Amy Lee on Rumors She’s Fronting Linkin Park

Author Erica Banas // Rock Music Reporter

April 24th 10:38 AM

Amy Lee is a name that has surfaced regarding rumors about Linkin Park recruiting a new singer, and the Evanescence leader addressed those rumors in a new interview.

While Lee was flattered about being tied to Linkin Park in the first place, she denied that she’s been contacted by anyone from the band. However, she seems a little interested in the idea.

“They should ask me about that,” said Lee. “I don’t have a ton of free time, but I might do it part time.”

Despite saying Linkin Park hasn’t contacted her, Lee’s comments will certainly get people talking, especially at the concept of perhaps a committee of singers filling the shoes of the late Chester Bennington.

So, how did Lee even get attached to buzz about a new Linkin Park singer? Here’s a breakdown on how we even got here.

Where Did the New Linkin Park Singer Rumors Come From?

Earlier this month, new Linkin Park singer rumors gained headlines thanks to Orgy frontman Jay Gordon.

Gordon touched on how Linkin Park once toured with Orgy in a new interview with Mike Z. from KCAL 96.7 and how Gordon remixed “Pts.OF.Athrty” on 2002’s Reanimation.

Gordon mentioned how much he admired Linkin Park and how the future of the band will be a challenge without Bennington. He then said he heard Linkin Park now has a woman singing for them.

“Don’t quote me on that, ” said Gordon, clearly not aware of how interviews work. “I’m not sure who the singer is going to be, but I heard it was gonna be female.”

Jay Gordon’s Statement After Fueling the New Linkin Park Singer Rumors

Understandably, Gordon’s remarks on Linkin Park took off, which led him to issue a follow-up statement.

Gordon shared via Facebook, “With regards to this Linkin Park singer thing: I know nothing about any of that. People sure do love to take my words out of context. I love those guys and wish them the best.”

He added, “Wow, I was like, what in the actual f—? I said nothing about knowing any of that and never brought it up. I love Chester, and there will never be another him ever. Strange that that dude said something to me about it, not the other way around. Get real, dude. Not cool!

Gordon added in the comment section of his post, “I wish them nothing but the best since such a terrible and tragic loss. [Chester] was a friend. Such a legendary guy in so many ways. Still bummed about it. These are my own words, not some BS hype story to get people to engage.”

He added, “I would never speak on another band’s behalf. They communicate just fine on their own. If something like that happens I would hope THEY would be the ones to drop the news. I sure as hell wouldn’t do that to them or anyone. Click-conjuring has never been my strong suit, so don’t take my words outta context ever again bro.”

Linkin Park: Their 20 Best Songs, Ranked

• 20. “Points of Authority” – ‘Hybrid Theory’ (2000)

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  “Forfeit the game.” Mike Shinoda firmly plants his flag in the ground with this demand, and the rest of the band quickly follows. The fourth track on ‘Hybrid Theory’ was never a single but its glitchy stomp made it a fan favorite.

• 19. “Keys to the Kingdom” – ‘Hunting Party’ (2014)

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  Chester’s distorted scream on the ‘Hunting Party’ opener is a welcome release for the metal faction of Linkin Park fans. Fresh off a run of ultra-polished concept albums, the rawness of this LP felt exciting. “Keys to the Kingdom” kicks it off with a snotty punk snarl.

• 18. “Robot Boy” – ‘A Thousand Suns’ (2010)

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  What begins as a lone piano loop builds up to a rich, soothing soundscape. ‘A Thousand Suns’ contains a handful of tracks that serve as atmospheric padding, but this one is more substance than filler.
• 17. “Talking to Myself” – ‘One More Light’ (2017)

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  On an album that served as a hard reset for the band, this standout track on the their latest release offers shades of familiarity (you can actually hear the guitars!). It’s a glossy rock song that could have been a huge single, if not for the unfortunate timing; the video premiered hours before news of Chester’s passing broke.

• 16. “Lost in the Echo” – ‘Living Things’ (2012)

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  Hardened but hopeful, Linkin Park sing the anthem of the underdog on this synth-heavy track.

• 15. “One More Light” – ‘One More Light; (2017)

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  Chester did not write these lyrics, but his pained delivery is haunting: “Just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean it isn’t there”. After his suicide, “One More Light” became a hymn for grieving fans.
• 14. “Castle of Glass” – ‘Living Things’ (2012)

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  Mechanical samples under an easily singable melody make this futuristic folk song a highlight of 2012’s ‘Living Things.’

• 13. “Wretches and Kings” – ‘A Thousand Suns’ (2010)

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  This cut from ‘A Thousand Suns’ is bookended by Mario Savio’s “Bodies upon the gears” speech, to great effect: it’s the perfect setup for the industrial beat and aggressive delivery of both Mike and Chester.

• 12. “Bleed It Out” – ‘Minutes To Midnight’ (2007)

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  Linkin Park has always been meticulous in their execution, but this bare-bones singalong is such a fun diversion. From Mike’s irreverence to the sloppy claps that carry the tune, it’s a reminder that we don’t always need to take ourselves so seriously.
• 11. “The Little Things Give You Away” – ‘Minutes To Midnight’ (2007)

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  One of the longest songs in the band’s catalog was inspired by a visit to New Orleans where the band witnessed the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina firsthand. The anger we’re used to hearing is replaced by profound sadness, punctuated by a soaring solo from Brad Delson.

• 10. “Numb” – ‘Meteora’ (2003)

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  The final track on ‘Meteora’ came together easily for the band. Moody and not overly complicated, it’s the perfect pop-rock single.

• 9. “When They Come For Me” – ‘A Thousand Suns’ (2010)

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  This song highlights the band’s dexterity in production. It’s an ambitious piece, so heavily layered that it took over a year to complete, but their diligence paid off. It’s even more impressive live: there’s so many elements that some of the band members jump between two or three different instruments to pull it off.
• 8. “Lying From You” – ‘Meteora’ (2003)

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  The seamless collaboration between Chester and Mike in “Lying From You” shows what a perfect team they were. As harmonious as those two are, though, the music itself is dissonant and creepy, making for a strangely addictive brew.

• 7. “New Divide” – ‘Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen – The Album’ (2009)

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  The ‘Transformers’ soundtracks introduced LP to a younger generation in the late 2000s. “New Divide” sounds appropriately robotic while maintaining an organic rock rhythm. It doesn’t appear on any of their studio albums, but the song achieved success as a single.

• 6. “Iridescent” – ‘A Thousand Suns’ (2010)

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  Another song used in the ‘Transformers’ series, the shimmering “Iridescent” originally appeared on ‘A Thousand Suns’. Its uplifting message shined on both the album and soundtrack version, which was mixed differently for the movie.
• 5. “Papercut” – ‘Hybrid Theory’ (2000)

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  The opening track on ‘Hybrid Theory’ sets the tone for the journey. An ominous guitar riff follows Mike’s agitated delivery while Joe Hahn’s scratches draw your attention. By the time you reach the melodic payoff in the second half, you’ve been briefed on each of Linkin Park’s signature sounds, and for this reason Mike has called “Papercut” the band’s “calling card.”

• 4. “Crawling” – ‘Hybrid Theory’ (2000)

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  “Against my will I stand beside my own reflection.” This Grammy-winning single shows us the delicate introspection that set LP apart from other heavy music in the early aughts and endeared so many to the band in the first place.

• 3. “Faint” – ‘Meteora’ (2003)

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  All six members of the band are well-represented here. A symphonic intro is overtaken by chunky, distorted riffs. Mike’s rapid staccato is carried by the drum beat. The tension releases at the bridge with a roar that solidifies Chester as one of the greatest voices of the 21st century.
• 2. “What I’ve Done” – ‘Minutes To Midnight’ (2007)

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  After two albums overflowing with angst, Linkin Park allows room for forgiveness on ’Minutes to Midnight’ and this song in particular. Where “Faint” was the paragon of Chester’s screams, “What I’ve Done” is one of his strongest performances as a singer. Mike doesn’t take a lead vocal on this song, but his handprints are all over the composition and production.

• 1. “In The End” – ‘Hybrid Theory’ (2000)

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  The song is certified four times platinum… One billion views on YouTube… A staple across multiple radio formats to this day. In the end, was there any question that Linkin Park’s signature song wouldn’t top this list? The universal lyrics, while rooted in negativity, offer a place for us to air our grievances. Mike’s frustrated verses find balance with Chester’s defeated repose. For most of us, this was the first time we heard their chemistry, and it was gripping. Sonically it transcends genre; every type of music fan knows this song. In three and a half minutes, this one track encapsulates everything that makes Linkin Park remarkable.

Author Erica Banas // Rock Music Reporter

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Amy Lee,Linkin Park