Linkin Park addresses the controversy involving Emily Armstrong and explains why there’s a Chester Bennington song they refuse to perform

Linkin Park Breaks Silence on Emily Armstrong Backlash and Why They Refuse to Perform “One More Light” on Tour

Linkin Park has stood the test of time as one of the most iconic bands in alternative rock history. Known for blending nu-metal, electronic elements, and emotional depth, the Grammy-winning band continues to evolve while honoring its roots. After years of uncertainty following the tragic 2017 death of frontman Chester Bennington, Linkin Park has returned with a powerful new chapter—and a bold new voice.

In an exclusive interview with The Guardian published July 18, Linkin Park opened up about its future, its critics, and the emotional boundaries that come with carrying on without Bennington. The band is now joined by co-lead vocalist Emily Armstrong, best known as the frontwoman of Los Angeles rock band Dead Sara. Armstrong stepped into the role as Linkin Park emerged from a six-year hiatus, helping shape their comeback album, From Zero, released in November 2024.

Emily Armstrong Faces Fan Backlash and Family Criticism
The decision to bring Armstrong on board sparked immediate backlash from a vocal segment of Linkin Park’s fanbase. Critics questioned the move, citing Armstrong’s alleged ties to the Church of Scientology and controversial actor Danny Masterson, who was convicted of sexual assault. The controversy didn’t stop with fans—members of Chester Bennington’s own family, including his mother Susan Eubanks and son Jaime Bennington, publicly expressed disapproval of the lineup change.

Speaking to The Guardian, Armstrong admitted she was caught off guard by the intensity of the response. “I was a little bit naive about it, to be honest,” she said. “But I’m old enough to know the difference between real life and the internet.”

Mike Shinoda, Linkin Park’s co-lead vocalist, guitarist, and founding member, offered his own take. He believes part of the backlash was rooted in fans’ discomfort with change—especially the idea of a female singer joining a band that had always been fronted by men.

“There were people who lashed out at Emily simply because she wasn’t a guy,” said Shinoda. “They were used to Linkin Park being six guys and the voice of a guy leading every song. When that changed, they pointed in ten different directions, looking for reasons to be upset. But at the core, it was about their discomfort with something new.”

From Zero: A New Beginning for Linkin Park
Despite the controversy, From Zero was a commercial success, debuting at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Rock Albums chart. The album showcases a new musical direction while preserving the emotional intensity that defined Linkin Park’s earlier work. Songs like “Glass Skin,” “Out of the Silence,” and “Echoes in Ash” reflect a band that is evolving without forgetting where it came from.

Currently on the From Zero World Tour, the band has been performing across Europe and is set to return to North America with a highly anticipated show in Brooklyn, New York on July 29, 2025.

Why Linkin Park Refuses to Perform “One More Light” on Tour
As Linkin Park reclaims the stage, one song remains noticeably absent from their setlist: “One More Light”—the hauntingly beautiful title track from the final album Chester Bennington recorded before his passing.

Originally written in tribute to a colleague at Warner Bros. Records who died unexpectedly, “One More Light” took on new meaning after Bennington’s death. It became a global anthem for grief, resilience, and remembrance—forever tied to the late frontman’s legacy.

But for the band, the emotional weight of the song has become too much to carry in a live setting.

“After Chester passed, the world decided that the song was about him,” Shinoda explained. “And so, that’s just too sad to play. We all wanted our show to be a celebration—good vibes, energy, and connection. I want fans to leave feeling like they had a special, uplifting night. Playing that song would just break the mood.”

Moving Forward While Honoring the Past
As Linkin Park navigates the future with Emily Armstrong, they continue to face scrutiny—but they also embrace the challenge of transformation. Their latest tour honors their legacy with hits like “In the End,” “Crawling,” and “Numb,” while introducing new material that reflects a rebirth.

For fans old and new, Linkin Park’s journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and respect—for their past, for their future, and above all, for the memory of Chester Bennington.