In a new official podcast episode, Mike Shinoda recently revealed that Brad Delson was ‘hesitant’ to return to Linkin Park. Shinoda explained that while Armstrong and Brittain brought fresh energy, he was afraid that Delson might ruin the dynamic of the band.

“We didn’t want to burden [Emily] or Colin with what was going on on our side, but on our side, Brad was hesitant. He was a little resistant. I think it was just all of the baggage of everything was hard, and we knew that, and we kept saying to him, gently, ‘The door is so super open to you. We would love to have you on board, we benefit from your point of view,” Shinoda explained.

He continued: “‘And we have concerns. Our dynamic that we’ve been working with – the three of us, and Emily and Collin is so good, and adding anybody at all might change that. Just come in and see it, and I think you’ll like it.’ And he did, and he gave it a chance. And one of the first things he was saying was ‘I think we could write something heavier, like way heavier.’”

After the band’s first show with Emily Armstrong, the guitarist took to social media to share his decision. “I am so proud of everything we continue to create together. While I will not be performing on tour in this new chapter, I am super excited to introduce Alex—my handsome deputy on the road,” he wrote. “Alex is a world-class musician, a kind and thoughtful friend, and we are truly fortunate he’ll be contributing his unique talent to our LP universe. Fresh eyes, honest appreciation, and devoted teamwork have brought us to this special moment. The privilege of sharing our creativity with you. Thank you for joining us on the journey.”

A month after the statement, new Linkin Park drummer Colin Brittain was asked if he knew the guitarist would perform with the band again. “I don’t know if Brad’s gonna perform live. You’d have to ask him,” he responded.

Alex Feder is now the band’s new touring guitarist. He made his debut with Armstrong and Brittain during the live-stream performance.

The first single from the upcoming album ‘From Zero’arrived last month. The full album will be released on November 15.