The new singer is involved in Scientology, but is defended by Mike Shinoda
Jaime Bennington, son of the late Linkin Park frontman, has publicly criticized Mike Shinoda’s decision to name Emily Armstrong as his father’s replacement. The choice of the new singer was announced last Thursday (9/5), after a seven-year hiatus from the band due to the death of Chester Bennington.
Criticism of Emily Armstrong’s choice
On her Instagram stories, Jaime expressed dissatisfaction with Armstrong’s choice, highlighting his relationship with Scientology and his support for actor Danny Masterson, who was recently convicted of rape. “People have a hard time understanding how you hired your friend of many years to replace Chester, knowing his history of involvement with Scientology and being a supporter of Danny Masterson,” Jaime wrote, adding that Shinoda was erasing her father’s legacy, especially during Suicide Awareness Month.
The singer’s response
Anticipating criticism, Armstrong took to social media to explain her involvement with Masterson: “I was asked to support someone I considered a friend during the trial and attended an initial hearing as an observer. Shortly afterward, I realized I shouldn’t have gone,” the new Linkin Park singer clarified. She added: “To put it as clearly as possible: I do not condone abuse or violence against women, and I have empathy for the victims of these crimes.”
Mike Shinoda defends new lineup
In addition to the new lineup, Linkin Park has announced the release of their new album, “From Zero,” scheduled for November 15. According to Shinoda, the result of the recording was the reason for not changing Linkin Park’s name to reflect the change in members. In an interview with Q101 radio, Shinoda explained that this is not a new band: “This is the most Linkin Park album we could possibly do. It’s so Linkin Park that if we called it anything else, we’d be idiots. Because it would be like a misrepresentation.”
He also commented on the connection between the band’s history and the album’s title: “Our original band name was Xero, back in 99 – 98, 99 […] And Xero turned into Hybrid Theory, which turned into Linkin Park. So the album name has a double meaning. It’s us starting over, but it’s also us getting back in touch with the things we loved back then.”
Finally, Shinoda defended the new singer. “Everyone has to say things like Emily is ‘taking Chester’s place’ and blah, blah, blah. I don’t like that phrase because I feel like she’s filling a space in the visual lineup of the band, but I also feel like Chester was unique.” ; she’s just Chester. And that’s what Emily is, and that’s what I like. It’s her voice that’s really unique and it sounds – I don’t know how else to explain it… When she sings the songs, they sound like. Linkin Park songs. And that’s just my gut.
Source: Terra
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
