SHAH ALAM - Chester Bennington’s mother, Susan Eubanks, has opened up about her feelings of hurt and betrayal after Linkin Park's decision to reunite and introduce a new vocalist without informing her.
In an interview, Eubanks mentioned her disappointment with the band's actions, as she found out through a Google search rather than from the band members themselves.
"I feel betrayed. They told me that if they were ever going to do something, they would let me know.
They did not let me know and they probably knew that I was not going to be very happy. I am very upset about it," she said.
What impacted Eubanks the most was watching Emily Armstrong, formerly of Dead Sara, step into his late son's shoes and perform his iconic songs.
"Having Armstrong singing my son’s songs is hurtful. It feels like they are trying very hard to erase the past. It is like making him go away, erasing the past.
"She was screeching her way through a very high note. I could not listen to more, I just left and started crying,” she said.
She recalled Bennington once confided in her that Mike Shinoda, the band’s co-vocalist, had brought up the idea of replacing him with a female singer if he ever decided to leave.
Eubanks shared that Bennington was shocked and deeply hurt by the suggestion, and now, seeing that possibility become a reality, she feels an overwhelming sense of devastation.
Adding to the family’s disappointment, Bennington’s son, Jamie Bennington, echoed similar sentiments.
He voiced his frustrations on Instagram, condemning the band’s decision to move forward with Armstrong.
Eubanks' pain is compounded by the fact that Bennington’s first wife, Samantha and his son, Draven, were also left in the dark about the reunion.
"It was the same for me and it hurt," she said.
Linkin Park's decision to move forward with Armstrong has sparked widespread reactions from fans and those close to Bennington, with many grappling with the new direction the band is taking.
Despite this, co-vocalist Shinoda has explained that the band never set out to find a new singer but rather reconnected over time and created music together organically.
"It is not about erasing the past. It is about starting this new chapter into the future,” he emphasised.
Bennington tragically passed away by suicide in 2017, leaving a lasting impact on the music world. His sudden loss shook fans and the band.
Linkin Park’s return marks a significant change, with the introduction of Armstrong as their new vocalist.
Their upcoming album "From Zero” is set to release in Nov and they plan to embark on a worldwide tour.
While fans remain divided over the band’s new direction, with some in support and others opposed, it is evident that for Bennington's family, the healing process is far from over.