Though most have been speculating who would step into Chester Bennington’s position as co-vocalist for Linkin Park, the revelation that drummer Rob Bourdon wasn’t returning possible got here as a shock to some followers. During an interview with Billboard, Mike Shinoda addressed Bourdon’s absence of their reunion and the way Colin Brittain grew to become the individual to step in for the veteran stickman.

According to Shinoda, Bourdon had began to distance himself from Linkin Park actions after the band went on hiatus.

“Rob had said to us at a point, I guess it was a few years ago now, that he wanted to put some distance between himself and the band. And we understood that — it was already apparent,” stated Shinoda.

“He was starting to just show up less, be in less contact, and I know the fans noticed it too. The Hybrid Theory rerelease and Papercuts release, he didn’t show up for anything. So for me, as a friend, that was sad, but at the same time, I want him to do whatever makes him happy, and obviously everybody wishes him the best.”

How Colin Brittain Joined Linkin Park

With Bourdon’s participation not occurring, Linkin Park needed to fill a second opening with a view to return.

“I had done sessions with Colin — I met him around 2021, when I got an invite to a session with a couple of different writers, and Colin was one of the guys in the room, and I immediately clicked with him,” recalled Shinoda.

“He’s playing drums in the live show, and drums are his first instrument, but he plays guitar and bass and keyboard, and he produces and mixes. We have a similar way of looking at music, of starting from scratch, and I really enjoyed working with him and bouncing ideas back-and-forth.”

“I don’t know if any of these songs are going to be released, but we had done something with grandson, Bea Miller, Sueco — just getting in the room together to make stuff,” stated Shinoda. “And then when Linkin Park started making stuff, for whatever we were going to do, it was just like, ‘Oh, Colin. We’re making stuff. You should come over.’”

READ MORE: Who Is Colin Brittain, Linkin Park’s New Drummer?

Brittain has earned a strong popularity for this songwriting and manufacturing work. His credit embrace working with Papa Roach, 5 Seconds of Summer, A Day to Remember, From Ashes to New, One OK Rock, All Time Low and others.

Linkin Park in 2024

With the band having debuted new music throughout their livestreamed live performance, that opens the door for what comes subsequent. Linkin Park will launch a brand new album titled From Zero due Nov. 15 that may function “The Emptiness Machine.” The album is available for pre-order now.

In addition, there are six dates forthcoming in Los Angeles, New York, Hamburg, London, Seoul and Bogota. Ticketing info can be found at the band’s website.

Sept. 11 – Los Angeles, Calif. @ Kia Forum
Sept. 16 – New York, N.Y. @ Barclays Center
Sept. 22 – Hamburg, Germany @ Barclays Arena
Sept. 24 – London, U.K. @ The O2
Sept. 28 – Seoul, South Korea @ INSPIRE Arena
Nov. 11 – Bogota, Colombia @ Coliseo Medplus