Alex Feder, Linkin Park’s new touring guitarist, recently addressed the challenges of stepping into Brad Delson’s role. He shared his approach to honoring the band’s legacy while bringing his own interpretation. In an interview featured on Andertons Music Co., Feder discussed how he balances respecting the original arrangements with his natural playing style.
Feder explained his philosophy on interpreting the band’s guitar work. He emphasized collaboration with the band’s leadership.
“I know that Mike has a vision… Joe, Dave, Brad, and Colin have a vision for what they want this stuff to be. I genuinely consider it like it’s a different creative set of wheels, but I like figuring out how to exactly honor that, as opposed to doing my own thing,” Feder said. “A lot of guys can come in and do their own thing, but I think, actually, I think it takes something specific.”
He noted that while he has some creative freedom during guitar solos, the band’s approach differs from traditional guitar-focused rock music. “Hilariously, I get a few moments during the solos…They said it was not complicated, but they’re not a guitar heroic band, right? So, like, they don’t want me coming in and doing stupid tapping or something. Fortunately, that’s not my jam anyway, but that is the place where I have a little bit of room to do something on my own.”
Feder’s strategy involves studying Delson’s original performances and adapting them thoughtfully. “So I try and take whatever Brad was doing. So, I’ve watched live videos, and I try and take it and just do what I think my version is without departing from the spirit of it,” he explained. “So it’s not just like I’m playing a different phrase, and also my phrase is some insane, whatever Holdsworth lick or something. It’s sort of like, ‘What would just a continuation of that theme be?'”
Despite his careful approach, Feder acknowledged that some fans have expressed disapproval of his interpretations. “But even [with] that, there have been plenty of message board guys who are not happy that I don’t play it exactly the same,” he said.
One notable example involved his natural tendency to palm mute certain passages. “And there was also a funny one where, I just naturally, I think, at this type of music, palm mute more. So they have a song called ‘A Place for My Head.’ My natural inclination is to palm mute that. It’s not what’s on the record, and it’s not the way he played it live. And I did it a few times, and people were super [angry]…by people, I mean, a couple of super fans.”
Feder emphasized that he works closely with both Delson and frontman Mike Shinoda to refine his approach. “But basically, what it comes down to is, I check with Brad and Mike. I’m like, ‘This is how I’m playing it. What do you think?’ And they’re like, ‘Try playing it open.’ So now I play it open, but just doing a little more palm muting, or, like the song that I did before, ‘Papercut,’ I do that super palm muted, and people get upset.”
Feder’s appointment as touring guitarist comes at a significant moment for Linkin Park. The band recently relaunched with their first new album in seven years, From Zero, featuring new vocalist Emily Armstrong. They have embarked on a world tour marking their return to the stage after a long hiatus.
Brad Delson, the original lead guitarist, remains deeply involved in the band’s creative process and new music. He has chosen to focus on studio work rather than touring. Delson has personally endorsed Feder as his replacement for live performances, describing him as his “handsome deputy.”
The transition reflects a broader shift in how established bands approach touring and creative work. Rather than stepping away entirely, Delson has maintained his role in songwriting and studio production. This arrangement allows a dedicated touring musician to handle the demands of live performances. Linkin Park can move forward with their reunion while respecting Delson’s preference for behind-the-scenes work.
Feder’s challenge extends beyond simply replicating Delson’s guitar work. He must navigate the expectations of a fanbase that has followed Linkin Park through multiple eras and lineup changes. The band’s history includes the tragic loss of frontman Chester Bennington in 2017, which led to the group’s hiatus. The reunion with new vocalist Emily Armstrong represents a fresh chapter. Feder’s role as touring guitarist is part of that evolution.
The fan reactions Feder has encountered highlight the passionate nature of Linkin Park’s audience. While some supporters have embraced the new direction, others have scrutinized every deviation from the original recordings. Feder’s willingness to engage with this feedback demonstrates a thoughtful approach to honoring the band’s legacy. He consults with both Delson and Shinoda about his interpretations while establishing his own presence on stage.
As Linkin Park continues their world tour, Feder’s ability to balance authenticity with personal interpretation will likely remain a topic of discussion among fans. His collaborative approach with the band’s leadership suggests that the group is committed to moving forward as a unified creative force. They navigate the complexities of introducing new members to their established sound.
