Linkin Park made a triumphant return to the stage today, September 6, 2024, with a livestream event featuring new members and fresh music, marking their first performance since the death of frontman Chester Bennington in 2017. Joining the band for this special occasion were Emily Armstrong, the powerhouse vocalist of Dead Sara, and Colin Brittain, who replaced original drummer Rob Bourdon. Armstrong and Brittain joined long-time members Mike Shinoda (vocals/rhythm guitar/keyboard), Brad Delson (lead guitar), Dave “Phoenix” Farrell (bass), and Joe Hahn (DJ/turntable), reviving the band’s dynamic sound.
The performance began with an atmospheric display, as flashing images filled an empty stage, set to “The Requiem” from their 2010 album A Thousand Suns. One by one, the members of Linkin Park appeared, eventually launching into their new single, “The Emptiness Machine.” Shinoda sang the first verse before Armstrong entered for the second verse, her powerful vocals meshing perfectly with Shinoda’s.
Armstrong, whose vocal style has been compared to Bennington’s, delivered a unique twist on the band’s older tracks. She performed hits like “Somewhere I Belong,” “Crawling,” and “In the End,” while maintaining her flair and energy. Fans were treated to a nostalgic setlist that included “Lying From You,” “The Catalyst,” “Numb,” “Lost,” “What I’ve Done,” and “Faint.” The encore featured two more fan favorites, “Papercut” and “Bleed It Out.”
Introducing the band after “Somewhere I Belong,” Shinoda took a moment to thank the fans and acknowledge the absence of Delson, who was temporarily replaced by guitarist Alex Feder for the performance. He then offered a heartfelt tribute to Bennington, stating, “In the role of Chester Bennington this afternoon is each of you,” touching the audience deeply.
In a surprise announcement at the end of the show, Linkin Park revealed their new album, From Zero, will be released on November 15, 2024, sparking excitement among fans worldwide.
Formed in 1996, Linkin Park became one of the most successful rock bands of the early 2000s, known for their fusion of nu-metal and electronic music. The band gained international fame with their debut album Hybrid Theory in 2000 and continued their success with Meteora in 2003. After experimenting with their sound in subsequent albums, they went on hiatus following Bennington’s death. Now, with new music and a revitalized lineup, the future looks bright for the band’s next chapter.