
“Even though I’m not onstage, I put a lot of my creative love into it”: Linkin Park guitarist shares the reasons why he quit playing live with the band
In September, Linkin Park came back with a vengeance. After 7 years of silence in the aftermath of frontman Chester Bennington’s death, the alt metal juggernauts returned with new music and a new frontwoman, Emily Armstrong. A bulk of the band also rejoined the ranks, including founding guitarist Brad Delson.
However, while Delson played a pivotal role on Linkin Park’s chart-topping comeback record, From Zero, you wont be seeing him at any shows. In his mind, he thrives in the studio – so he’s more than happy to hand the live duties over to his “world-traveler doppelganger,” live guitarist Alex Feder.
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“The last however many years gave us the opportunity to really think qualitatively about the band,” he explains to Guitar World. “What energises us, where we feel most fulfilled, and where we thrive.”
“[The return] wasn’t like, ‘Let’s go back to what we were doing’,” he says. “It was, ‘Let’s take what we’ve learned to approach our roles with greater self-awareness and insight.’ I really thrive in the studio. I love making new things. That’s why I decided to focus my energy on that area and bring Alex in.”
While Delson prefers being locked away, cooking up ideas in the studio, Feder has his seal of approval. “Alex is just so good-looking that the world could not resist him!” he jokes.
Feder has been thoroughly trained by Delson, so fans can rest assured and know Linkin Park’s tunes are in safe hands. “He learned everything,” he says. “He and I went back and forth to make sure the feel was right. There are certain songs where, even if they’re not the most technical, there’s a feel that’s unique to my playing. I really wanted Alex to get that right, especially on the iconic songs.”
“It’s just a great friendship,” he continues. “He’s an amazing musician and a strong live player. I think he brings a lot to the show – and I’m really proud of the show.”
Co-vocalist and rapper Mike Shinoda has also explained Delson’s decision to avoid touring in the past. “He’s in the band, but he’s realised that… it’s kind of a mental health thing,” he explained on the Zach Sang Show. “He doesn’t love the touring and the live show lifestyle.”
Delson still plays a key role in constructing the live experience, however. “Even though I’m not onstage, I put a lot of my creative love into it,” he tells Guitar World. “I’ve always been obsessed with the setlist, the concept of the show, and how it flows. I worked really hard on it; that’s no different than the past.”
He also takes a moment to praise another part of Linkin Park’s revitalised live show: frontwoman Emily Armstrong. “She has a kind of energy that feels simpatico with the creativity that moves and drives us,” he insists. “Everything just fell into place very naturally. That’s essential to the creative process.”
Above all, even if the new era of Linkin Park doesn’t resonate with everyone, Delson is still satisfies with what the band have created. “If nobody liked this record, I’d still be really stoked about it,” he admits. “But it’s performing in a way that doesn’t seem possible for a rock record now. There’s new people at the shows, mixed in with the long-term diehard fans. It’s an amazing time to celebrate and be grateful.”
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