Linkin Park Returns
Linkin Park is a well-known rock band that started in 1996. Sadly, in 2017, the band went on an indefinite hiatus after the death of their lead singer, Chester Bennington. Fans never knew when the band would come back, and were left with the memories of the band and their songs. On August 24th, fans’ dreams came to light as the band posted a 100-hour countdown on all their social media platforms. What was it for?
The Countdowns
When the first 100-hour countdown started, many fans were thrilled about the mysterious timer. No one knew what it was for, and because of that, theories began to flourish. Fans created multiple theories as to what the countdown was for. “Please announce a new vocalist and tour.” Instagram user Milena Chaves, one of many fans theorizing about the announcement, wrote. However, many fans were also hoping that wasn’t the case.
While the thought of a new singer sounded great to most, there were also some fans believing that a new singer could ruin the band. My mother and 20+ year-long fan, Monica Mendez was one of those fans hoping there wouldn’t be a new lead singer. “His voice is irreplaceable,” Mendez said. “They would have been better off making a new band.” Of course, it is well-known that many bands in the past have had struggles with their fans accepting new lead singers, or any member for that matter, but after some time, fans learn to embrace this new chapter.
Many theories fans made were rather small. Some believed that they would create another remaster of an old song, some worried that they would use AI to replicate Benningtons voice, and others believed it would be a new song. However, fans were left even more confused once the countdown hit zero. To everyone’s surprise, it began counting up. Fans were left with even bigger excitement and annoyance. Many began to believe that they would go on tour with a new lead vocalist, while some felt the band was pranking them. “I’ve given up on this countdown,” Instagram User Grem commented.
Meanwhile, many fans who are members of Linkin Park Underground, a site where fans can connect directly with Linkin Park, were emailed an invitation to an event with an undisclosed location in Los Angeles. They were also told to sign a waiver agreeing not to spread the area’s location to fans that are not going. With this information, fans were certain that a new lead singer would be announced. The only question left was who.
Who could the new singer be?
When the event was announced, fans began to narrow down who the potential vocalist could be. The singers were narrowed down to Deryck Whibley, Vocalist for Sum 41 who claimed to have an announcement close to when the countdown is believed to end; Noah Sebastian, vocalist in Bad Omens who also teased an announcement around the same time; Bonnie Fraser, vocalist for Stand Atlantic that was one of many women mentioned by Jay Gordon to have potentially been working with Linkin Park; Tyler Joseph, vocalist for Twenty One Pilots, a band that Bennington was reportedly a fan of; Oli Sykes, vocalist for Bring Me the Horizon and a friend of Benningtons that sang “Crawling” during the Bennington Tribute Concert; Emily Armstrong, vocalist for Dead Sara who posted a recording studio similar to one that Mike Shinoda shared on his page; and many more talented vocalists.
Some fans also believed that Mike Shinoda, the rapper for Linkin Park, would become the lead vocalist. This theory came from the end of the 2nd countdown, or count-up. When the countdown reached 91 minutes, an image appeared on the screen. It was of purple, blue, and pink blobs moving around the screen, seemingly making a shape. Fans pointed out how it looks like Mike Shinoda splitting into two. This led many to believe that he could potentially become the lead singer and rapper.
However, all ideas were just theories. Only Linkin Park and the mysterious new lead knew who and/or what was being announced. Finally, September 5th came, and everyone excitedly went to watch the livestream.
The Announcement
On September 5th, at 5 pm CT, Linkin Park’s YouTube premiere finally played. The video displayed a dark room occasionally lit by a light beam that would spread out once it hit the ceiling. Once the area was finally lit up, Linkin Park appeared, singing a new song as the new lead vocalist was revealed. But who was it?
The new lead vocalist of Linkin Park was revealed to be Emily Armstrong. She appeared on stage a couple of seconds into the first song, leaving the crowd excited and cheering for her. Linkin Park also announced a world tour and a new album at the end of their performance. The live crowd was ecstatic about the latest comeback, but the YouTube comments were not as happy. Not only were they disappointed in the new singer, but they also noticed something, or someone, was missing.
Rob Bourdon and Brad Delson were not there, leaving Mike Shinoda, Joe Hahn, and Dave Farrel as the only original members performing. Fans were left upset and confused at their disappearance, some even saying that without them, the band wouldn’t be Linkin Park anymore.
Many fans disliked the way Armstrong sang compared to Bennington, saying that she lacked the emotion in it. “She was performing, not singing with her guts and soul as Chester would do because every word mattered to him,” YouTube commentator, Matthea claimed. “Linkin Park was famous because Chester really meant what he was singing.” Many fans supporting Armstrong claimed that Linkin Park wasn’t trying to make her sound like Bennington or replace him, but it’s not necessarily how she sounds, it’s more about the emotion being felt through the song.
Many fans weren’t able to feel the meaning of the song through her, some even feeling like she was just doing karaoke. “Her singing felt soulless,” Mendez claimed. “But she also hasn’t gone through the pain that Chester did, so she can’t really relate to the songs that he wrote.” while we don’t fully know about Armstrong’s past, and she isn’t required to tell us, it is hard to relate to something you haven’t experienced or other peoples personal story. Unfortunately for Armstrong, many people immediately began to search through her past and found things they considered disrespectful to the band and Bennington himself.
The Accusations
Danny Masteron and Scientology: It started with one comment on Dead Sara’s Instagram account. A man named Cedric Bixler-Zavala, an American musician posted a heated comment targeted towards Armstrong and the bands she’s involved in. He commented, “I’m surprised none of you wrote a letter on Danny Masterson’s behalf since your corny a** singer showed up to support him in the prelims.” For those who are unaware, Danny Masterson was accused of a serious form of assault against 3 Jane Doe’s, one of which being Bixler-Zavala’s wife. He also claimed that Armstrong and her “fellow Scientologist goon squad surrounded one of the Jane Doe’s when she was trying to leave the elevators.” This claimed that Armstrong not only supported Danny Masterson but also actively attempted to pressure the victims to draw back their accusations. Bixler-Zavala also claimed that she was born into Scientology. Many people began to look deeper into Armstrong’s life and found pictures of her celebrating the 44th anniversary of Scientology.
People started to criticize Armstrong until she decided to respond on her account the same day. Emily posted on her Instagram story claiming that “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 to 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.” The response was well executed, the only problem was that she didn’t acknowledge who it was. Unfortunately, many people still criticized Armstrong in hopes of a response to the Scientology allegations.
Scientology is recognized as a religion in the US but is still a very controversial topic. They have allegedly attempted to assassinate and frame people who are against Scientology. Scientology is known for the mistreatment of its believers and opposition to Psychiatry. They are also known for allegedly homophobic beliefs, which directly go against Armstrong’s belief as she is queer.
As of right now, Armstrong’s stance on Scientology is unknown, and it will likely stay that way. She doesn’t necessarily owe anyone a response on her beliefs, but considering the amount of negativity surrounding the religion; it would be best for her to speak out about it in some way or another.
Chester Bennington’s Family: Among the people criticizing the band revival, Benningtons family were the most important. Chester Benningtons son, Jaime Bennington, was the first of his family to come out against them. He claimed that Mike Shinoda had “quietly erased my father’s life and legacy in real time…” This was regarding the Scientology accusation against Armstrong. One of Scientology’s many controversies is its lack of acknowledgment of mental health, something that Chester Bennington struggled with before his untimely passing.
Jaime Bennington also criticized Linkin Park’s silence about said criticisms from their fanbase. He especially points out the fact that many of Linkin Park’s fans have suffered similar experiences as Chester Bennington. Mike Shinoda made a response on a discord conversation, claiming that the concerns are understandable, but to stay respectful with them.
Soon after, Chester Bennington’s mother, Susan Eubanks, came out against Linkin Park as well. However, her criticism was more towards Mike Shinoda. Eubanks claimed that the band’s revival was rather hurtful and claimed that the family was left in the unknown by the band about the return, despite their promises of keeping them informed. “Samantha[Benningtons wife] and Draven[son] didn’t know until it was told to the world,” Eubanks claims. “It was the same for me and it hurts.” Eubanks continued by going back to when Bennington was alive, claiming that he told her that the band was trying to replace him and the treatment he received there.“He said Mike told him at rehearsal that, ‘if you decide you’re leaving, we’re going to replace you with a girl.’ and Chester was dumbfounded and hurt.” she claimed.
She mentioned Mike Shinoda’s ideas for the band, claiming that he believed the band would “be better with a girl.” Eubanks also felt as though this furthered the disrespect once Armstrong was added to the band. She also clarified that had Mike Shinoda decided to become the lead singer himself, she would have been more fine with the band’s comeback. “I would have been OK with that,” Eubanks explained “But I’m not OK with this, to have someone replace him and try to do what he did…” Eubanks also criticized Armstrong’s singing, claiming she was “screeching her way through a very high note.” and that she was poorly attempting to imitate Bennington.
Overall, most criticism from Benningtons family is targeted toward Mike Shinoda over his lack of acknowledgement. As for the fans, they believe Linkin Park should either become a new band entirely, or get rid of Armstrong and have Mike Shinoda as the lead singer. Of course, it is likely that they won’t change since their comeback has been in the works since 2019 according to Mike Shinoda. He also seems to be rather impressed with Armstrong’s singing, claiming that when he heard the song Weatherman by Dead Sara, he knew that he wanted her to be a part of the band.
The future of Linkin Park is currently unknown. But for right now, Linkin Park and its members are enthusiastic about their return, and will likely not respond to their criticism. What we do know, however, is that Linkin Park’s image will likely never go back to the way it was, but “in the end, it doesn’t even matter” because they will likely continue with a strong fanbase and support.
