The recent return of Linkin Park to the stage has stirred emotions among fans. However, late frontman Chester Bennington’s son, Jamie Bennington, has raised concerns regarding ex-band member Rob Bourdon, the original drummer of Linkin Park. This concern comes after a series of events that have seen the band’s lineup dramatically shift, including the hiring of Emily Armstrong as the new lead vocalist and Colin Brittain replacing Bourdon on drums.
Linkin Park New Lineup and the Departure of Rob Bourdon
Linkin Park recently performed their first show on September 11th, marking the beginning of their reunion tour. In a September 5th livestream from the Kia Forum in Los Angeles, the band introduced Emily Armstrong as Chester Bennington’s replacement, while Colin Brittain took over on drums for Rob Bourdon. The new lineup features returning members Mike Shinoda, Brad Delson, Dave “Phoenix” Farrell, and Joe Hahn.
While fans were excited to see the band’s return, the absence of Bourdon raised questions. In a recent interview with Billboard, Mike Shinoda opened up about Bourdon’s departure, explaining that Bourdon had gradually distanced himself from the band over the past few years.
Shinoda stated, “Rob had said to us at a point, I guess it was a few years ago now, that he wanted to put some distance between himself and the band. And we understood that – it was already apparent. He was starting to just show up less, be in less contact, and I know the fans noticed it too. The Hybrid Theory re-release and Papercuts release, he didn’t show up for anything.”
Shinoda expressed sadness over Bourdon’s departure, noting that he wanted his friend to do what made him happy, but emphasized that the decision was entirely Bourdon’s.
Jamie Bennington Calls Out Shinoda’s Comments
However, Jamie Bennington, who previously blasted Mike Shinoda has expressed concern over these statements, calling Shinoda’s comments vague and untrue. Jamie suggested that Shinoda’s explanation failed to capture the full reality of the situation and that there may be more going on behind the scenes regarding Bourdon’s departure from the band.
Jamie’s concern for Bourdon stems from the lack of clarity surrounding the drummer’s exit, fueling speculation that the reasons for his departure may not be as straightforward as Shinoda’s comments suggest. As Chester Bennington’s son, Jamie has a unique perspective on the dynamics within the band and appears genuinely worried about how Bourdon’s absence is being communicated to fans.
As Linkin Park moves forward with their new lineup, the absence of Chester Bennington continues to weigh heavily on fans and the band. The addition of Emily Armstrong and Colin Brittain is a bold step for the band, but it has also sparked mixed reactions. Jamie Bennington’s critique of the band’s decision to hire Armstrong and his concerns over Bourdon’s departure further highlights the complexities of reuniting after a tragedy as deep as Chester’s passing.