Linkin Park’s reunion earlier this month aimed to be a triumphant comeback, but recent events have complicated that narrative. Fans have generally embraced the reconfigured band, with their music climbing the charts, shows on their comeback tour selling out rapidly, and excitement growing for their upcoming album From Zero (set for release on November 15th).
Yet, not all news surrounding the acclaimed nü-metal/alternative rock band’s return has been positive. The decision to include Emily Armstrong of Dead Sara in place of the late Chester Bennington has sparked considerable controversy.
Armstrong‘s known connections to Scientology and her past support for convicted rapist Danny Masterson, who is also a Scientologist, have raised eyebrows. It’s important to note that Bennington was a vocal advocate for abuse victims, given his own traumatic history.
Cedric Bixler-Zavala of The Mars Volta and his wife Chrissie have been particularly outspoken against Armstrong‘s addition. Chrissie was one of several women who publicly accused Masterson of rape, and both she and Cedric are former Scientologists. The couple has alleged that they faced severe intimidation tactics from Scientologists after Chrissie came forward.
Following the reunion announcement, Cedric and Chrissie shared several pointed posts criticizing Armstrong. While she later attempted to clarify her past support for Masterson, her ties to Scientology remain unaddressed.
Jamie Bennington, Chester’s son, has also expressed strong disapproval, accusing Mike Shinoda and the band of trying to erase their history. In a series of posts and videos, Jamie detailed his disappointment with the band’s direction.
Mike Shinoda seemingly responded to Jamie during the opening concert of the reunion tour at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, CA, stating:
“We are thrilled to be back out here. It is not about erasing the past. It is about starting this new chapter into the future and coming out here for each and every one of you.”
Susan Eubanks, Chester‘s mother, has also spoken out against the group, claiming they failed to inform her or Chester‘s children about the reunion. She alleges that Shinoda once threatened Chester with replacement by a female vocalist and expressed feelings of betrayal regarding Armstrong‘s inclusion.
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Eubanks stated:
“I feel betrayed. They told me that if they were ever going to do something, they would let me know. They didn’t let me know, and they probably knew that I wouldn’t be very happy. I’m very upset about it.”
“I feel like they’re trying very hard to erase the past. They’re performing songs that Chester sang. And I don’t know how the fans are taking it, but I know how I take it. And having [Armstrong] singing my son’s songs is hurtful.”
Eubanks noted that band members had assured her they would keep her updated about any group activities. Although she admitted that Shinoda did reach out regarding posthumous releases featuring Chester, she learned about the new lineup through Google.
Reflecting on the band’s livestreamed return announcement, Eubanks remarked:
“I tuned into the livestream when it happened. Not on purpose. I thought her singing … I don’t even remember what it is [she was singing], because I didn’t want to hear it. It was just a moment. But it was her, I’m just going to say it, screeching her way through a very high note. And I got out of there as fast as I could.”
Eubanks recounted that Chester confided in her about Shinoda‘s past comments suggesting a female vocalist might be a better fit. She recalled:
“Mike told Chester one time that he thought singing these songs would be better with a girl, because he often put Chester down. And Chester called me and said, ‘He thinks that they’re going to replace me with a girl.’”
In her conversation with Rolling Stone, Eubanks expressed that she would have been okay with the band continuing without attempting to replace her son. She added:
“If I could tell the band members anything it’s that I feel betrayed. You made a promise to me that you would let us know and you didn’t. If you were going to do this, this is the wrong way to do it. Don’t put her out there to sing Chester’s songs and then act like this was always the way it should have been. It’s like making him go away, erasing the past.”
You can find more from Eubanks in Rolling Stone. The publication noted that Linkin Park declined to comment on their interview with Eubanks.
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