American nu-metal band Linkin Park’s lead guitarist Brad Delson will not be a part of their comeback tour seven years after the death of frontman Chester Bennington, he said in a statement on Friday.
Alex Feder, known for being the singer-songwriter and guitarist for the American indie rock band The XYZ Affair, will be filling in for Delson at the concert tour based on their upcoming studio album From Zero, Delson said in his statement.
“I am so proud of everything we continue to create together. While I will not be performing on tour in this new chapter, I am super excited to introduce Alex—my handsome deputy on the road. Alex is a world-class musician, a kind and thoughtful friend, and we are truly fortunate he’ll be contributing his unique talent to our LP universe,” Delson wrote alongside behind-the-scenes pictures from the recording of their new track The Emptiness Machine, dropped on Friday.
From Zero is Linkin Park’s first studio album since 2017’s One More Light, released two months before Chester’s untimely death by suicide.
On Friday, Linkin Park returned to the stage after seven years with a highly-anticipated exclusive live performance in Los Angeles where they introduced their new co-vocalist Emily Armstrong and drummer Colin Brittain.
Hinting at contributing to the world tour from behind-the-scenes, Delson said, “I’ve always felt deeply connected to and proud of our live performances. Over the years I’ve realized I thrive most when I’m actively working with my bandmates behind the scenes––in the studio, collaborating on our new music, and helping build our live show.”
Following Chester’s death, the band took a hiatus, during which they focused on personal healing and reflection. They returned to the spotlight in 2020 with a special edition of their debut album Hybrid Theory and a greatest hits album this year named after their 2000 song Papercuts.
Founded in 1996, Linkin Park, featuring Mike Shinoda, Chester Bennington, Brad Delson, Rob Bourdon, Dave Farrell and Joe Hahn, defined the nu-metal genre with their unique infusion of heavy metal, hip-hop and electronic elements. The band shaped an entire era with Chester’s emotive vocals and Shinoda’s incisive rap, exploring themes of personal struggle, emotional turmoil and resilience.
The band — now comprising Mike Shinoda, Joe Hahn and Dave Farrell alongwith their new members Emily Armstrong and drummer Colin Brittain — will embark on their world tour on November 15. They will be hitting cities like Los Angeles, New York, Hamburg, London, Seoul and Bogota from September 11 to November 11.
