He accused the band of ‘erasing his father’s legacy’
Jaime Bennington, the son of late Linkin Park lead singer Chester Bennington, has slammed the band for reuniting and replacing his father with Emily Armstrong.
Jaime took to Instagram to claim Mike Shinoda, the band’s founder, had “quietly erased my father life and legacy in real time” after Linkin Park’s new line-up was announced last week.
Jaime also took offence specifically to Emily Armstrong taking Chester’s place in the band after he referenced her ties to Scientology as well as her alleged support of actor Danny Masterson during his 2020 rape trial.
Armstrong has previously distanced herself from Masterson saying they had not spoken since the preliminary hearing unveiled “unimaginable details” of his crimes.
He was later found guilty.
Jaime said on Instagram that fans were “having a hard time wrapping their heads” around her joining the band.
He added that the band had “failed to address the concerns of their diverse fan base” and said they had “betrayed the trust” of their followers.
Jaime released multiple video posts in which Bennington claimed Shinoda had blocked him on social media and that he had not been informed of the reunion.
He said: “They didn’t come to me with this announcement, they didn’t ask me how I felt, they didn’t offer me a ticket.”
Armstrong was previously the frontwoman of LA rock band Dead Sara.
She made her debut with Linkin Park at a performance on Thursday alongside new drummer Colin Brittain.
Linkin Park reunited after seven years last Thursday (September 5).
In a livestream the band confirmed they would be going on a world tour, and unveiled Emily Armstrong as their new co-vocalist.
Original members Mike Shinoda, Brad Delson, Dave “Phoenix” Farrell and Joe Hahn will all be returning as part of the lineup, with Colin Brittain also joining as a drummer.
Armstrong will share vocals with Shinoda.
The reunion announcement comes seven years after the death of Linkin Park’s original lead vocalist Chester Bennington.
The singer died by suicide back in 2017, at the age of 41, and the band have been on hiatus ever since.
But now, they’re back with new music.
In the hour-long livestream performance, Linkin Park performed some of their biggest songs, including ‘Numb’ and ‘In the End,’ alongside their new single ‘Emptiness Machine.’
The nu metal group also confirmed they would be releasing a new album, titled ‘From Zero,’ on November 15, and announced a six-date world tour for the coming month.
The tour includes a date at the O2 in London on September 24.
In a statement, Shinoda said: “Before Linkin Park, our first band name was Xero. This album title refers to both this humble beginning and the journey we’re currently undertaking. Sonically and emotionally, it is about past, present, and future —embracing our signature sound, but new and full of life.
“It was made with a deep appreciation for our new and longtime bandmates, our friends, our family, and our fans. We are proud of what Linkin Park has become over the years, and excited about the journey ahead.”
He added: “The more we worked with Emily and Colin, the more we enjoyed their world-class talents, their company, and the things we created. We feel really empowered with this new lineup and the vibrant and energized new music we’ve made together. We’re weaving together the sonic touchpoints we’ve been known for and still exploring new ones.”
