Linkin Park address founding drummer Rob Bourdon’s departure

Linkin Park have addressed the departure of founding member and drummer Rob Bourdon – see what they had to say below.

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Late last night (September 5), Linkin Park announced their comeback through a livestream event where they performed with two new members: vocalist Emily Armstrong and drummer Colin Brittain.

They also announced a new album ‘From Zero’, shared a new single ‘The Emptiness Machine’ and announced short world tour beginning this month. It marks their first new music since the death of Chester Bennington in 2017.

In a chat with Billboard regarding their comeback, Mike Shinoda noted that Bourdon – who had founded the band with him and guitarist Brad Delson – had decided to depart the band.

Linkin Park with new members Emily Armstrong and Colin Brittain. Credit: James Minchin III

Shinoda explained: “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. 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.”

In his place on the drum throne now is acclaimed songwriter and musician Colin Brittain, who has in the park worked with the likes of G Flip, Illenium and One OK Rock. Shinoda said of Brittain: “He’s playing drums in the live show, and drums are his first instrument, but he plays guitar and bass and keyboard, and he produces and mixes. We have a similar way of looking at music, of starting from scratch, and I really enjoyed working with him and bouncing ideas back-and-forth.”

Former Linkin Park drummer Rob Bourdon. Credit: Scott Dudelson/WireImage

“And then when Linkin Park started making stuff, for whatever we were going to do, it was just like, ‘Oh, Colin. We’re making stuff. You should come over,’” Shinoda added.

During their comeback livestream, the band announced a new album, ‘From Zero’. ‘From Zero’ is due to arrive on November 15, and is available for pre-order now. The album is previewed by one single, ‘The Emptiness Machine’, which has now received a music video that can be seen below.

Linkin Park have also announced a short world tour that will consist of six arena shows across the world between September and November this year. The tour will kick off at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles on September 11. Other stops include New York, Germany, London, South Korea and Colombia.

Linkin Park’s LP Underground fan club pre-sales begin tomorrow September 6 and general tickets go live on September 7 via the official Linkin Park website.

Linkin Park’s ‘From Zero’ 2024 tour dates are:

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