Well, that didn’t take long. There’s controversy swirling about new Linkin Park vocalist Emily Armstrong
Last week, Linkin Park V2.0 was unveiled. This is how the band will move forward without Chester Bennington up front.
First, there’s a new drummer in the form of producer/songwriter/producer Colin Brittain. He replaces Rob Bourdon, who has declined to continue with the band. You can read more about Colin here. We also heard that Brad Delson is going to sit out the comeback tour. He’d rather stay in the background.
Out front will be Emily Armstong of the LA band Dead Sara. She also made her debut with a private gig before hardcore fans in LA last week.
However, there are alread some turbulence originating in Emily’s history with Scientology and her support of a person convicted of sexual assault.
Cedric Bixler-Zavala of Mars Volta and his wife claim that Emily is a high-profile Scienitologist. Not quite Tom Cruise level, but maybe something in the vein of Beck. But that’s not the real problem.
Remember the story of actor Danny Masterson who was convicted of rape? Emily is accused of being a supporter and close friend of Masterson. Bixler-Zavala dropped this online:
“Remember how your fellow scientologist goon squad surrounded one of the Jane Doe’s when she was trying to leave the elevators? The court sherriffs had to escort her away from your awful cult.”
Emily responsded with a statement on Instagram:
“I’m new to so many of you, and I wanted to clear the air about something that happened a while back.
“Several years ago, I was asked to support someone I considered a friend at a court appearance, and went to one early hearing as an observer. Soon after, I realized I shouldn’t have. I always try to see the good in people, and I misjudged him. I have never spoken with him since. Unimaginable details emerged and he was later found guilty.
“To say it as clearly as possible: I do not condone abuse or violence against women, and I empathize with the victims of these crimes.”
Meanwhile, tickets for LinkinPark shows in LA and New York sold out in less than an hour. That was enough for six more shows to be announced.
