On Thursday, Linkin Park announced that the band will embark on its first tour since the death of lead singer Chester Bennington seven years ago. The band also announced the signing of a new backing vocalist, Dead Sarah's Emily Armstrong will also be joining them on the road. Armstrong isn't a huge name in the industry, but she has carved out a memorable career before joining the iconic nü-metal band.
Armstrong made his first onstage appearance with the band on Thursday night during a livestreamed performance where Linkin Park announced their new tour. Alongside Armstrong, Linkin Park introduced fans to the band's new drummer, Colin Brittain.
“This is a very special day for us,” vocalist Mike Shinoda said to the audience of members of the band's fan club. “In the role of Chester Bennington, each and every one of you is here this afternoon,” he said to Armstrong and Brittain.
Bennington was found dead in his California home in July 2017. The cause of death was later determined to be suicide by hanging. After the tragedy, Shinoda and bandmates Brad Delson, Dave Farrell and Joe Hahn tried to “restart the band” for years. During this time, they “invited various friends and comrades to the studio”, but felt a particular connection to Armstrong and Brittain.
Armstrong appeared Billboard He was asked to join the band in September 2023, a moment that would forever remain a highlight of his career. “I panicked in the best way: ‘Is it real? ’” Armstrong recalled. “I don’t remember touching the ground for at least three days,” he said. “And then when I came back, everything was different — I knew my life was going to be different in the best way. I was back in a dreamland.”
Armstrong said he tried to “keep the emotion” of Bennington's voice. “You have to combine the technical part and the emotion. It's Chester's voice and it's my voice, but I want it to feel like the way I feel when I hear the song, because that's what the fans love,” he said. “There's a passion in there that I hope I can fill.”
The six-date tour kicks off at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles on September 11. Tickets are on sale now for members of Linkin Park’s Private Fan Club. Tickets will be available to the general public starting Saturday. For more information, visit LinkinPark.com.