Linkin Park Reveals Controversial Emily Armstrong as New Co-Vocalist Along With a New Album and a 2024 World Tour
The band reunite with a new lineup after a seven year hiatus following the tragic death in 2017 of lead vocalist Chester Bennington, but have faced backlash over controversy surrounding Armstrong and her alleged links to Scientology and convicted rapist, former actor Danny Masterson
5 min readSep 6, 2024
Linkin Park fans were left in suspense last week after a cryptic 100 hour countdown posted on social media failed to reveal the band’s news but instead restarted the 100 hour count with Linkin Park Underground members being invited to an exclusive event on September 5.The hour-long global livestream performance event unveiled new band members performing alongside surviving members Mike Shinoda, 47, Joe Hahn, 47, Brad Delson, 46, and Dave Farrell, 47. The concert in Los Angeles featured performances of their new single “The Emptiness Machine” along with some of their popular hits “Somewhere I Belong”, “Numb”, “Faint”, “Bleed It Out”, “One Step Closer”, “What I've Done”, “Papercuts” and “In The End”.Rumours of the band reuniting with a female lead singer were fueled earlier this year in April after a comment made by the vocalist of alt-rock band Orgy, Jay Gordon in an interview with Empire.
On Thursday September 5, the exclusive event was scheduled for 3pm PST on Linkin Park’s YouTube channel.
Image credit: James Minchin III
“One Step Closer was the song for me, and I was just like, 'that’s what I want to do. As a singer, I want to be able to scream'.”Joining Armstrong in the reformed band is their new drummer, songwriter and producer Colin Brittain, 37, who has worked with acts like Papa Roach, G Flip, Illenium and One Okay Rock.The departure from the band of founding member drummer Rob Bourdon was addressed by Mike Shinoda:
“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’ re-release 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.”
Despite excitement for the band's reunion, reactions to the reformed band have been met with criticism amongst some Linkin Park fans and social media users who highlighted Armstrong’s alleged links to Scientology and convicted rapist Danny Masterson.One social media user wrote on X:
“Sick of seeing people excited about this new Linkin Park singer. Emily Armstrong is a known Scientologist and Danny Masterson supporter. Chester wouldn’t have wanted this, I know that.”The controversy surrounding the new Linkin Park singer is due to her apparent links to the Church of Scientology often deemed to be a “cult”. Emily amongst many other celebrities was pictured attending the Church of Scientology's 44th Anniversary Gala on August 24, 2013 in Los Angeles.More significantly is her alleged presence at “longtime friend”, rapist Danny Masterson’s trial and conviction in 2022, when That ‘70s Show actor and Scientologist was sentenced to 30 years imprisonment for two rapes occurring in 2001 and 2003.Cedric Bixler-Zavala, the Mars Volta co-founder slammed Linkin Park’s decision to hire Armstrong as his wife Chrissie Carnell Bixler, who was amongst the rape accusers of Masterson.He commented on Dead Sara’s Instagram in a since-deleted post alleging Armstrong supported Masterson:
“I’m surprised none of you wrote a letter on Danny Masterson’s behalf since your corny ass singer showed up to support him in the prelims. Remember Emily? Remember how your fellow Scientologist goon squad surrounded one of the Jane Doe’s when she was trying to leave the elevators? The court sheriffs had to escort her away from your awful cult.”Emily apparently stills follows Masterson and his ex-wife on Instagram.Neither Linkin Park nor Emily Armstrong have offered comments in response to the controversy.
The band released their new single “The Emptiness Machine” which according to Shinoda is said to “channel the DNA of Linkin Park”, in addition to the announcement of their new album “From Zero” out on November 15. The album is Linkin Park’s eight addition following “One More Light” in 2017 featuring the former lead vocalist Chester Bennington.Mike Shinoda commented in a statement about the new album and what lies ahead:
“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. 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.”
The band will take part in a six-date arena “From Zero” world tour with supporting act grandson, this month:
September:
11, Kia Forum – Los Angeles, CA
16, Barclays Center – New York, NY
22, Barclays Arena – Hamburg, Germany
24, The O2 – London, UK
28, INSPIRE Arena – Seoul, South Korea
November:
11, Coliseo Medplus – Bogota, Colombia
The “From Zero” tour pre-ticket sales will be available for the LP Underground fan club members on September 6.
On September 7 tickets go on general sale.
