If you know me from socials, you’re probably already aware that all I’ve been doing these past few weeks has been squeaking left and right to anyone who would listen – and even to those who wouldn’t – about the return of a certain band. No, nothing to do with those brothers you’re thinking about, but it’s a reunion of sorts too. A much more important one.
A reunion with a band I thought I’d lost forever. A stepping stone in my formative years that persistently impacted my musical taste, and even if I dare say, my life journey. One of those bands yeah. And it’s none other than freaking Linkin Park.
A cryptic announcement, a countdown leading us to nothing and eventually everything, a promise to be part of something and that ultimate release : that secret livestream at the Forum – that I’ve been watching more than I will admit since.
Linkin Park is back.
And when I say back, I mean back back. New song, new album, new singer, new tour and a will to start a whole new chapter in the band’s history. I don’t know if you ever dreamt of having one of your bands back but in my books that’s pretty much how a perfect comeback should happen.
And as far as I can see from the response from fans all over the world, I’m not the only one who called it a complete success. A call we were all waiting for and eager to take. How to resist a dream come true?
My story with Linkin Park isn’t unlike many others really. A great story until the day it suddenly wasn’t. Chester’s death impacted us all and we all reacted in different ways. Kudos to the die-hard fans that stuck with the band for so many years afterwards. I’m one of those that stepped away and I have no (more) shame in saying so. Grief does shit like that.
It took me time to process losing Chester and the band themselves, but more than that those songs too. It’s a very weird thing to not be able to listen to the songs that saved you at some point. Words that had so much meaning somehow became so intricate with your own self that you feel like losing a part of yourself. Music is a gift, and always will be, but hearing those lyrics just seemed to echo the tragedy that was to come. Like a mirror you can’t bear to look into anymore for the ugly truth reflected is a reality in which those words that helped you make it, failed for the man who helped gift them to the world.
It’s painful. But if it is then, it’s probably also because there was a lot of love there. And that’s not something you can give up on so easily. That’s probably why some part of me, the one that needed healing, was waiting for that call again. Funnily enough, it actually came earlier this year in the voice of Mike with his Already Over sessions. Impeccable timing from the universe honestly to dive head first into this whole new era.
When I started hearing rumors about a new vocalist, I was more than eager to start again from zero. We needed someone who could sing, someone who could scream, someone who could tear our hearts apart and bring that bright light back into those words – someone strong enough to carry on Chester’s legacy. A complete badass, that’s what we needed. And obviously when I heard words about a female vocalist there was no going back. Who else could do all that and be more of a badass than a woman. Ha. HA.
Emily Fucking Armstrong. Yes that is officially your name now Em, sorry. What a top tier move that was.
And if you’re still struggling with that, let me start by stating the obvious. Less comparison possible with Chester – because we’re only humans so of course we would do that. Broadening the fan base with female representation – if that’s not something you can relate to, you should probably shush right now – and damn, DAMN, we’re at an age with so many talented women in rock music, it would have been a shame truly to miss out on the opportunity. And forgive my weak arse for it, but cherry on top – I was rooting for a badass, and we got a smoking hot badass.
More than any of that. HAVE YOU HEARD THE WOMAN SING?
(And I wrote all this before they debuted “Heavy is the crown” – seriously, she can hold that scream for longer than some of you can… let’s not go there.)
I am in awe.
I am in complete and utter awe of Emily guys.
Watching that livestream healed my inner teen in ways that years of therapy could have if I had ever decided to not put my traumas in the hands of rock’n’roll bands. Seeing all of them on that stage, beaming with joy and that glimpse of gratitude veiling their eyes – of course we’re still there guys. Of course we are. A long awaited reunion of old friends, and new ones (hi Colin) ready to share again the memories that brought us together and make fresh ones. Who would have thought nu metal could get so damn emotional. And then there were those songs…
Numb brought me to tears, Lost made me sob like a baby, Somewhere I belong still makes my hair stand on the back of my neck like my fingers are locked in a high voltage socket even after so many watches.
All of it.
A freaking mess of a fan tearing up and with the biggest smile on my face. Those voices, that energy, hearing Faint again, one of my favorite song in the world and it fucking WORKS for me. Gosh, that fact alone should be enough for you to give this new line up a chance.
The absolute batshit performance that was that livestream, and every perf since then, honestly blows my mind. And I can’t help but getting back to Emily – weak arse remember? – but can you imagine for a second the pressure she must have been under that day? I frankly could curl up in a ball in a dark corner just thinking about it – but nope. Badass. She went for it and she nailed it.
Awe.
Complete awe.
I know what some of you are gonna say – haters always find me for some reason – and I’m not gonna waste my breath on you. Just a tiny (very loud) sigh. All I’ll say about it is get down from your high moral horses. We all have our fucks up stories and if you still think your favs are supposed to be perfect then maybe go look at yourself in the mirror. Attacking and judging a person you know nothing about – cuz no you don’t, your favs are not your friends ffs – mere minutes after pulling such an incredible feat makes you the arsehole of the story really. If anything, life teaches us humility, we’re not as smart as we think. And remember that without chaos, there’s no creativity, no art, no music and in this particular case… No Linkin Park coming back. Get away from your keyboard and go reflect on that, now now.
ANYWAYS.
Chester gave a voice to all those too scared, too hurt, too silent and let the collective pain of a generation heard through him and the band. Hopefully Emily can take that legacy on, in her own way too, and here’s something that I think I know – I’ll get away from my keyboard in a minute too – I think she damn well can. And that my friends, will let a whole new generation of fans benefit from those songs, and provide a calling powerful enough for older fans like me to find their way back.
How to resist that call?
And if that’s not enough to convince you, maybe trust the band you love. Their joy on stage and the smile on Mike’s face says it all. Or maybe that new song – a clear sign that the future is happening now and you know what? The future sounds fucking brilliant.
I only wanted to be part of something and thankfully Linkin Park is ready to do just that. Again. it’s not every day that one of your dreams comes true – take the damn blessing.
Linkin Park is back.
And so are we.
From zero. With so much love.
