The Offspring’s Kevin “Noodles” Wasserman Praises Emily Armstrong’s Collaboration with Linkin Park: “A Remarkable and Bold Decision”

Wasserman Praises Linkin Park’s New Direction

Kevin “Noodles” Wasserman of The Offspring commented that Linkin Park’s decision to choose Emily Armstrong as their new singer is an “amazing and bold” move.

• READ MORE: Linkin Park 'From Zero' Review: World-class moments marred by a few flops

Emily Armstrong’s Introduction to Linkin Park

Armstrong, who co-founded the band Dead Sara, was announced as the nu metal band’s new singer in September, succeeding the late Chester Bennington, who tragically took his own life in 2017.

The initial warm reception of the band’s return, featuring drummer Colin Brittain in the lineup, became contentious after reports surfaced about Armstrong’s past connection with Scientology and convicted rapist Danny Masterson.

To address the controversy, she released a statement to “clear the air,” while Mike Shinoda emphasized that their reunion tour is “not about erasing the past.”

Following this, the band launched their eighth studio album, From Zero, marking their first full-length release in seven years, along with plans for a major world tour in 2025 with the new lineup.

Wasserman’s Insights on Armstrong

Now, The Offspring guitarist Wasserman has expressed his thoughts on Linkin Park’s new direction. In an interview with Marcelo Vieira, he referred to Armstrong’s addition as “an amazing and bold choice for them” (via Talker).

“I know a lot of people aren’t going to accept the singer – for whatever reason,” he remarked. “I think it’s a stupid reason. Emily is amazing. She has such an incredible voice. We used to tour with Dead Sara.”

“I wish these guys all the best. I hope they are as successful as they have been because Emily is amazing and these guys are just great guys who make great music.”

Shinoda also discussed choosing Armstrong over someone with a voice similar to Bennington’s: “We just want Emily to be Emily,” he stated. “Songs are songs. Emily is Emily… In 2020 or 2019, I saw a video… A Linkin Park cover band came up in my feed. The fans loved it. They all said, ‘Oh my God, this guy is so good.’ They looked so much like Chester.”

“While it was cool, it was also creepy how much he resembled Chester. I don’t like it, it annoys me. This made me realize that was not our option. Cover bands are great, but we wouldn’t use it in our band.”

“From Zero” received a three-star review from NME, describing the album as “an intriguing mixture of sensational, mind-numbing stadium rock and incredibly tedious songwriting.”

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