The ongoing resurrection of Linkin Park continues to spark contention
Hooray! Linkin Park is back, right? That's what plenty of fans thought when the band declared their return with a fresh vocalist. But as time passes, there's more and more grumbling joining the celebrations. Now, even Chester Bennington's son is tossing verbal jabs at the group.
Chester Bennington's son, Jaime Bennington, has been blasting the band's comeback. He accused co-vocalist Mike Shinoda of "eliminating the existence and legacy of my father in real time" during an interview with Billboard magazine. He also labeled Shinoda as "senile and deaf."
Linkin Park's return was initially greeted with a mixed response upon its announcement in early September. The band interacted with their legions of fans worldwide through a live stream concert, all while revealing Emily Armstrong of the rock band Dead Sara as the new secondary vocalist alongside founding member Mike Shinoda.
Many fans were displeased with the choice of Armstrong. They voiced their worries regarding Armstrong's past connections to Scientology and convicted rapist Danny Masterson.
Emily Armstrong responds
Friday saw Armstrong address these allegations in a statement. She admitted to accompanying Masterson, whom she considered a friend, to a court hearing a few years ago. However, she added: "I soon realized that I shouldn't have done that. I haven't spoken to him since." The 38-year-old also made it clear: "I do not tolerate abuse and violence against women, and I have sympathy for the victims of these crimes."
Now, Jaime Bennington is laying the blame for the new Linkin Park singer on Shinoda: "You erased the life and legacy of my father in real time - during the worldwide suicide prevention month. You ignore the impact that Emily's lifestyle has on the fans. There's no clear statement supporting the victims of violence who are part of the fan base," the 28-year-old said.
And Jaime Bennington continues: "You betrayed the trust that was given to you for decades by fans and people who supported you, including me. We believed that you were the better person. That you were the change. Because you promised us that was your intention. Now you're just senile and deaf."
"I love it when I hear it"
Shinoda recently defended the band's comeback and Armstrong's inclusion: "Emily can hit the notes and scream the parts perfectly," he said. Fans, however, would take time to accept the change, he acknowledged. "The question will be: How will it go down with people? I don't know how it will be. But I love it when I hear it."
It's intriguing to see how fans react to Linkin Park's first album and live performances seven years after Chester Bennington's passing. The band's first performance with singer Emily Armington is scheduled for September 11 in Los Angeles. Linkin Park's new album, titled "From Zero," is set to hit the shelves on November 15.
The grumbling towards Linkin Park's comeback has escalated, with Chester Bennington's son, Jaime, openly criticizing the band and co-vocalist Mike Shinoda for "eliminating the existence and legacy of my father" and ignoring the fans' concerns about Emily Armstrong's associations.
Jaime Bennington's criticisms towards the band and Mike Shinoda have intensified, accusing them of betraying the fans' trust and being "senile and deaf" in their handling of Chester Bennington's legacy and the new vocalist's involvement in the band.
