Yesterday (July 20th), sad news struck the world of music as Linkin Park vocalist Chester Bennington was reported dead at the age of 41.
Linkin Park first made a waves in the music world with their album ‘Hybrid Theory’ back in 2000 and went on to release 6 more studio albums along with their most recent single ‘One More Light’.
Tributes from celebrities and fans alike have swept across the internet in the last 24-hours as people have sent their regards to the late rock star.
One heartbreaking tribute comes from the editor of LPlive, Roguesoul who wrote this emotional statement:
‘This loss comes as one for everyone. It is confirmed that Chester Bennington has committed suicide this morning.
Even here writing this post I’m not really sure what to type or say. It’s unbelievable that he’s gone and it’s heartbreaking from every end. It is his dear friend Chris Cornell’s 53rd birthday, and it seems all too tragic and sad (and perhaps even coincidental) that this is the day he left us. I don’t think anyone could’ve seen this coming.
For me, personally, it’s been one of the worst months of my life. My girlfriend left me for someone else and one of my old friends died in the Marines plane crash, and now my hero has committed suicide in the span of two weeks. Through all of this, I relied heavily on Linkin Park’s music to help me through it. Songs like ‘Leave Out All The Rest’ and ‘Sorry For Now’ and even ‘Crawling’ were ones I was turning to to get me through. Chester’s voice is something irreplaceable and in every word you can feel every single emotion and though that came to his mind.
I met Chester for the first time two months ago at the secret show in New York. He shook my hand and told me “Thank you for everything.” Those words, while simple, will be something I never forget. Those four words were so genuine and had so much emotion packed into them that I could feel he truly meant them. He was a man who could never do anyone wrong.
Linkin Park is a band that has touched everyone in every part of the globe whether all they knew was ‘In The End’ and ‘Numb’ or whether they were the true hardcore fans that loved ‘And One’ to death. Whether it was just an angsty teenage fad for you or a lifelong dedication, Linkin Park was always there for you in your life. Chester’s voice and musicianship was something of legend and something that this world may never see again.
We don’t know what the future holds for Linkin Park, or for any of us, in fact. What I do know is that no matter what happens going forward that we are all a family, united by a love for music and this band. We are Linkin Park Live. We are Linkin Park Association. We are Linkin Park Fan Corner. We are the Linkin Park Soldiers and that will never change. Forever and until the end we will always be here for each other and that’s something that will never change.
If you or anyone you know is suffering from problems with mental health, please go to someone. This goes to show you that it doesn’t matter who you are or what you have. Mental illness can affect anyone. If you are having thoughts of suicide, please call someone or a Suicide Prevention Hotline. Your life is valuable and there are people who love you and will be devastated if you leave too soon. Everyone here will always be here for you if you need it. Don’t lose hope. There’s always a light at the end of the tunnel.
Thank you for everything, Chester. Goodbye and we hope from the bottom of our hearts that you’ve escaped your demons. Rest in peace.’
Many other celebrities have been paying tribute to the star from across the world.
Corey Taylor
Corey Taylor made an emotional tribute while playing with Stone Sour yesterday evening. Dedicating the track ‘Through Glass’ to Chester, Corey described it as being ‘one of his favourite songs’ and that ‘Chester, we will fucking miss you’
Mike Shinoda
Fellow bandmate Mike Shinoda tweeted that he was ‘Shocked and heartbroken’ at his friends passing and that the reports of his passing were true.
Ben Barlow – Neck Deep
Oli Sykes – Bring Me The Horizon
https://www.instagram.com/p/BWx4QQNliEe/
Ryan Key – Yellowcard
Stormzy
https://twitter.com/Stormzy1/status/888317418216542209
https://twitter.com/Stormzy1/status/888117486486409218
Alex Gaskarth – All Time Low
Max Helyer – You Me At Six
Mike Ferri – We Are The In Crowd/Sainte
Neil Westford – A Day To Remember
The world had lost a truly talented man who has captivated many people through his music and pure emotion. Capturing the minds and attention of millions across the world, Chester was an influential character in todays ever-changing music world. Whether it was knowing one or two tracks to being a long time fan even to this day, Chester Bennington impacted the music world in a massive way and his memory will not be forgotten. Rest in peace Chester, and for the many of us impacted by you and your music, thank you.
If you have been affected by any of the topics in this article or are struggling please contact:
Samaritans (UK) : 116 123
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255.
EUPHORIA OF BREAKDOWN 