Culture
Tik Tok, Tik Tok Linkin Park Sets a Timer as New Vocalist Rumours float
Linkin Park has sparked excitement and curiosity among fans by launching a mysterious 100-hour countdown timer on Saturday, August 24. The timer is shared on the band’s social media platforms and links to the official website, where a live YouTube video shows the countdown in progress. Alongside the timer, a live chat is buzzing with fan theories and speculation, much centring around the possibility of the band introducing a new lead vocalist. The rumours of a new singer come after the tragic death of the irreplaceable iconic Chester Bennington in July 2017. Chester Bennington, who was a vital part of the band’s iconic sound, died by suicide at the age of 41, leaving fans and the music world in mourning. Since then, Linkin Park has not officially replaced him, though they have continued to honour his legacy in various ways.
As the countdown continues, many fans are hoping for an announcement regarding a new lead vocalist. One comment in the livestream chat read, “I hope they announce the new singer. LP deserves to continue [with] their legacy.” Another fan speculated on the possibility of a female vocalist, writing, “If LP has a new singer and it’s female, who do you want it to be?”
The countdown timer is set to end on Wednesday, August 28, and anticipation is high. Earlier this year, sources reported that Linkin Park was considering a reunion tour for 2025, with discussions about hiring a female vocalist to fill the role left vacant by Bennington. Additionally, booking agency WME was reportedly receiving offers for a potential tour featuring band members Mike Shinoda, Brad Delson, and Dave Farrell.
Further fueling speculation, Jay Gordon of the band Orgy mentioned rumours of a Linkin Park reunion while on KCAL 96.7’s Wired in the Empire. Gordon stated, “I hear they got a girl singer now,” though he later clarified that his comments were taken out of context and he had no insider knowledge.
In response to earlier rumours, Mike Shinoda, the band’s co-founder and vocalist, addressed the ongoing speculation in an interview with Revolver magazine. “Rumors always go around,” Shinoda said. “The best answer I can ever give anybody is when there’s something to tell you, we will tell you. When there’s an announcement to be made, it will be on LinkinPark.com.”
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With Linkin Park’s extensive legacy, including selling over 29.4 million albums in the U.S. and charting 24 songs on the Billboard Hot 100, fans eagerly await what’s next for the band. Whether or not a new vocalist is introduced, the countdown will bring some significant news for fans of the iconic rock group.
Post 2017, it was rumoured that Chester Bennington would take on Stone Temple Pilots as their vocalist. It is such a sad day not to have Chester amongst us.
