In a significant development for Linkin Park fans, Talinda Bennington, widow of the late frontman Chester Bennington, has publicly endorsed the band's new vocalist, Emily Armstrong. This endorsement follows the band's live-streamed announcement on September 5, where Armstrong was revealed as Chester's successor. Talinda demonstrated her support by commenting with a series of fire emojis on an Instagram post made by Armstrong, signaling her acceptance of the transition.
Chester Bennington, who tragically passed away by suicide in 2017, left behind a rich legacy in the music industry, making the decision to appoint a new frontperson a sensitive one for the band. They are navigating the emotional complexities tied to Chester's absence while trying to maintain their established sonic identity.
In response to her new role, Armstrong took to Instagram, expressing gratitude to fans for their enthusiastic support. However, the decision to appoint her as lead vocalist has sparked controversy due to Armstrong's prior associations with Scientology and former actor Danny Masterson, who is currently embroiled in legal issues pertaining to sexual assault. Additionally, Cedric Bixler-Zavala of The Mars Volta has raised concerns regarding these associations, contributing to the ongoing online discourse.
The conversation also involves Chester's son, Jamie, who has faced criticism from fans after voicing his disapproval of the band's choices, particularly addressing comments made by Mike Shinoda. Talinda Bennington has consistently used her platform to emphasize mental health advocacy since her husband's passing, highlighting the necessity for open discussions on such topics. Resources such as Help Musicians UK and The Samaritans have been promoted for those in need of support.
For more details on Linkin Park's new chapter with Emily Armstrong, visit NME.