Linkin Park announce new female lead singer

US rock band Linkin Park has announced a significant change in their lineup, introducing Emily Armstrong as their new lead singer. This marks a pivotal moment for the band, which has been navigating the aftermath of Chester Bennington’s tragic death in 2017.

Armstrong, who will take on vocal duties alongside band member Mike Shinoda, is set to contribute to Linkin Park’s upcoming album and global tour. Joining her in the refreshed lineup will be Colin Brittain, who replaces Rob Bourdon as the band’s new drummer. The announcement comes as the band prepares to release their new album, From Zero, and embark on an extensive world tour.

Emily Armstrong, originally from Los Angeles, is widely recognized as the lead vocalist of the alt-rock band Dead Sara, which she co-founded with guitarist Siouxsie Medley in 2005. Her addition to Linkin Park brings a new energy to the band, as she steps into a role that will see her share vocals with Shinoda.

In an interview with Billboard, Armstrong reflected on the impact of Linkin Park’s landmark 2000 album, Hybrid Theory, on her career. “I was in a band when it came out,” she recalled. “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.’” She described the album as a major influence, noting, “I’ve listened to it a trillion times. I would skate to it. I would mosh to it.”

Linkin Park’s decision to bring in a new lead singer follows a precedent set by other bands that have faced similar transitions after the death of a frontman. Bands like Alice in Chains and Sublime have navigated these changes, and most notably, Queen has continued to tour with Adam Lambert since the passing of Freddie Mercury in 1991.

The band’s new drummer, Colin Brittain, will take over for Rob Bourdon, who had increasingly distanced himself from the group in recent years. Shinoda addressed Bourdon’s departure in his conversation with Billboard, expressing understanding and support for his former bandmate. “Rob had said to us a point, I guess it was a few years ago now, that he wanted to put some distance between himself and the band,” Shinoda explained. “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. 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.”

Colin Brittain, known for his work with rock bands Papa Roach and All Time Low, joins Linkin Park at a time of transition and renewal. The upcoming world tour will take the band to major cities including Los Angeles, New York, Hamburg, Seoul, London, and Bogotá, with performances scheduled for November.

This tour will be the band’s first live performance series since Bennington’s death, marking a significant milestone in their ongoing journey. Alongside the tour, Linkin Park will release a new single titled “The Emptiness Machine,” which will be their first new music since Bennington’s passing. The band previewed this new material during an hour-long concert streamed on their social media platforms, officially introducing their new lineup to fans.

As Linkin Park moves forward with this new chapter, the addition of Emily Armstrong and Colin Brittain signals a reinvigorated phase for the band. Fans can look forward to experiencing the fresh energy and creativity that Armstrong and Brittain will bring to the group’s future endeavors.