Linkin Park recently returned from hiatus after the tragic loss of their iconic frontman, Chester Bennington, in 2017. They recently unveiled a new single titled “The Emptiness Machine” from their upcoming album From Zero. This marks the band’s first release of new music in several years. The band performed in a live stream event. However, fans quickly noticed the absence of two core members, guitarist Brad Delson and drummer Rob Bourdon during the performance. Rob Bourdon was replaced by Colin Brittain while Guitarist Alex Feder stepped in to fill Brad Delson’s role on stage.

Colin Brittain is not replacing Rob Bourdon

During his Instagram live from South Korea, he said that he was not replacing Rob Bourdon. He said: “I’m not replacing Rob, this wasn’t a band’s mindset when we set out to do this. We’re just moving forward.

Rob is an amazing drummer, he was very influentional to me, and so trying to “replace” somebody like him would be unrealistic.”

Colin: “I’m not replacing Rob, this wasn’t a band’s mindset when we set out to do this. We’re just moving forward.

Rob is an amazing drummer, he was very influentional to me, and so trying to “replace” somebody like him would be unrealistic.”❤️ pic.twitter.com/Rw5wvUKHCK

— a.🍍| fan accøunt (@BroodingAnanas) September 28, 2024

According to Linkin Park vocalist Mike Shinoda in an interview with Billboard, the drums are Brittain’s primary instrument. Still, he’s also adept at playing keyboards, guitar and bass which has helped him in his roles as a songwriter and producer with a variety of acts.

Shinoda revealed in the chat that he had first met Brittain around 2021 when both musicians participated in a session with a few other songwriters and their friendship and mutual admiration sparked from there.

Meanwhile, former Dead Sara frontwoman Emily Armstrong was also introduced as the new vocalist replacing Chester Bennington.  However, the addition of Emily Armstrong to the band drew mixed reactions from the fans and Mike Shinoda has also addressed the same. Meanwhile, she has received support from Chester’s widow, Talinda Bennington. She seemingly approved of the band’s choice to replace Chester.