Introduction

In a surprising twist that has reignited discussions about the legacy of the late Chester Bennington, his mother, Susan Eubanks, has openly criticized Linkin Park for their decision to hire Emily Armstrong as the new vocalist.

Feelings of Betrayal

In a passionate interview with Rolling Stone, Eubanks expressed feelings of betrayal, stating she was blindsided by the band's actions and felt they were attempting to erase Chester's impactful past with the group.

Assurances from the Band

Eubanks revealed that she had been assured by the band that she would be notified about any significant changes regarding their future as a collective.

"I feel betrayed," she stated. "They told me if they were ever going to do something, they would let me know. They didn’t let me know, and they probably knew that I wasn’t going to be very happy. I’m very upset about it."

Discovery of the Announcement

Eubanks noted that she did not discuss any potential reunions or changes during occasional encounters with members Mike Shinoda and Joe Hahn. Although Shinoda had previously reached out to her regarding the release of new songs featuring Chester’s vocals, the announcement that Armstrong would take over as vocalist caught her completely off guard.

"I found out about Emily Armstrong joining the band on Google," she said. "I often see Linkin Park pop up at the top of my searches, and that's how I discovered the announcement."

Livestream Experience

Eubanks also described her experience watching the band’s livestream reveal of Armstrong as Bennington's successor, stating she switched off the stream feeling distressed by what she heard.

“I thought her singing… I don’t even remember what it is, because I didn’t want to hear it. It was just a moment... I got out of there as fast as I could,” she lamented.

Chester's Perspective

Reflecting on her discussions with Chester, Eubanks indicated that he was initially open to the idea of a female vocalist in the band if he were ever to leave. However, she maintained that nobody could replicate her son’s unique voice, and she was disappointed to see the band taking direction that she felt did not honor his legacy.

Response from the Family and Community

Eubanks's remarks follow a wave of mixed emotions from fans and peers alike regarding the band’s decision, with Chester's son also voicing his disapproval. He criticized the move, particularly poignant as it was made during international suicide prevention month, a time meant to honor struggles with mental health—an issue that Chester notably championed.

This sentiment was echoed by Mars Volta’s Cedric Bixler-Zavala and his wife, who called attention to Armstrong's previous support for controversial figures amidst problematic allegations.

Conclusion

As this story continues to evolve, fans are left questioning how Linkin Park will navigate the legacy of Chester Bennington while forging ahead with new music, and what this means for the relationship between the band and Chester's family. Stay tuned for more updates as the situation develops!