Since the tragic loss of Chester Bennington in 2017, Linkin Park faced a challenging period of uncertainty, grappling with whether to continue and how to move forward. Initially unsure of their path, they ultimately decided to carry on with their music, and today, they are more active than ever.
In 2023, the band made a significant comeback, re-releasing previously unheard tracks from their catalog and sharing remixes. Their return to the stage culminated in a special event on September 5—a five-hour concert exclusively for members of Linkin Park Underground.
This moment was pivotal, as they not only announced an upcoming six-date arena tour spanning four continents but also introduced their new lead singer, Emily Armstrong. Here’s everything you need to know about her.
Who is Emily Armstrong?
Emily Marcia Armstrong, born on May 6, 1986, is an American singer, songwriter, and musician who is 38 years old. She began writing songs and playing guitar at age 11 and started singing at 15. Knowing early on that her true passion was making music and being in a rock band, she dropped out of high school to pursue her dream.
Before her association with Linkin Park, Emily gained recognition as the co-founder of the rock band Dead Sara, which she formed with guitarist Siouxsie Medley in 2002 when they were both teenagers. The two quickly bonded over their shared musical influences and vision.
Dead Sara became known for their high-energy performances and powerful sound that blends rock, punk, and blues, often drawing comparisons to Stevie Nicks’ style. Despite facing challenges with record labels, the band has consistently released music and maintained a loyal fanbase.
Why was Emily Armstrong chosen to replace Chester Bennington in Linkin Park?
That’s the question everyone is asking, but the truth is, the members of Linkin Park don’t see this as a replacement. Back in 2019, as the band was beginning to find their footing again, Mike Shinoda was asked about the idea of someone filling Chester’s shoes.
He responded, “It’s not my goal to look for a new singer. If it does happen, it has to happen naturally. If we find someone who is a great person and a good stylistic fit, I could see trying to do some stuff with somebody. I would never want to feel like we are replacing Chester.”
The group met Emily Armstrong in 2019 and soon started working on music with her. Gradually, she became more central to Linkin Park, and in 2023, the members invited her to join as their lead singer, lending her voice to both future tracks and the band’s back catalog.
In a recent interview with Billboard, Emily reminisced about the exact moment she was asked to be the new face of the team. It was a typical recording day when they approached her and said, “We’ve got some shows coming up and some big festival stuff. And, you know, it’s a year out, and we think you’d be great. We think you could sing all the old songs, and we love what you’re doing and how this whole process is going.”
While she tried to stay calm about the proposal for the rest of the day, it was impossible to contain her excitement. After enduring their darkest era, but never forgetting it, Linkin Park decided to return to the big stages with Emily Armstrong as the voice of their music—a dream come true for her.