Linkin Park fire back at claims new singer is trying to replace Chester Bennington

#linkinpark #mikeshinoda Linkin Park's recent return to the music scene has stirred mixed emotions, particularly with the introduction of Emily Armstrong as their new vocalist. The band, which had been on hiatus since the death of Chester Bennington in 2017, has faced backlash from some fans, many of whom feel Armstrong is attempting to replace the late frontman. This reaction intensified after details of Armstrong’s past support for actor Danny Masterson came to light, prompting her to publicly address the controversy. Despite the criticism, founding member Mike Shinoda has defended the band's new direction, emphasizing that this new era is not about rewriting Linkin Park’s legacy but about evolving and moving forward. He explained that Armstrong had been collaborating with the band since 2019, and that the decision to move forward with her as a vocalist emerged naturally from their creative process. Shinoda also pointed out that this new chapter represents a fresh start for the band, which has also seen lineup changes, with original drummer Rob Bourdon stepping down and guitarist Brad Delson pulling back from touring, though he remains involved in their studio work. The emotional weight of Bennington's absence remains a key element in Linkin Park's live performances, with tributes to the late singer included in their shows. During their live-streamed launch concert, Shinoda encouraged the audience to help fill Bennington's role by singing along, offering a heartfelt nod to the void left by his passing. While Bennington’s widow has expressed her support for the band's new direction, his mother, Susan Eubanks, has voiced her dissatisfaction with the reunion. She revealed that she felt "betrayed" by the band’s decision to move forward without informing her beforehand, a claim that the band has not publicly addressed. Despite these challenges, Linkin Park continues to receive positive feedback from many fans, particularly regarding their live shows, as the band forges ahead with its new lineup and music.