Linkin Park has officially kicked off their reunion tour!
The band performed the first show of their From Zero to Hero world tour at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles, where founding member Mike Shinoda took a moment to address the recent controversy surrounding the reunion.
After asking the audience who was attending their first-ever Linkin Park show and receiving a huge cheer from the audience, Shinoda explained the reason behind the reunion.
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“I mean, that’s part of why we’re back out here,” he said, explaining that he understands a lot of fans never got to see the band perform.
“We are thrilled to be back out here. It is not about erasing the past, it is about starting this new chapter into the future and coming out here for each and every one of you,” he continued in the video shared to the venue’s social media.
“We love playing for you guys, we love writing this music – we’re very f—ing excited about the new record,” Shinoda added.
“So thank you guys very much – we’ve had an incredible night with you. Hopefully we’ll see you soon.”
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https://twitter.com/thekiaforum/status/1834128824038293882?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
The band came under fire after bringing on Emily Armstrong as the new lead singer following former lead singer, Chester Bennington’s death in 2017.
Just a few days ago Chester’s son, Jamie Bennington, slammed the band for the decision due to allegations that Armstrong has controversial associations with the Church of Scientology and convicted rapist, Danny Masterson.
Jamie accused Shinoda of having “quietly erased my father’s life and legacy,” adding that the founding member had “betrayed the trust loaned to you by decades of fans and supporting human beings including myself.”
Armstrong has not spoken out against claims she is associated with the Church of Scientology, however she did address the allegations she has ties to Masterson.
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”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,” she wrote on her Instagram story on September 7.
“Soon after, I realised I shouldn’t have. I always try to see the good in people, and I misjudged him. I have never spoken with him since,” Armstrong added.
”To say it as clearly as possible: I do not condone abuse or violence against women, and I empathise with the victims of these crimes.”
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