave “Phoenix” Farrell, and Joe Hahn, they are joined by new members Emily Armstrong [of Dead Sara] as co-vocalist and Colin Brittain [songwriter/producer for G Flip, Illenium, One OK Rock] on drummer. However, guitarist Brad Delson won’t be joining the band in a live capacity.

In a press release, the band explained Armstong and Brittain were two of various friends who joined Shinoda, Delson, Hahn, and Farrell in the studio. It was here that they realised there was a natural chemistry between the original members and Emily and Colin.

They will be releasing a new album, the band’s first in seven years, ‘FROM ZERO’ on November 15th via Warner Records. Fans can hear the first single, ‘The Emptiness Machine’, below.

“Before LINKIN PARK, our first band name was Xero. This album title refers to both this humble beginning and the journey we’re currently undertaking. Sonically and emotionally, it is about past, present, and future—embracing our signature sound, but new and full of life,” explains Mike Shinoda. “It was made with a deep appreciation for our new and longtime bandmates, our friends, our family, and our fans. We are proud of what LINKIN PARK has become over the years, and excited about the journey ahead.”

Linkin Park will make their return to the UK later this month with a one-off show at The O2 Arena in London on September 24th. They will also be playing shows in Los Angeles, New York, Hamburg, and Seoul this month before heading to Bogota, Colombia in November.

Their return comes seven years after the band came to an end due to the sudden death of vocalist Chester Bennington.

New Linkin Park Singer Emily Armstrong Criticised Over Alleged Scientology Links and Support for Convicted Rapist

Just hours after being revealed as the new vocalist for Linkin Park, Emily Armstrong was on the receiving end of criticism due to alleged links to the Church of Scientology and for previously supporting convicted rapist and actor Danny Masterson.

Past allegations made by Cedric Bixler-Zavala (from The Mars Volta and At The Drive-In) resurfaced online. Last year, Cedric commented on an Instagram post on Dead Sara‘s (Armstrong’s former band) questioning why Emily apparently supported Danny Masterson while he was on trial for three counts of rape. Bixler-Zavala accused Armstrong and her “fellow Scientologist goon squad” of threatening one of the women accusing Masterson.

Furthermore, a 2020 news report on Materson’s trial cited Emily Armstrong as a fellow Scientologist who attended a hearing with Materson.

In 2022, Bixler-Zavala’s wife, Chrissie Carnell Bixler, testified against Masterson of raping her while they were in a relationship. However, the jury was split on the charge relating to her allegations, despite eight of twelve members in favouring a guilty outcome. Chrissie Carnell Bixler had previously filed a lawsuit against the ‘That 70’s Show’ actor in 2019. Both Cedric Bixler-Zavala and Chrissie Carnell Bixler are former members of the Church of Scientology. A 2013 image of Cedric and Armstrong at a Scientology event has also resurfaced.

In light of this news, Emily Armstrong shared on Instagram. In the Story Post, she admitted to supporting Masterson but says she “misjudged him”.

Armstrong’s full statement reads:

“Hi, I’m Emily

I’m new to so many of you, and I wanted to clear the air about something that happened a while back.

“Several years ago, I was asked to support someone I considered a friend at a court appearance, and went to one early hearing as an observer. Soon after, I realized I shouldn’t have. I always try to see the good in people, and I misjudged him. I have never spoken with him since.

“Unimaginable details emerged and he was later found guilty. 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.”

Since this statement, Cedric Bixler-Zavala shared a meme on Instagram telling followers “I fucking told you.”

Danny Masterson was convicted in September 2023 to 30 years to life in prison. He was convicted on two of three forcible rape charges.

Why isn’t Rob Bourdon in Linkin Park any more?

While fans have welcomed the news of Linkin Park‘s return, some are questioning the absence of founding drummer Rob Bourdon.

In an interview with Billboard, Mike Shinoda explained Bourdon “wanted to put some distance between himself and the band”. When asked about Bourdon’s absence, Shinoda stated:

“Rob had said to us at a point, I guess it was a few years ago now, that he wanted to put some distance between himself and the band. And we understood that — it was already apparent. He was starting to just show up less, be in less contact, and I know the fans noticed it too. The Hybrid Theory rerelease and Papercuts release, he didn’t show up for anything. So for me, as a friend, that was sad, but at the same time, I want him to do whatever makes him happy, and obviously everybody wishes him the best.”

Why Brad Delson won’t be Touring with Linkin Park

Since the announcement of Linkin Park‘s return, guitarist Brad Delson has confirmed he won’t be touring with the band, and will only be appearing on recordings.

Delson took to Instagram to tell fans he won’t be joining Linkin Park on any live dates for the foreseeable future. Alex Feder, who filled in for Brad on Thursday night’s live stream, will serve as the band’s touring guitarist.

Delson’s full statement reads:

“Bringing our vision to life is the culmination of many twists and turns, as we continue our unique journey together as a band. We couldn’t do it without a belief in what is possible, even when things seem impossible; without the ability to listen, particularly when emotions run deep; and without the support and love of everyone around us. Thank you thank you thank you.

In awe of @emilyarmstrong and @colinbrittain for their talent, passion, and partnership. Deep gratitude to all my bandmates for their humility, hard work, and friendship.

I’ve always felt deeply connected to and proud of our live performances. Over the years I’ve realized I thrive most when I’m actively working with my bandmates behind the scenes––in the studio, collaborating on our new music, and helping build our live show.

I am so proud of everything we continue to create together. While I will not be performing on tour in this new chapter, I am super excited to introduce Alex—my handsome deputy on the road. Alex is a world-class musician, a kind and thoughtful friend, and we are truly fortunate he’ll be contributing his unique talent to our LP universe.

Fresh eyes, honest appreciation, and devoted teamwork have brought us to this special moment. The privilege of sharing our creativity with you. Thank you for joining us on the journey.