Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Entertainment
Dave Simpson

‘Instantly a very different vibe’: the glory and controversy of Linkin Park’s explosive comeback

Linkin Park, with co-founder Mike Shinoda, right, and new singer Emily Armstrong, centre.
Linkin Park, with co-founder Mike Shinoda, right, and new singer Emily Armstrong, centre. Photograph: James-Minchin III

Oasis may have sold a lot of tickets, but for many music fans there’s an even bigger rock comeback this year: Linkin Park, whose first three albums went 25 times platinum between them in the US alone, have dramatically ended a seven-year hiatus which followed the 2017 suicide of co-frontman Chester Bennington.

Last Friday, a simultaneous livestreamed concert, music video and Billboard interview revealed a forthcoming album, world tour and a new co-frontperson, Emily Armstrong. On Wednesday the group played their first full-length concert since 2017, at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California, and they play London’s O2 Arena on 24 September. The comeback has been concocted under a level of secrecy to rival even that Oasis reunion, with band members, crew and venues being sworn to silence.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.