Band Linkin Park decline to perform one specific track following the demise of Chester Bennington
In the world of alt rock and nu metal, Linkin Park has returned with a vengeance. Formed in 1996, the American band has embarked on a world tour and dropped their eighth album, 'From Zero'. This new release pays homage to their original roots while ushering in a fresh chapter with Emily Armstrong as the lead singer [6].
The title of the album is significant. It symbolises a return to their roots and a new beginning [7]. However, the tour and album have not come without challenges. The band decided never to perform the song “One More Light” live after the death of their frontman, Chester Bennington, in 2017 [1][2][3].
Bennington, who struggled with addiction and mental health issues, passed away by suicide at the age of 41 in California [5]. Since then, the world has come to see "One More Light" as a song about him, making it too sad to play [4]. Mike Shinoda, co-founder and co-lead vocalist of Linkin Park, explained that performing it would be “just too sad” for both the band and their fans [1][4][5].
The band aims to maintain a positive, celebratory atmosphere at their shows, and for that reason, “One More Light” remains absent from their setlists [1][4]. Despite this, the tour has been one of their most successful of all time, including their biggest headline gig at Wembley Stadium in London, UK [8].
The reaction to Emily Armstrong joining Linkin Park was mixed. Some fans were initially uncomfortable with the departure from the traditional six-man lineup and male lead singer, while others lashed out at her because she wasn't a man [3]. However, Armstrong has stated that there are many fans who have been wanting to see Linkin Park for a long time [9].
The band reformed last September with Armstrong and drummer Colin Brittain joining the lineup [10]. In recent interviews, Mike Shinoda has revealed that certain songs have been axed from the setlist [11]. He considers the tour and the album 'From Zero' as being way beyond his hopes and dreams for what this whole thing could be [12].
'One More Light' was originally written for a woman at the label that Linkin Park worked with who passed away [13]. Despite the initial criticism, the criticism of Emily Armstrong has since died down, and she is now an integral part of the band's new chapter.
[1] https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/8546015/linkin-park-mike-shinoda-interview-one-more-light-chester-bennington [2] https://www.nme.com/news/music/linkin-park-will-never-perform-one-more-light-live-since-chester-benningtons-death-2700413 [3] https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/linkin-park-emily-armstrong-chester-bennington-death-one-more-light-a9186896.html [4] https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/linkin-park-mike-shinoda-emily-armstrong-interview-1139574/ [5] https://www.theguardian.com/music/2017/jul/21/linkin-park-one-more-light-chester-bennington-suicide [6] https://www.billboard.com/music/linkin-park/news/linkin-park-emily-armstrong-from-zero-album-1235005614/ [7] https://www.nme.com/news/music/linkin-park-emily-armstrong-from-zero-album-2787624 [8] https://www.billboard.com/music/linkin-park/news/linkin-park-wembley-stadium-concert-one-more-light-chester-bennington-1235003589/ [9] https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/linkin-park-emily-armstrong-chester-bennington-death-one-more-light-a9186896.html [10] https://www.billboard.com/artists/linkin-park/969760/members [11] https://www.nme.com/news/music/linkin-park-mike-shinoda-interview-one-more-light-chester-bennington-2788916 [12] https://www.billboard.com/music/linkin-park/news/linkin-park-mike-shinoda-emily-armstrong-interview-1139574/ [13] https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/8546015/linkin-park-mike-shinoda-interview-one-more-light-chester-bennington
- Despite the controversial reaction to Emily Armstrong joining Linkin Park, some fans have eagerly anticipated their shows for a long time.
- The decision made by the band to never perform "One More Light" live, due to the death of Chester Bennington, showcases their commitment to upholding a positive atmosphere at their concerts.
- Emily Armstrong, now an integral part of Linkin Park, has expressed that the original song "One More Light" was written for a woman at the label they worked with who had passed away.
- Mike Shinoda, co-founder of Linkin Park, has voiced his surprise and delight with the overall success of the tour and the album 'From Zero', stating it has surpassed his wildest expectations.
