Mike Shinoda addressed in an interview the topic of guitarist Brad Delson's absence from the Linkin Park tour which will also visit Italy on June 24, 2025 at the I-Days in Milan.
Delson, who is one of the founders of the group and is co-producer of the latest album From Zerowill continue to be part of the lineup, but not live, where he is replaced by Alex Feder.
“In case anyone doesn't understand the dynamics,” said Shinoda, guest of the Zach Sang Show«Brad is our guitarist. He's part of the band, but he understood that… I think it's a mental health issue, he doesn't like touring and he doesn't like that lifestyle. So he remains our guitarist, but he doesn't play with us live. He found a guy named Alex who is spectacular, an amazing guitarist, and the two get along. Brad chose him to play his parts live.”
It's not the only new addition to Linkin Park's lineup: on drums is Colin Brittain, who also played in From Zero and who replaced Rob Bourdon, who did not want to take part in the reunion. Initially, explain Shinoda and Emily Armstrong, Brittain was invited to work on the new songs as co-writer and co-producer. He's also a guitarist and almost replaced Delson.
«We hadn't met Alex yet», says Shinoda, «so we explained to Colin that Brad needed a replacement on guitar and that we needed a drummer. “You do both well,” we asked, “which would you rather do?” He was like a kid in a candy store. He said something like 'I can't believe what you're asking me', he was so excited.”
