Following the announcement of Linkin Park’s first official comeback in seven years, original member and guitarist Brad Delson quit, and Emily Armstrong of “Dead Sara” took over as frontwoman.
View this post on Instagram
The guitarist revealed on an Instagram post that he would not join them for their next tour, but he is “beyond excited to share this new chapter with the world.”
Despite quitting, he went on to support the band’s new members, saying he was in awe of Emily Armstrong and Colin Brittain, the replacement for founding drummer Rob Bourdon, for their talent, passion, and partnership.
“Deep gratitude to all my bandmates for their humility, hard work, and friendship,” he added.
However, fans were disappointed with the inclusion of Armstrong as the new frontwoman, as she had historic support for convicted rapist Danny Masterson and being a Scientologist.
Danny Masterson was a former star of ‘That 70s Show’, who was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison in 2023 after being convicted of two of three forcible rape charges.
Armstrong supported the actor, claiming she always tries to see the good in people. She claimed that she misjudged him but never spoke to him since unimaginable details emerged, and he was later found guilty.
To respond to the allegations against her, she posted a statement on her Instagram story clarifying that she doesn’t support abuse or violence against women.
“To say it as clearly as possible: I do not condone abuse or violence against women, and I empathize with the victims of these crimes,” she said.
Moreover, Armstrong was also judged by being a Scientologist, which fans thought was disrespectful to the late singer and former Linkin Park Chester Bennington member.
She did not address her ties to Scientology in her statement, and it is unclear whether she is still a member.
Furthermore, despite the criticisms against her, social media users have praised her for her energy and vocals, which left some fans unexpectedly amazed.
The band announced their new album ‘From Zero,’ with Shinoda now being the final member of the original members to remain in the band.
In addition to the album release, they have six dates for their new world tour in September 2024 in cities—-Los Angeles, New York, Hamburg, Germany, and London. A gig in South Korea is scheduled before the final show in Bogota, Colombia, which takes place in November.
Other POP! stories you might like:
Restaurant in Tagaytay issues an apology after denying customer and pet aspin entry
Andrew Garfield responds to the ‘We Live in Time’ viral horse meme
The Lion King and Star Wars voice actor James Earl Jones passes away at 93
