MusicGuitarist Brad Delson explains why he stopped playing live with Linkin ParkDelson stated that he prefers to focus on work in the studio and praised new member Alex FederBy Editorial Staff

Brad Delsonguitarist of LinkinParkexplained why he decided not to participate in the band’s 2025 tour. The decision was announced in September 2024, when the group revealed the arrival of the vocalist Emily Armstrong, of the guitarist Alex Feder and the release of the album From Zero.

In an interview with the magazine Guitar WorldDelson stated that he made the decision based on what motivates him most as an artist. “I really thrive in the studio. I love creating new things. That’s why I decided to focus my energy on this area,” declared the musician, who has been working behind the scenes on the tour.

For me and, I imagine, for all the guys, the last few years have given us the opportunity to reflect qualitatively on the band – what energizes us, where we feel most fulfilled and where we thrive,” he added.

With Delson’s departure from the stage, the guitarist Alex Feder was chosen to take over his position in the live shows. Delson highlighted his confidence in the new member: “He is an incredible musician and a strong live guitarist. I think he brings a lot to the show, and I’m really proud of what we created.”

Even without taking the stage, Delson revealed that he actively contributed to the tour’s concept. “I’ve always been obsessed with the setlist, the concept of the show and the flow of the performances. I worked hard on it, as I always have.”

In an interview given to the program Zach SangShow in November 2024, Mike Shinoda commented on Brad Delson’s decision not to participate in live shows promoting the album From Zero. The vocalist explained that the choice of guitarist was related, in part, to mental health issues. “He’s in the band, but he realized that… it’s kind of a mental health issue,”

He doesn’t like touring and the live show lifestyle, so he’s our guitarist, but he’s not playing live.” Shinoda stated.

To fill the space at shows, Shinoda said Delson chose Alex Feder as a replacement. “He found a guy called Alex who is amazing, a really good guitarist and they get along really well, and Brad chose Alex to play his parts live.”

Band formation

Linkin Park’s new phase includes not only the entry of Emily Armstrong as vocalist, but also the arrival of the drummer Colin Brittainreplacing the founding member Rob Bourdon.

Mike Shinoda commented on Bourdon’s departure: “He was starting to show up less, have less contact, and I know the fans noticed that too… So for me, as a friend, that was sad, but at the same time, I want him to do what he wants. makes him happy, and obviously everyone wishes him the best.”

Regarding Armstrong, Shinoda explained that she brought renewed energy to the group. “There’s something about her voice and energy that just sounds like Linkin Park. The dynamics between the vocalists [Shinoda e Armstrong] It’s very powerful.”