The founding member has left the band ahead of their recently announced reunion tour, leaving fans shocked

One of the founding members of Linkin Park has said to have quit the upcoming reunion tour.

The reunion comes seven years after the band went on hiatus following the death of singer Chester Bennington in 2017.

A live performance on September 5 saw singer Mike Shinoda introducing the band’s new singer Emily Armstrong of Dead Sara.

The band also announced that they will be joined by Colin Brittain who will be playing the drums.

Linkin Park made the announcement off the back of a new single The Emptiness Machine, the first new music the band has released since 2017.

The single will also be the lead track on the upcoming album From Zero, which is set for release on November 15.

But fans have been left bemused when a founding member of the band revealed that they would be sitting out the tour.

Brad Delson confirms he will not be joining the tour (Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic)

In a post on Instagram guitarist Brad Delson has confirmed that he will not be going on the tour.

His statement reads: “Beyond excited to share this new chapter with the world.

“Bringing our vision to life is the culmination of many twists and turns, as we continue our unique journey together as a band.”

The statement also suggested that his decision to sit out the tour was not connected to the controversy surrounding the band’s new singer Emily Armstrong.

It continued: “Over the years I’ve realized I thrive most when I’m actively working with my bandmates behind the scenes – in the studio, collaborating on our new music, and helping build our live show.

“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.

There has been controversy over Emily Armstrong becoming the new singer (Sam Morris/Getty Images)

“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.”

The tour announcement has already been mired in controversy over Armstrong’s support of convicted rapist Danny Masterson, as well as her alleged connections to the Church of Scientology.

Armstrong took to social media to address the controversy, saying she had made a ‘mistake’ by supporting ‘a friend at a court appearance’ before she knew the full nature of the allegations against him.

She added: “To say it as clearly as possible: I do not condone abuse or violence against women, and I empathize with the victims of these crimes.”

Meanwhile, fans have been left bemused by Delson’s decision not to tour, with some even suggesting that the band should change its name.