- Chester Bennington's son voices disagreement with his father's return, asserting "legacy annulled."
Jamies Bennington, child of the late Linkin Park vocalist Chester Bennington, has severely criticized the return of his father's band. The 28-year-old spoke to Billboard magazine, stating that Mike Shinoda had "obliterated the life and legacy of my dad in real-time." He described Shinoda as "senile and oblivious."
Linkin Park Reunites Stirs Controversy
Linkin Park's reunion in early September provoked a diverse response. The band announced their comeback through a live stream concert to their global fanbase, revealing that Emily Armstrong, lead singer of the rock band Dead Sara, would join founding member Mike Shinoda as the band's second vocalist. However, many fans were dissatisfied with this choice due to Armstrong's previous ties to Scientology and convicted rapist Danny Masterson.
In a statement on September 6, Armstrong addressed the accusations. She explained that she had accompanied Masterson, whom she considered a friend, to a court hearing a few years prior. "I soon realized I had made a mistake. Since then, I haven't spoken to him again," she wrote. She made it clear: "I do not condone abuse or violence against women, and I empathize with the victims of these crimes."
"Obliterated the Legacy of My Dad in Real-Time"
Jamies Bennington holds Mike Shinoda responsible for the choice of the new vocalist: "You've obliterated the life and legacy of my dad in real-time - during the international suicide prevention month. You turn a blind eye to the implications of Emily's beliefs. There's no clear statement supporting the victims of violence who are part of the fanbase," Jamies said. He added: "You've misused the trust that was given to you for decades by fans and supporters, including me. We believed in your ability to rise above it. That you were the change. Because you promised us that was your intention. Now you're just senile and oblivious."
"Delight in Hearing It"
Mike Shinoda, recently lauded for the band's comeback and Emily Armstrong's nomination as the new vocalist, said: "Emily has always been capable of hitting the notes and delivering the parts." He acknowledges that fans will need time to adapt to the change. "The question is, 'How will it sit with people?' I don't know how it will be received. But I delight in hearing it." It will be intriguing to observe how fans react to the band's first album and live performances seven years after Chester Bennington's passing. Linkin Park's first performance with singer Emily Armstrong is scheduled for September 11 in Los Angeles. The band's first album, titled "From Zero," will be released on November 15.
Jamies Bennington refused to comment further on the situation, stating, "I'm not going to tell you," when asked about potential reconciliation between the Bennington family and the band. The reunion and the choice of Emily Armstrong as the new vocalist have sparked intense debates among Linkin Park fans, with some expressing anger and disappointment while others are eagerly awaiting the band's comeback.
