In an interview with Los Angeles radio station Alt 98.7, the band’s co-founder talked candidly about the group’s choice to hire Emily Armstrong, a former member of Dead Sara, as their new vocalist. She also acknowledged that some fans were disappointed that the “Numb” hitmakers hadn’t found a singer who sounded like the late frontman Chester Bennington.

Shinoda remarked, “We just want Emily to be Emily.” “The songs are what they are. Emily is Emily. Early on, somewhere in 2020 or 2019, or whatever – I recalled that I was viewing videos. I believe a video of a Linkin Park cover band appeared in my stream. It was a huge hit among fans. “Oh my God, this person is so good,” they all exclaimed. They resemble Chester quite a bit.

He went on by drawing a comparison between the “uncanny Valley” and his own reaction to seeing the covers. When it becomes more real and close to the real thing, your brain likes it more and more. However, the moment it is about to become exactly as real, your brain completely flips around and goes back to saying, ‘I hate it,’ because it can tell that it is being tricked. And that’s not good for anyone’s brain.

I thought, ‘That’s really wonderful, but it’s also weird that it sounds so much like Chester,’ as I saw this cover band’s YouTube or Instagram video. I find it strange, thus I don’t like it. I realized right away that it wasn’t the right choice for us. It bothers me. I don’t like it for us, but I enjoy it for [the cover bands]. Although these bands perform admirably, I wouldn’t include that in our band.

During a livestream event in September, Linkin Park announced their return and confirmed Armstrong as their new co-vocalist. When it was revealed that the new vocalist appeared to have connections to both convicted rapist Danny Masterson and Scientology, the revelation caused a rift among fans. After that, Armstrong released a statement “to clear the air.”

Shinoda has already talked candidly about the “culture” among the band members and what it’s like to be a member in 2024.

“Everyone in the band has a great dynamic, but it’s especially strong among those of us with the most experience together. It’s excellent. It’s easily the best culture we’ve had, in my opinion,” he said at the start of the From Zero podcast, adding that it wasn’t a criticism on any previous members.

“From Zero,” the band’s eighth studio album, was just released. The record included “an intriguing mix of sensational, knockout stadium rock and some perplexingly tired songwriting,” according to NME’s three-star assessment of the LP.

In other news, Linkin Park has revealed the specifics of their big 2025 global tour, which will stop at London’s Wembley Stadium.

The performances, which will start at the beginning of next year and take place in stadiums and arenas throughout North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America, are an extension of the current “From Zero” tour.

There will only be one performance in the UK, on June 28, at London’s Wembley Stadium. Other European dates include stops in Paris, Frankfurt, Milan, Hannover, Arnhem, and other locations.