Linkin Park founding drummer Rob Bourdon has decided to leave the band after many years of association “no Chester, no Linkin Park”

The news that drummer Rob Bourdon will not be rejoining Linkin Park probably surprised some fans, even if most were guessing who would replace Chester Bennington as co-vocalist.  Mike Shinoda discussed Bourdon's absence from their reunion and how Colin Brittain was chosen to replace the seasoned stickman in an interview with Billboard.

 Shinoda claims that following Linkin Park's break, Bourdon began to disassociate himself from the band's operations.

 "Rob had previously expressed his desire to disassociate himself from the band, which I believe was a few years ago.  And we realized that—it was clear already," Shinoda remarked.

"I know the fans also observed that he was simply showing up less and interacting with people less.  He did not attend the Hybrid Theory rerelease or the Papercuts release.  That was upsetting for me as a friend, but I also want him to pursue his happiness, and of course, everyone wants the best for him."

 How Linkin Park Attracted Colin Brittain
 Since Bourdon was unable to participate, Linkin Park needed to find a replacement in order to make a comeback.

 Colin was one of the guys in the room when I received an invitation to a session with a few different writers in 2021, and I had done sessions with him.

His primary instrument is the drums, although he also plays guitar, bass, and keyboard in addition to producing and mixing during the live performance. I truly enjoyed working with him and exchanging ideas because we approach music similarly and start from beginning."

"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 it was like, 'Oh, Colin,' for whatever we were going to do when Linkin Park started creating things. We're producing things. You ought to visit."

For this composition and producing work, Brittain has established a strong reputation. He has collaborated with Papa Roach, All Time Low, Five Seconds of Summer, A Day to Remember, From Ashes to New, and One OK Rock, among others.