With the high-profile return of nu metal legends Linkin Park after roughly seven years out of the spotlight, much of the focus has been on the band’s new vocalist, Emily Armstrong of the band Dead Sara. While Armstrong occupies the front of the stage, however, there are two notable faces fans will not see accompanying.
Founding drummer Rob Bourdon is not returning for the new era, which includes a new album (From Zero) and a world tour. Band leader Mike Shinoda explained in an interview with Billboard that Bourdon had drifted from band activity several years ago and eventually decided to formalize his decision to step away.
“He was starting to just show up less, be in less contact, and I know the fans noticed it too. The Hybrid Theory rerelease and Papercuts release, he didn’t show up for anything,” Shinoda said.
Shinoda added there were not hard feelings between the band and Bourdon.
“For me, as a friend, that was sad, but at the same time, I want him to do whatever makes him happy, and obviously everybody wishes him the best,” Shinoda said.
Replacing Bourdon as drummer is Colin Brittain, a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter who joined in on studio sessions with the band starting in 2021.
Bourdon has not yet spoken publicly on his departure.
Absent from the world tour but not from the studio is founding guitarist Brad Delson, who announced via social media that although he would remain involved with the band’s creative process, he would not be along for future Linkin Park live performances.
“I've always felt deeply connected to and proud of our live performances,” Delson wrote. “Over the years I've realized I thrive most when I'm actively working with my bandmates behind the scenes — in the studio, collaborating on our new music, and helping build our live show.”
Delson added an expression of admiration for Armstrong and Brittain and “deep gratitude” to the rest of the band.
Filling in as live guitarist will be Alex Feder, described by Delson as his “handsome deputy on the road.” Feder debuted with the band September 7 for a live-streamed Los Angeles performance.
User @BroodingAnanas on X (formerly Twitter) shared a screenshot of Discord messages from Shinoda commenting on Delson’s decision to refrain from touring.
“Touring got to be less and less of a good fit for Brad as he got older. For one thing, he doesn’t like noisy places!” Shinoda wrote. “That alone could be a deal breaker. But there’s so much diversity in the way people’s brains and their personalities are made. We were happy to figure out a great way for him to be invovled (sic) in ways that are a great fit for him and us.”
Mike about Brad’s decision not to tour with Linkin Park💙 even if he’s not touring, they’ve figured out a way for him to be involved in the band pic.twitter.com/6bjM8ViMQZ
— a.🍍| fan accøunt (@BroodingAnanas) September 8, 2024
Shinoda stated in a solo interview with Brian Haddad and Kenzie Roman of Chicago's Q101 radio station that there should be no doubt the new iteration of the band is indeed Linkin Park.
“As the music came into focus, we were, like, 'This is as Linkin Park an album as we could make. It's so Linkin Park that if we call it something else, then we are idiots,'” Shinoda said. “Because it would be like misrepresentation. It'd be silly. And when people hear more of the album, they will understand that."
