Iconic noughties band wow London crowd with epic comeback gig and new lead singer
Emily's appointment threatened to be overshadowed by controversy
NINE songs into their only UK show on their comeback tour, Linkin Park’s new frontwoman Emily Armstrong got the seal of approval the band had been hoping for.
Nearly every fan in the 20,000-strong O2 Arena in London started chanting her name — making founding member Mike Shinoda with her, grin from ear to ear.
A lot has been written about the band’s decision to bring Dead Sara rocker Emily into the fold, when they returned with new music last month for the first time since frontman Chester Bennington’s 2017 suicide.
Her appointment threatened to be overshadowed by controversy.
Emily had previously supported That ’70s Show actor Danny Masterson at the start of his rape trial last year.
But after learning the extent of his crime, Emily shunned Danny and expressed remorse, saying: “I always try to see the good in people and I misjudged him. I have never spoken with him since.”
Despite the heartfelt statement, Emily has come under fire from keyboard warriors.
But now Emily’s vocals are doing the talking.
And any fans who thought her unworthy to step in for Chester will stand corrected after she lit up the O2.
This is a new era for the band and Emily’s vocal ability is incredible, from her screaming brilliance on new release Heavy Is The Crown to her melodic soulful vocals on Lost, a track originally recorded in 2003 but only released last year.
Aware of the void left by Chester, Emily respectfully stamps her sound on Linkin Park’s songs, mindful of the emotions Chester put into the lyrics during his 18 years with the band.
My favourite track, One Step Closer, from 2000, was as near as you’ll get to perfection live.
Emily, also nailed the roars in Lying From You and smashed through punchy track The Emptiness Machine — the first single off the band’s upcoming album From Zero and a career best at No4 in the charts.
Her confidence grew as she covered all four corners of the centre stage with a swagger Liam Gallagher would be proud of.
Her jaunt is not arrogance though. but looked like pure enjoyment and reflected her appreciation at being so warmly accepted by the band’s fans.
Performing their 2003 classic Numb, Emily sang: “I don’t know what you’re expecting of me, put under the pressure of walking in your shoes.”
The lyrics could not be more apt.
It’s time to take the pressure off and let Emily, and the band, push forward with their new era.
As a lifelong fan, I’m here for it.
LOUIS GET THEROUX TO TRUMP?
LOUIS Theroux is itching to get under the skin of Donald Trump.
The presenter says the former US President tops his list of stars for his next run of interviews, although he draws the line at Trump’s British counterpart Nigel Farage.
Launching The Louis Theroux podcast with Spotify in London, he said: “I definitely have people I would avoid interviewing as I don’t want to bring them publicity.
“Andrew Tate? I don’t think a podcast with me would bring something new. He does a lot of podcasts.
“Farage? No, I don’t think so. No. There are no plans.”
Pausing, Louis, above, added: “Though Trump, I would like to do . . . I mean he has no shame.
“So it’s difficult to get through to him. I feel like there’s nothing that would stop him in his tracks.”
He added of his new podcast series, which features Saltburn actor Barry Keoghan: “The one thing people do expect from a podcast is some sort of added value based on what you wouldn’t hear on Graham Norton.
“It’s just something that feels a bit more intimate or different.”
Mabel sashay side’s a belter
MABEL made the runway at Paris Fashion Week her stage.
The Brit joined a parade of models on the catwalk to sing at Etam’s spring-summer 2025 show.
Sparkling in an orange dress, teamed with black leather trousers, she walked out with the models before belting out her 2017 tune Don’t Call Me Up, then they joined her for a dance at the end of the fashion show.
In April, Mabel released her first new track in two years, Vitamins. Earler this month, she put out follow-up track, Chat, and more is coming soon.
She said of her latest single: “Chat is a song for the summer. The best kind of love doesn’t have to be complicated.”
ROBBIE ROCKETS AFRESH WITH SABBATH’S TONY
ROBBIE Williams is moving in a surprising new direction with his next album, after teaming up with Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi.
Robbie’s drummer Karl Brazil said the Rock DJ singer called on Tony to put down some heavy riffs and an impressive guitar solo for new song Rocket.
Karl told the Percussion Discussion podcast: “Robbie’s got an album to follow that we’ve been working on. He’s working with various people but I’ve been fortunate enough to do some songs with him.
“We’ve done a track called Rocket with Tony. It’s great. It’s a rocker and really cool.”
Karl – who has been Robbie’s live musical director since his XXV tour in 2022 – also revealed that Supergrass frontman Gaz Coombes features on a track on the upcoming LP too.
He said the album is a mix of Robbie’s guitar-heavy Nineties solo sound with contemporary pop influences.
Karl added: “It’s predominantly a guitar record. Let’s face it, he can do what he wants. Modern-day Elvis I call him, he’s absolutely bossing top of the tree.”
I totally agree.
Gaga career move
LADY GAGA can add another string to her bow – record label owner.
The Bad Romance singer has launched her own label, named after her adoring fans, who she calls the “little monsters”.
Eagle-eyed supporters were quick to spot that her new album Harlequin, out tomorrow, is being released via Lil Monsters LLC.
Gaga’s entrepreneur fiance Michael Polansky, who she credits for getting her back into pop music, is listed as the record’s exec-utive producer.