Brief
Linkin Park frontwoman Emily Armstrong doubts she can fill Chester Bennington’s shoes
Armstrong says she feels pressure to honour the band’s legacy while forging her own style.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Linkin Park vocalist Emily Armstrong told People she sometimes wonders whether she is "cut out" to replace late frontman Chester Bennington, the band’s 2017 suicide victim. The 40‑year‑old, who previously fronted Los Angeles rock group Dead Sara, joined the band in 2024 amid controversy.
What happened
Armstrong’s comments appear in a new interview promoting the documentary Unshatter, which follows Linkin Park’s 2024 reunion and her first shows with the group. She said she feels the weight of fans’ expectations and the need to avoid being a "replacement" for Bennington.
What the reports add
The Independent notes that Bennington’s mother Susan Eubanks previously called the decision to appoint a new frontman "betrayed" and accused the band of trying "very hard to erase the past." The outlet also cites music critic Mark Beaumont, who argued the reunion puts the band’s legacy at stake.
What was said
Armstrong told People, "You see it in the documentary where I’m just like, ‘Am I even cut out for this?’" and added, "You’re trying to give yourself every reason to just be like, ‘You’re not good. Everybody knows these songs.’" She continued, "Don’t try to be like anybody. You’re not a replacement. Nobody could ever, ever replace Chester. Do what you do." Co‑founder Mike Shinoda is quoted in the same interview saying, "To be able to find in the universe five other people that have the connection that Linkin Park has, but to do it not only once, but twice, is insane. There’s no words I could come up with to explain how grateful I am to be able to do it again."
How it came about
Armstrong’s appointment followed Linkin Park’s decision to reunite after a six‑year hiatus, a move documented in the band’s September 29 documentary release. The film opens with a São Paulo concert in November 2024 and tracks the group’s return to recording, including the album From Zero and two stadium shows that attracted roughly 97,000 fans each.
Key facts
- Emily Armstrong, former frontwoman of Dead Sara, joined Linkin Park in 2024. (independent.co.uk)
- Armstrong said she wonders if she is "cut out" to replace Chester Bennington. (independent.co.uk)
- Bennington’s mother Susan Eubanks called the decision to appoint a new singer "betrayed". (independent.co.uk)
- Mike Shinoda praised the reunion, calling it "insane" and expressing gratitude. (independent.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “Linkin Park singer worried she wasn’t ‘cut out’ to take over from late frontman”
