Stryper frontman Michael Sweet supports Linkin Park’s decision to continue with a new singer.
He shared his thoughts on Instagram about Emily Armstrong, stating, “I think Emily Armstrong is doing a great job signing for Linkin Park. I’m a fan of the band and I think she’s a great singer and perfect choice for the band.”
In early September, Linkin Park announced their return with Armstrong. They released their latest single, ‘The Emptiness Machine,’ from the album ‘From Zero.’ Some fans criticized Armstrong’s addition due to her ties to Scientology and support for Danny Masterson.
Still, many rockers have expressed support for the band’s decision. Papa Roach frontman Jacoby Shaddix commented, “People wanna hear this [music].’ And so it’s awesome that their music can be celebrated. I know people are very polarized about this, but I look at it like when Stone Temple Pilots lost [singer] Scott Weiland. Who stepped in? Chester. Chester stepped in to carry that flag for rock and roll. So it makes sense why somebody would step in in his place and in his absence to carry that flag and to bring that message to the people, because it’s a hopeful message.”
KISS rocker Gene Simmons said of the new singer, “The new female singer, great! She fits the band. She sounds great and good luck to them.” He added, “Life is short. Go out there and live it up, enjoy it. Linkin Park got fans. They want to hear the songs and the music. Why not? There are bands that tour, Lynyrd Skynyrd, lots of bands that barely have any original members or no original members. People want to hear those songs.”
Brent Smith also stated, “The entire world knows [Chester is] irreplaceable because he was one of a kind. But with all that said, there’s an audience that misses this band, their presence, and what they represent. So I ask all of you… Give them the chance to not close their chapter. Let them celebrate their legacy and create a new one.”
Linkin Park’s new album will be released on November 15, 2024. The band began a six-show arena tour on September 11 at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California, ending in Bogota, Colombia, on November 11, 2024.
