Linkin Park faces backlash over the addition of co-lead singer Emily Armstrong, with fans and even Chester Bennington’s family expressing discontent due to her alleged ties to controversial figures, while the band emphasizes their commitment to honoring Bennington’s legacy by refraining from performing certain songs, aiming to create a positive atmosphere during their upcoming tour.

Linkin Park, the Grammy-winning alt-rock band that has navigated the tumultuous waters of the music industry, is forging ahead with new co-lead singer Emily Armstrong, but not without facing significant backlash from fans.

In a candid interview with The Guardian published on July 18, 2025, the band discussed the challenges and controversies surrounding Armstrong’s recruitment following the tragic death of former frontman Chester Bennington in 2017.

Armstrong, the frontwoman of the band Dead Sara, was brought into Linkin Park after the group ended its indefinite hiatus, marking a new chapter for the iconic band.

However, her selection was met with criticism, particularly due to her alleged connections to the Church of Scientology and her association with convicted actor Danny Masterson, known for his role in “That ’70s Show.”

The backlash extended beyond fans, as even Bennington’s family members, including his mother Susan Eubanks and son Jaime Bennington, voiced their disapproval of the lineup change.

Reflecting on the controversy, Armstrong, 39, admitted to being somewhat naive about the negative reactions. “I was a little bit naive about it, to be honest,” she confessed.

“But I’m old enough to know the difference between real life and the internet.” Her perspective highlights the often harsh realities artists face in the age of social media, where public opinion can shift rapidly and sometimes without justification.

Mike Shinoda, co-lead singer and rhythm guitarist, weighed in on the situation, suggesting that the backlash may have stemmed from fans’ discomfort with a female vocalist stepping into a role traditionally held by men.

“There were people who lashed out at Emily, and it was really because she wasn’t a guy,” Shinoda, 48, explained.

“They were just so uncomfortable with what it was that they chose a ton of things to complain about.”

This shift in dynamics has sparked discussions about gender representation in rock music, particularly in a band with a legacy as significant as Linkin Park’s.

Despite the controversy, Linkin Park has continued to push forward, releasing their first album with Armstrong, titled “From Zero,” in November 2024.

The album quickly climbed to the top of the Billboard Top Rock Albums chart, signaling a successful new direction for the band.

Currently, they are on the From Zero World Tour, which is set to return to North America on July 29, 2025, with a performance in Brooklyn, New York.

Fans are eager to see how the new lineup will translate live, as Linkin Park is known for their high-energy shows and emotional performances.

As they honor their musical legacy on this tour, the band is also making deliberate choices about their setlist.

Shinoda revealed that they have chosen not to perform certain songs that would feel inappropriate given the context of Bennington’s death, particularly “One More Light.”

This song, which served as the title track for Bennington’s final album, has taken on a new meaning since his passing, with fans dedicating it as a tribute to the late singer.

Shinoda explained the reasoning behind this decision, stating, “After Chester passed, the world decided that it was about him. And so, that’s just too sad to play.”

The band’s desire to create a positive atmosphere during their performances has influenced their approach to the setlist, aiming to ensure that fans leave feeling uplifted rather than weighed down by sadness.

Linkin Park’s journey continues to be marked by resilience and evolution, as they navigate the complexities of honoring their past while embracing a new future.

The addition of Emily Armstrong may have sparked controversy, but it also opens the door for fresh perspectives and sounds within the band’s music.

As they embark on this new chapter, fans are left wondering how Linkin Park will continue to honor Chester Bennington’s legacy while carving out their own identity in the ever-changing landscape of rock music.