Current:Home > StocksLinkin Park's new singer Emily Armstrong explodes in Los Angeles concert tour kickoff -StockSource
Linkin Park's new singer Emily Armstrong explodes in Los Angeles concert tour kickoff
View
Date:2025-04-15 17:25:13
LOS ANGELES — After thrashing out the first three power songs in Linkin Park's spanking new musical chapter Wednesday night, band co-founder, rapper and producer Mike Shinoda took time for some greetings and one important introduction before the sold-out and enthusiastically rowdy crowd at Los Angeles' Kia Forum.
"It's truly so wonderful to see you again. I just want to say this is the first show of our tour," said Shinoda, officially kicking off the From Zero World Tour, the first for the Grammy-winning nu metal band since the 2017 death of powerhouse singer Chester Bennington.
"Have you met our friend, Emily, yet?" Shinoda asked.
The raucous Forum crowd had definitely met Emily Armstrong, who was announced as Linkin Park's new co-lead singer just six days earlier on Sept. 5, along with the six-date international tour (next stops in New York, Hamburg, London, Seoul and Bogota) and the promised release of the band's eighth album, "From Zero" (out Nov. 15).
Linkin Park setlist:All songs in the From Zero World Tour kickoff with Emily Armstrong
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
Armstrong, the co-founder of alternative rock band Dead Sara, made an instant impact with her raging vocals, fearless stage presence and black booted-stage strut — from the fittingly titled first song, 2003's "Somewhere I Belong" to OG Linkin Park classics "Crawling" and "Lying from You."
Still, Shinoda made it clear from his introduction that Bennington was on every audience member's mind.
"You already know that you guys are singing for Chester tonight, right?" Shinoda said before starting a "Points of Authority" crowd sing-along.
There was controversy over the reformed Linkin Park, which includes DJ Joe Hahn, bassist Phoenix and new drummer Colin Brittain. The critical responses included a viral Sept. 9 Instagram stories post from Jamie Bennington, the son of the late singer, stating Armstrong's appointment "quietly erased my father's life and legacy in real time."
Linkin Park, and Armstrong, channeled any response to criticism into the tenacious, two-hour, 27-song show featuring the new vocalist owning every inch of the stage centered in the middle of the famed LA arena.
Revealing the band's already-released new single, "The Emptiness Machine," Armstrong held her microphone to the air to exhort the crowd to sing along with the new lyrics. During "Burn It Down," Armstrong smiled as if she had been performing the 2012 song forever.
"How you feeling, Em?" Shinoda asked after Armstrong fell to her knees singing "Waiting for the End." Her unprintable two-word response included "great." Following a spirited rendition of "Friendly Fire," Armstrong grinned and said puckishly, "That was fun."
The singer swore a little enthusiastically after the crowd roared to Linkin Park's new version of "Numb."
"Emily, there are children," Shinoda jokingly chided from the stage.
"I'm so sorry," Armstrong responded, adding, "Not sorry."
Shinoda did apologize to the crowd for the late Armstrong introduction, as the singer has been discreetly working and recording with the band. "Sorry to keep this secret," he said.
"It was hard," added Armstrong of the time when her presence was kept under wraps. "That was the hardest thing."
"But we are so (expletive) back," said Shinoda.
Linkin Park's explosively renewed sound revealed points that will need to be ironed out. Shinoda ran into a mic stand in one solo vocal spree during the medley "When They Come for Me/Remember The Name." The performer took his own energy as a positive.
"That was my favorite part of the night," Shinoda said, smiling.
Before the third and final encore song. "Bleed It Out," Shinoda paid respect to the band's new addition. "How about Emily?" he asked the crowd, prompting another undisputed roar of approval.
Shinoda took a quick crowd poll. To his delight, roughly half of the audience signaled through a "show of hands" that the concert had been their first Linkin Park concert experience.
"That's incredible. That's part of why we're back out here," said Shinoda. "It's not about erasing the past. It's about starting this new chapter into the future. We love playing for you guys and are very excited about our new record."
veryGood! (446)
Related
- Buckingham Palace staff under investigation for 'bar brawl'
- Lahaina, his hometown, was in flames. He looked for a way out. Then he heard the screams.
- Nevada election-fraud crusader drops US lawsuit under threat of sanctions; presses on in state court
- Rescued walrus calf that was receiving cuddles as part of his care in Alaska dies
- John Galliano out at Maison Margiela, capping year of fashion designer musical chairs
- Why Brody Jenner Says He Wants to be “Exact Opposite” of Dad Caitlyn Jenner Amid Fatherhood Journey
- Breakout season ahead? In Kyle Hamilton, Ravens believe they have budding star
- 4 arrested after a shooting that wounded a Minneapolis police officer
- Jorge Ramos reveals his final day with 'Noticiero Univision': 'It's been quite a ride'
- A man posed as a veterinarian and performed surgery on a pregnant dog who died, authorities say
Ranking
- Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie return for an 'Encore,' reminisce about 'The Simple Life'
- Kevin Federline's Lawyer Reveals When Britney Spears Last Talked to Their Sons
- Shein's mounting ethical concerns may be pushing some Gen Z shoppers to look elsewhere
- Jordin Canada speaks on success back home with Los Angeles Sparks, Nipsey Hussle influence
- Juan Soto to be introduced by Mets at Citi Field after striking record $765 million, 15
- Woody Harrelson wears hat supporting RFK Jr. for president: 'Great seeing you'
- California judge who's charged with murder allegedly texted court staff: I just shot my wife. I won't be in tomorrow.
- Woman arrested after missing man's corpse found inside her Ohio home
Recommendation
What to know about Tuesday’s US House primaries to replace Matt Gaetz and Mike Waltz
Mick Fleetwood says his restaurant has been lost in Maui wildfires: We are heartbroken
Toyota recalls roughly 168,000 vehicles over fire risk
Will Milwaukee Brewers look to relocate if state stadium financing package fails?
Opinion: Gianni Infantino, FIFA sell souls and 2034 World Cup for Saudi Arabia's billions
New study finds playing football may increase risk of Parkinson's symptoms
The Pentagon plans to shake up DC’s National Guard, criticized for its response to protests, Jan. 6
The Ultimatum’s April Marie Gives Birth, Welcomes First Baby With Cody Cooper