Earlier this month Linkin Park announced a reunion tour and a new lead singer. Emily Armstrong has joined the band for the “From Zero” tour and a new album by the same name, stepping into the role previously held by the late Chester Bennington. Bennington died in 2017 by suicide.
Reactions were swift, with Susan Eubanks, Bennington’s mother, saying she felt betrayed in part because of the way the news was rolled out.
Speaking to Rolling Stone, Eubanks said, “I feel betrayed. They told me if they were ever going to do something, they would let me know. They didn’t let me know, and they probably knew that I (wasn’t) going to be very happy. I’m very upset about it.”
Eubanks continued, “When I go to Google to look for something, the first thing that often pops up is Linkin Park. And I saw that whole thing of, ‘We have an announcement.’ That whole week, they were at the top if you go enter anything into Google.”
Reaction from radio programmers was more positive.
Vince Richards Audacy, VP of Rock Programming, told Barrett Media, “Linkin Park is a staple for the Active Rock format. As the band has evolved into its current state, the excitement and curiosity are at a very high level.”
“As Linkin Park releases new music and tour dates, fans will have the opportunity to decide for themselves whether or not the new evolution of the band sticks like it did when Chester was the lead singer. I think you have to give them credit for pushing on, respecting Chester’s past, and forging forward with Emily as lead singer. The band is too important to the format, fans, and music industry.
Ryan McCredden, OM at Townsquare Media and I Rock 93.5 Brand Manager Quad Cities IA/IL said, “I’m a fan of the new song. I think it sounds like Linkin Park, but it sounds new. We all wish Chester was still here, but he’s not, and the rest of the band wanted to continue making music, so I’m here for it.
Talent had mostly positive views as well.
Carlota, midday host at Beasley’s X-Treme Radio 107.5 Las Vegas, added, “I think it’s great. Emily is a strong addition and clearly not a Chester replacement. This signals a new chapter for the band. And if “Emptiness Machine” is any indication, I’m going to enjoy the next chapter.
Paul Marshall of Audacy’s 93.3 The Planet Greenville, SC shared on Facebook: “It’s odd that Chester Bennington’s family feels like they’re somehow owed something from Linkin Park. I’m completely sympathetic to the pain they may feel and memories that may be conjured by this new version of the band, but…His son feels like they owe him tickets and some kind of consultant-level connection with regard to the future of the band. Same with his mother. Like a band is any different than any other business that survives a personnel change.
Does GM owe the family of any employee that passes, beyond what’s contractually provided for via insurance or AD&D?
Is Pizza Hut supposed to shut down if their CEO passes? Do they owe his estate free pizza forever?Yes, the death of a band member is a personal tragedy for all involved. That said, no band owes the family or any next-of-kin anything beyond what was provided for in their corporate business agreement. The surviving members have every right to continue. They built that business as well. With that in mind, the band existed *before* Bennington’s involvement. Does Mark Wakefield get to demand input in the direction of the band?
Watching this infighting tarnishes the legacy for sure. Just odd to watch.”
Megan Holiday of KROQ in Los Angeles attended the band’s recent show in Southern California, remarking “don’t even try to tell me Emily Armstrong ain’t the shit! These are some of the hardest songs to sing/scream in the world. Absolutely epic show tonight from LP!”
Z100 & 103.5 KISS FM DJ Josh Martinez shared on social media, “I don’t think you understand how hyped I am about this.”
SiriusXM “Octane” host Caity Babs also weighed in, adding “Wowowowow. LINKIN PARK!! EMILY SOUNDS PHENOMENAL.”
Linkin Park tour dates can be seen here. Sample “From Zero here.
