Linkin Park performed ‘The Emptiness Machine’ on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon last night (September 17) – check out the video below.
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The song was released earlier this month as the lead single from the band’s eighth studio album ‘From Zero’, which is due for release on November 15 (pre-order/pre-save here). It features new frontwoman Emily Armstrong (formerly of Dead Sara).
After kicking off a run of reunion dates last week in Los Angeles (where they ushered in a “new chapter”), Linkin Park stopped by The Tonight Show to give ‘The Emptiness Machine’ its TV live debut.
The performance began with Mike Shinoda and co. standing on a stage draped with material as strobe light illuminated the group. You can watch the electrifying outing here:
Speaking to the audience in LA last week, Shinoda explained that this version of Linkin Park was “not about erasing the past” following the controversy surrounding Armstrong stepping in to replace the late Chester Bennington.
The band have since taken to the stage in New York, and are scheduled to play at The O2 in London next Tuesday (September 24).
Drummer Colin Brittain has joined Linkin Park for this current run of dates following the departure of founding member Rob Bourdon.
Founding guitarist Brad Delson is also absent from the group’s comeback tour, but is still working with them behind-the-scenes – including participating in the creation of new music.
Chester Bennington’s son has claimed that Linkin Park fans have been “aggressive” towards him since he criticised the revamped group. Additionally, Jaime said his father’s former bandmates “didn’t ask me how I felt” about the reunion.
The initial response to the new line-up was largely positive among fellow artists and fans alike. However, controversy soon arose after it emerged that Armstrong seemingly had ties to Scientology and convicted rapist Danny Masterson. This was brought to light after a message sent to the singer by The Mars Volta and former At The Drive-In frontman Cedric Bixler-Zavala resurfaced online.
Jaime, 28, later hit out at remarks made by Shinoda. The latter explained that fans may need “time to wrap their heads around” the band reforming with Armstrong. He also said that those who “disrespect” him due to the decision would “lose my respect in return”.
Armstrong explained recently that she would “love to do [Chester Bennington] proud”, and issued a statement addressing her previous support of Masterson.
Meanwhile, Shinoda has spoken about why Linkin Park chose to keep their band name for the relaunched line-up. Additionally, he has said he is “not sure” if they will make new recordings of older songs that feature Bennington – who died by suicide in 2017.
In a statement, Shinoda wrote: “We feel really empowered with this new line-up and the vibrant and energised new music we’ve made together. We’re weaving together the sonic touchpoints we’ve been known for and still exploring new ones.”
Bennington’s widow Talinda has since expressed her approval of Armstrong joining the band.