Linkin Park address backlash to new lead singer Emily Armstrong

Linkin Park is well aware that their new era has divided their fans base – and they do not retreat.

Last year, the rock group whose main singer Chester Bennington died by suicide in 2017, made his return, presenting Emily Armstrong, Dead Sara, to their alignment while announcing plans for a new album. The news encountered joy and indignation, most of which have targeted Armstrong. And Mike Shinoda by Linkin Park has a good idea of why.

“There were people who were unleashed in Emily, and it was really because she was not a guy,” said Shinoda recently The guardian. He said fans were “accustomed to Linkin Park being six guys” with “The Voice of A Guy leading this song”.

He continued: “They were so uncomfortable with what it was that they chose a ton of things to complain. They point to 10 different directions saying:” This is why I am crazy, that’s why the group is zero. “”

The response to Armstrong varied indeed. While some celebrated Linkin Park’s return, others were not satisfied with the addition. Bennington’s mother said that she felt “betrayed” by Shinoda’s decision to reform the group without consulting her, while Bennington’s son stressed Armstrong’s ties with the Church of Scientology.

Armstrong now admits that she was not ready for such a strong reaction.

“I was a little naive about this, to be honest,” she said, adding that even before joining the group, she avoided social media “for mental health”.

Now, she stays entirely away: “If there was something really, really pressing, I think our PR tells us about it. But I am old enough to know the difference between real life and internet.”

Armstrong’s link with Scientology was also a point of discord for fans on social networks who criticized the singer for having attended an audience in support of Danny Masterson, an actor and scientologist who was finally found guilty of rape.

At the time, Armstrong recognized the situation in a statement that did not mention Masterson by name.

“Several years ago, I was asked to support someone whom I considered a friend during an appearance in court and I made an early audience as an observer,” she wrote. “Shortly after, I realized that I shouldn’t have. I always try to see the good among people, and I have missed it badly. I have never told him about it since. Unimaginable details have emerged, and he was then found guilty.”

She added: “To put it as clearly as possible: I do not tolerate abuse or violence against women, and I sympathize with the victims of these crimes.”

In 2020, Masterson was accused of having violated three women in separate incidents between 2001 and 2003. This 70s show The actor had a set of his procedures ending with a trial in 2022 before being sentenced for two out of three rape leaders during a new trial in May 2023.

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Linkin Park is currently on tour in the world in support of their 2024 album, Zero. Shinoda told the point of sale that “very good vibrations” have become the goal of their new shows: “I want you to move away,” it was a wonderful, special and fun evening. “”

In the interest of keeping things light, some songs were nixed from the setlist, including “One More Light”, the title of the group’s last album with Bennington.

“It’s just too sad to play,” said Shinoda.