"That’s just too sad to play": Mike Shinoda reveals the one song Linkin Park can’t bring themselves to perform onstage anymore

Linkin Park has made a poignant decision regarding their live performances. While the band is currently back on the road with a new album, From Zero, and a fresh lineup led by Emily Armstrong of Dead Sara, some songs from their past catalog will no longer be heard on stage.

In a recent interview with The Guardian, founding member Mike Shinoda confirmed that a few tracks have been pulled from their setlist, which includes the emotional title track from their 2017 album One More Light, the final album they released with the late Chester Bennington.

Mike Shinoda explained the reasoning behind the omission:

“It was originally written for a woman at the label that we worked with who passed away.”

But over time, the song’s association shifted.

“Then after Chester passed, the world decided that it was about him. And so that’s just too sad to play.”

The band’s decision reflects a careful balance between honoring Chester Bennington’s legacy and moving forward as a reimagined collective.

From Zero, their latest release, signals a fresh chapter for the band while paying homage to their roots, its title referencing "Xero," the band’s original name before evolving into Linkin Park.

Recent singles like “Up From The Bottom” and “Unshatter” also showcase the band’s new phase.

"Because she wasn't a guy": Linkin Park addresses backlash over new era and frontwoman Emily Armstrong

In the same interview, Mike Shinoda also spoke out on the tension surrounding Linkin Park’s new lead vocalist.

Emily Armstrong, known as the powerhouse behind Dead Sara, joined the group as frontwoman in 2023. The move marked a bold shift in identity for the band and stirred strong reactions across their fan base.

Shinoda shared:

“There were people who lashed out at Emily, and it was really because she wasn’t a guy. They were just so uncomfortable with what it was that they chose a ton of things to complain about. They’re pointing in 10 different directions saying: ‘This is why I’m mad, this is why the band sucks.’”

He added that fans were likely reacting to a change in familiarity:

“They’re used to Linkin Park being six guys... the voice of a guy leading this song.”

Armstrong herself admitted she hadn’t expected such a volume of criticism, but admitted that she had been off social media “for mental-health purposes” prior to joining Linkin Park. She stated:

“If there was something really, really pressing, I think our PR would talk to us about it. But I’m old enough to know the difference between real life and the internet.”

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Reactions remain mixed, even within Bennington’s family. His mother has reportedly expressed feeling “betrayed” for not being consulted on the band’s reformation.

Still, Linkin Park appears committed to moving forward. From Zero signals a reset for the band, one not without growing pains.

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