Rock titans Linkin Park made a triumphant return to the stage,captivating the 2024 Billboard Music Awards audience with a powerful rendition of “The Emptiness Machine” from their latest album,*From Zero*. This marked their first performance without the late Chester Bennington.
The awards show buzzed with electrifying performances from a diverse lineup, including Coldplay, Fuerza Regida, Jelly Roll, Megan Moroney, Teddy Swims, Tyla, Seventeen, Shaboozey and Stray Kids, creating an unforgettable night of music.
Linkin Park entered the ceremony as a top contender, nominated for five Billboard awards and ultimately taking home the coveted honors for top rock duo/group and top hard rock artist.
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The decision to carry on the Linkin Park legacy without their iconic frontman, Chester Bennington, was announced in early September by band member Mike Shinoda. during an emotional livestream, Shinoda addressed fans, stating, “This is a truly meaningful moment for us. In Chester’s place, every one of you are here today.”
The news of Emily Armstrong joining Linkin Park as vocalist, following Bennington’s tragic suicide in 2017 following the band’s *One More Light* album, was met with mixed reactions. Some fans and Bennington’s son, Jaime, expressed concerns, citing Armstrong’s ties to the Church of scientology and her friendship with danny Masterson, who was convicted of sexual assault.
Jaime publicly shared his reservations via Instagram Stories days after the announcement, expressing his belief that his father’s “life and legacy were being erased in real time” and criticizing Shinoda for appointing someone “he’d known for years” to replace Bennington, knowing her “history within the church and as a supporter” of Masterson.
Just days before Jaime’s statement, Armstrong issued a statement on social media, expressing regret for her past association with Masterson. “Some years ago, I attended an early court appearance to support someone I considered a friend,” she wrote. “I soon realized my mistake.I always try to see the best in people, but I misjudged him.I haven’t spoken with him since. When unimaginable details emerged, leading to his conviction, I was deeply troubled.”
How is Linkin park’s new direction with Emily Armstrong influencing their legacy in the rock music scene?
Linkin Park’s Legacy: A Conversation with Music Expert Sarah Thompson
Editor (Time.news): Welcome, Sarah! Thank you for joining us today. Linkin Park made headlines recently with their performance at the 2024 Billboard Music Awards. What were your initial thoughts on their return to the stage without Chester Bennington?
Sarah Thompson (Music Expert): Thank you for having me! It was indeed an emotional and meaningful moment.Linkin Park’s performance of “The Emptiness Machine” from their latest album From Zero was powerful, and you could feel the intensity in the audience. It was both a festivity of their legacy and a poignant reminder of Chester’s absence.this marked a new chapter for the band as they navigate their musical journey without their iconic frontman.
Editor: The awards show featured a diverse range of talent. How did Linkin Park’s achievements stand out among the performances from Coldplay and others?
Sarah: Linkin Park not only captured attention with their emotional tribute but also did so by winning awards for top rock duo/group and top hard rock artist. Being nominated for five Billboard awards shows their continued relevance in the music industry, even after enduring such personal loss.They clearly resonated with both the industry and fans,which is an essential aspect of their legacy.
Editor: Speaking of legacy, Mike Shinoda expressed that every fan is part of Linkin Park now. How do you think this sentiment shapes the band’s future?
Sarah: That’s a profound statement. By inviting fans into the conversation and conveying that they are part of the journey, Linkin Park is fostering a sense of community and continuity. This is crucial for any band looking to maintain relevance, especially after a tragedy. It demonstrates their commitment to honoring Chester’s memory while also evolving their sound and leadership with Emily Armstrong.
Editor: Emily Armstrong’s appointment as the new vocalist sparked some controversy, especially with comments from Chester’s son, Jaime. What are the potential impacts of such a decision on the band and its fanbase?
Sarah: This situation is quite complex. on one hand, bringing in a new vocalist can definitely help the band to continue creating music and maintaining momentum. on the other hand, the mixed reactions from fans highlight the challenges of replacing an iconic figure like Chester. Jaime’s concerns speak to the emotional weight that this change carries, particularly for long-time fans who see it as a threat to Chester’s legacy. It will be critical for the band to handle this transition with care to retain their fanbase’s trust.
Editor: Armstrong also made a statement about her past associations, which has influenced public perception. How essential is it for artists to address their past publicly, especially in today’s habitat?
Sarah: It’s incredibly crucial.Openness can definitely help shift public perception and build rapport with fans. When Armstrong expressed regret over her previous associations with Danny Masterson, it showed accountability—something that resonates with audiences today who respect artists who are authentic and open about their pasts. Addressing issues like this is vital in building a sustainable relationship with fans, especially during a sensitive time for Linkin Park.
Editor: In closing, what advice would you give to musicians navigating similar challenges within their careers?
Sarah: My advice would be to stay true to your message and connect with your audience. Artists should prioritize transparency and be willing to engage in arduous conversations. The music industry is constantly evolving, and being adaptable while holding onto one’s core values will be key to surviving and thriving. Embracing change while honoring the past can lead to growth, both personally and professionally.
Editor: Thank you so much for your insights, Sarah! It’s been a pleasure discussing linkin Park’s legacy and the intricacies involved in their journey moving forward.
Sarah: Thanks for having me! It’s always great to dive deep into the evolving dynamics in the music industry.