Linkin Park are in the midst of a successful return both via a new album and tour. The comeback hasn’t been without some controversy, however, including fans calling out new singer Emily Armstrong over past ties to Scientology and disgraced actor Danny Masterson. Guitarist Brad Delson has also chosen to sit out the band’s live shows but remains with the band in a writing/studio capacity.
In a new interview with the Zach Sang Show, the band’s co-lead vocalist and producer Mike Shinoda talked about Delson’s absence and the addition of drummer/co-producer Colin Brittain. “Colin Brittain, he was part of the process (for the new album “From Zero) just as a writer and a co-producer,” Shinoda said. “I just love working with Colin. I met him in sessions and then was bringing him in to help with writing and production. And then eventually we were, like, ‘Hey, dude, it turns out we need somebody to play drums.’ I know that’s his primary instrument. So I was, like, ‘Is that something you would wanna do? It would mean stepping away from your production career.'”
He continued: “In case anybody doesn’t understand the dynamic, our guitarist Brad is our guitarist — he’s in the band — but he’s realized that in terms of his… It’s kind of a mental health thing. He doesn’t love the touring and the live show lifestyle, and so he is our guitarist, but he’s not playing live. So he’s chosen, he found a guy named Alex who’s spectacular, a really good guitarist and they get along great, and Brad chose Alex to play his parts live. But at the time, we hadn’t met Alex, and so we asked Colin. I was, like, ‘Brad needs somebody to play guitar, and we need a drummer. You do both equally well. What would you wanna do?’ And he was just like a kid in a candy store. I think he said, ‘I can’t believe what you’re asking me right now.’ He was so excited.”
Shinoda also talked about former drummer Rob Bourdon leaving the group. “Rob had said to us at a point, I guess it was a few years ago now, that he wanted to put some distance between himself and the band,” Shinoda said. “And we understood that — it was already apparent. He was starting to just show up less, be in less contact, and I know the fans noticed it too. The ‘Hybrid Theory’ re-release and ‘Papercuts’ release, he didn’t show up for anything. So for me, as a friend, that was sad, but at the same time, I want him to do whatever makes him happy, and obviously everybody wishes him the best.”
Shinoda and Armstrong’s full interview can be viewed below.
