In a recent appearance on The Chuck Shute Podcast, SKILLET frontman John Cooper shared his thoughts on LINKIN PARK’s decision to bring in DEAD SARA’s Emily Armstrong as their new co-vocalist. Cooper expressed a deep personal connection to LINKIN PARK, describing their album “Hybrid Theory” as one of his all-time favorites and noting how much he admired the late Chester Bennington. He conveyed a sense of grief over Chester’s passing, admitting that he hasn’t fully come to terms with it yet.
Cooper remarked, “I don’t really have an opinion” on the band’s new direction, emphasizing his emotional attachment to Chester’s legacy. While he appreciates LINKIN PARK’s efforts to evolve and try something new, he feels a reluctance to move on just yet.
He acknowledged the challenges of replacing a frontman, noting the deep emotional connections fans had with Chester’s voice and lyrics. “Replacing a singer is really hard,” he stated, drawing parallels to VAN HALEN’s successful lineup changes. He emphasized that the singer often embodies the connection fans feel to the music, making it a significant challenge for Armstrong to establish her own identity within the band.
Cooper highlighted that the key to success for LINKIN PARK’s new phase will depend on whether fans can connect with Armstrong in the same way they did with Chester. He mentioned other bands like SEETHER and THREE DAYS GRACE, where fans have formed strong bonds with their vocalists.
LINKIN PARK recently introduced their new lineup at a live event on September 5, alongside the release of a new single, “The Emptiness Machine,” and an upcoming album titled “From Zero,” set to drop on November 15. Mike Shinoda has also spoken about the scrutiny Emily will face, reassuring fans that while she brings her own unique voice, the essence of LINKIN PARK remains intact.
