Linkin Park’s Brad Delson Reveals His Reasons for Stepping Back from Live Performances

Linkin Park Guitarist Brad Delson Steps Back

Linkin Park guitarist Brad Delson has shared his reasons for stepping away from performing with the band.

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Delson has performed with Linkin Park on iconic albums like 2000’s Hybrid Theory, 2003’s Meteora, and 2007’s Minutes to Midnight, along with more recent works including 2010’s A Thousand Suns, Living Things (2012), The Hunt (2014), and Another Light (2017).

Reasons Behind His Decision

When the band announced their comeback last September—with new vocalist Emily Armstrong and the new album From Zero—Delson later confirmed his decision to step back from touring. This marked Linkin Park’s first record in seven years and the first since the heartbreaking loss of frontman Chester Bennington.

In a recent interview with Guitar World, Delson explained why he is not joining the anticipated 2025 tour, stating that he realized he thrives more during studio time.

“For me, and probably for all the guys, the last few years have provided us the chance to think deeply about the group—what energizes us, where we feel fulfilled, and where we truly thrive,” he shared. “It wasn’t about reverting to the past; it was about harnessing what we learned to approach our roles with a fresh perspective. I thrive in the studio, and I love creating something new. That’s why I chose to direct my energy there.”

Delson also discussed the decision to bring Alex Feder on board as his replacement, emphasizing their great friendship. “He is an exceptional musician and a powerful live performer. I believe he significantly enhances the show, and I’m genuinely proud of it,” Delson stated. “Even though I’m not physically on stage, I invest a lot of my creative energy into it. I have always been passionate about the setlist, the concert’s concept, and its flow. I worked hard on this; it’s no different from before.”

Delson further reflected on adding Armstrong to the lineup, noting how she contributes to the band’s dynamic. “Her voice and energy resonate with Linkin Park’s essence. The strength of our two vocalists (including Mike Shinoda) is their dynamic nature,” he mentioned. “Exploring the space between genres is part of the band’s identity. Without vocalists capable of spanning all genres, the band’s reason for being would be hindered.”

When the reformation was announced last year, fans initially reacted positively, although some concerns arose due to Armstrong’s alleged connections to Scientologists and convicted rapist Danny Masterson. She later issued a statement to clarify her stance, while Mike Shinoda reiterated that their reunion tour “is not about erasing the past.”

In November, Mike Shinoda addressed Delson’s decision not to participate in live performances, citing mental health considerations. “He’s in the band, but he recognizes that… it relates to some mental health matters,” he shared on The Zach Sang Show. “He doesn’t enjoy the touring and live performance lifestyle, so while he remains our guitarist, he will not perform live.” Shinoda added that Delson found an excellent replacement in Alex, who would perform his parts live.

Besides new guitarist Feder, drummer Colin Brittain has joined the band following founding member Rob Bourdon’s departure. In another interview, Shinoda spoke about Bourdon’s exit, stating, “He wanted to create some distance from the group. And we understood this—it was already evident.” He observed that Bourdon began to appear less frequently and that fans noticed the change. “As a friend, it was sad to see, but I want him to do whatever makes him happy, and everyone genuinely wishes him the best,” he expressed.

Looking back, Shinoda noted that Linkin Park’s current “culture” feels like the best they’ve experienced. The album From Zero received a three-star review from NME, which described it as “an intriguing mixture of sensational, mind-numbing stadium rock and incredibly tedious songwriting.”

Linkin Park’s 2025 tour is set to begin in Mexico City on January 31, with a noteworthy stop at London’s Wembley Stadium on June 28. Special guests throughout the extensive concert series will include Queens of the Stone Age, Spiritbox, AFI, Architects, Grandson, Gene Dawson, JPEGMAFIA, and PVRIS. Click here to buy tickets for the UK and here for international tickets.