The rock world is buzzing with controversy as Jaime Bennington, son of the late Chester Bennington, publicly criticized Linkin Park’s decision to replace his father with new vocalist Emily Armstrong.
Jaime took to Instagram on September 9, 2024, to share his thoughts following the band’s livestream announcement of Armstrong as their new co-lead vocalist alongside Mike Shinoda.
Jaime expressed his frustration with the timing of this decision, stating that it occurred during International Suicide Prevention Month, a deeply personal time considering his father’s tragic passing in 2017. He accused Linkin Park of “quietly erasing [his] father’s life and legacy in real time,” referencing the addition of Armstrong to the band. He was also vocal about his concerns over Armstrong’s past connections to controversial figures like convicted rapist Danny Masterson, further deepening the discord between himself and the band.
Linkin Park’s choice to bring Armstrong on board was met with mixed reactions from fans. While some praised her vocal abilities, others, including Jaime, were not as welcoming. Jaime highlighted what he felt was a betrayal of the trust built with the fanbase, claiming the band had promised to be a “bigger, better person” but failed to live up to that intention.
Jaime’s comments have added to the ongoing debate among fans about how the band should move forward without Chester. Since his passing, Linkin Park had been largely inactive, only resurfacing recently with the announcement of their new album, From Zero. Their upcoming project marks the band’s first album since One More Light, which was released just two months before Chester’s death.
Mike Shinoda, in a recent interview, admitted the transition would be difficult for fans. While he believes Armstrong is capable of delivering on the band’s signature sound, he acknowledged that it would take time for people to accept the change. Despite this, Shinoda remains confident in the direction the band is heading with their new music and world tour, which kicks off on September 11.
As From Zero nears its November 15 release, it remains to be seen how fans will react to the new lineup and what impact Jaime Bennington’s strong public disapproval will have on the band’s future.
