Linkin Park Guitarist Brad Delson Reveals Why He No Longer Performs with the Band’s New Lineup

Brad Delson is opening up about why he's no longer performing with Linkin Park.

In an interview with Guitar World on Tuesday, Jan. 14, the longtime guitarist, 47, opened up about why he won't be playing live on the band's upcoming 2025 tour.

“For me, and, I guess, all the guys, the last however many years gave us the opportunity to really think qualitatively about the band — what energizes us, where we feel most fulfilled, and where we thrive,” Delson told the publication.

Related: Linkin Park's Mike Shinoda Says Band's 'New Chapter' with Singer Emily Armstrong Is 'Not About Erasing the Past'

“He continued: "It wasn’t like, ‘Let’s go back to what we were doing.’ 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."

Delson then explained why Alex Feder was chosen as his replacement.

“It’s just a great friendship. 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," he said.

Added Delson: “Even though I’m not onstage, I put a lot of my creative love into it. 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 discussed the impact of hiring Dead Sara's Emily Armstrong as co-vocalist seven years after Chester Bennington died by suicide in 2017.

“There’s something about her voice and her energy that just feels like Linkin Park energy. The nice thing about our two vocalists [including Mike Shinoda] is that they’re each really dynamic,” Delson explained.

He continued: “Part of the band’s identity is exploring the space between genres and juxtaposition. If you don’t have vocalists who can cover every genre, the band’s raison d’etre would be stymied.

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Related: Chester Bennington's Son Slams Linkin Park for Hiring New Vocalist, Says Band Has 'Betrayed the Trust' of Fans

In September, Linkin Park announced its return and the additions of Armstrong, 38, and drummer Colin Brittain.

Rather than "trying to restart the band," the group opted to focus on strengthening their friendship and creative connection by welcoming other musicians into the mix until they found Armstrong and Brittain, 38.

Shinoda, 47, said Linkin Park felt "really empowered with this new lineup," adding, "We’re weaving together the sonic touchpoints we’ve been known for and still exploring new ones."

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