In addition to new vocalist Emily Armstrong, the reformed Linkin Park has two other fresh faces: drummer Colin Brittain and touring guitarist Alex Feder, who joined the band’s live lineup after Brad Delson announced he would not be joining LP on the road.
Delson still remains part of Linkin Park, though, and played on their comeback album, From Zero. Speaking with Guitar World, Delson elaborates on his decision to step away from the live stage.
“For everyone, it wasn’t like, ‘Let’s go back to what we were doing,'” Delson says of LP ending their seven-year hiatus following the 2017 death of frontman Chester Bennington. “It was like, ‘Let’s take what we’ve learned in the time off to approach our roles with greater self-awareness and insight.’ I really thrive in the studio. I love making new things. That’s what energizes me personality-wise.”
“That’s why I decided to focus my energy on that area and have Alex as my world-traveler doppelganger,” he continues. “I think he brings a lot to the show.”
Delson adds that he’s contributed to the feel of Linkin Park’s live show, even if he’s not playing in it.
“I’m really proud of the show,” Delson says. “Even though I’m not onstage, I put a lot of my creative love into the show. I’ve always been obsessed with the setlist, the concept of the show, and how it flows. I worked really hard on the current show; that’s no different than the past.”
After playing a number of one-off shows in 2024, Linkin Park will launch a full world tour in support of From Zero in 2025. As for whether Delson may return to the live lineup, he says, “You never know.”
“I don’t have a crystal ball,” he adds. “I can’t definitely say.”
Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
