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Rob Bourdon's Absence from the Linkin Park Reunion Explained by Mike Shinoda

Mike Shinoda reveals that drummer Rob Bourdon did not return for Linkin Park's reunion as he wanted to distance himself from the band, allowing Colin Brittain to step in. The band is set to release their new album *From Zero* and embark on a brief tour.

Published on Monday, September 9, 2024 at 12:10 AM

Dawn

In a recent interview with Billboard, Mike Shinoda addressed the unexpected absence of drummer Rob Bourdon from Linkin Park's highly anticipated reunion. The announcement came as fans speculated on the musical direction of the band, particularly in light of their new album, From Zero, set for release on November 15, 2024. Shinoda revealed that Bourdon had expressed a desire to distance himself from the band following their hiatus. “Rob had said to us at a point...that he wanted to put some distance between himself and the band,” Shinoda explained. He noted that Bourdon’s diminishing contact and presence during the Hybrid Theory rerelease and the Papercuts release had not gone unnoticed by fans. While acknowledging the emotional weight of Bourdon's absence, Shinoda stated, “As a friend, that was sad, but at the same time, I want him to do whatever makes him happy.” With Bourdon stepping back, Linkin Park welcomed Colin Brittain as their new drummer. Brittain, known for his impressive work in producing and songwriting with various artists, came to Shinoda's attention in 2021 when they worked together on songwriting sessions. ”We have a similar way of looking at music,” Shinoda said, emphasizing their collaborative dynamic. Following a recent livestream concert where they debuted new material, Linkin Park is gearing up for a six-date tour covering cities such as Los Angeles, New York, London, and Seoul. Links to ticketing information and details on the upcoming tour are available on the band's official website. As the band's reunion approaches, further developments are anticipated in the coming months.

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