Linkin Park reveal new frontwoman seven years after Chester Bennington’s death

Fans are divided over Linkin Park’s decision to draft in a new female singer, seven years after the death of frontman Chester Bennington.

Linkin Park have announced they are reuniting seven years after the death of beloved member Chester Bennington - but not all their fans are thrilled with the news.

The American rock band revealed on Friday that the group was back together with a new line-up and new music – their first release since they tragically lost their frontman in 2017.

The band’s line-up will include original members Mike Shinoda, Brad Delson, Dave “Phoenix” Farrell and Joe Hahn, with Emily Armstrong joining as co-vocalist and Colin Brittain stepping in as drummer.

Linkin Park reunite after seven years with new singer Emily Armstrong and drummer Colin Brittain. Picture: James Minchin III

Armstrong is already known for her vocals with LA rock band Dead Sara, while Brittain is a renowned songwriter and producer who has worked with the likes of Aussie musician G Flip.

But the band’s new appointment has already proven controversial, as they shared footage from Armstrong’s first gig as singer on social media.

One clip, showing Armstrong belting out the Linkin Park classic Numb, has attracted hundreds of comments debating her talents, some going as far as to call the new line-up “horrible.”

Numb. pic.twitter.com/DRHNJjjta4

— LINKIN PARK (@linkinpark) September 5, 2024

“Linkin Park has become a cover band for Linkin Park,” one fan complained.

“She sings fine. But this isn’t Linkin Park. Sorry guys,” wrote another.

“Sorry but this sounds like a bad attempt at a cover song,” was another complained.

Others were more supportive, offering Armstrong their support: “You’re standing on the shoulders of giants, Emily. Good luck out there. Make Chester proud,” wrote one fan.

“Goosebumps. She is good. But man I miss Chester,” another tweeted.

In a series of photos and videos posted to Instagram, the band announced their first single The Emptiness Machine while also revealing their new album titled From Zero will drop on November 15.

The original band from left to right: Chester Bennington, Joe Hahn, Mike Shinoda, Rob Bourdon, Brad Delson and Dave “Phoenix” Farrell.

The group will also embark on a six-date From Zero World Tour, kicking off in Los Angeles on September 11, before hitting New York, London, Germany, South Korea and Colombia.

The album will be their first since One More Light, which they released in May 2017, two months before Bennington’s death on July 20.

Chester Bennington died on July 20, 2017 after taking his own life. Picture: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

He died one week before the band were due to go on tour in 2017. Picture: Rich Fury/Getty Images

At the time, the band were about to embark on an extensive North American tour with Blink 182, with the first concerts scheduled for July 27 that year.

Bennington was found dead inside his home one week before the tour was due to start, reportedly taking his own life. Needless to say, the tour was cancelled.

“Dear Chester, our hearts are broken,” the band wrote on its website after Bennington’s death aged 41.

“The shockwaves of grief and denial are still sweeping through our family as we come to grips with what has happened. You touched so many lives, maybe even more than you realised.”

“Our love for making and performing music is inextinguishable,” the statement continued.

While we don’t know what path our future may take, we know that each of our lives was made better by you. Thank you for that gift. We love you, and miss you so much. Until we see you again.”

Originally published as Linkin Park reveal new frontwoman seven years after Chester Bennington’s death