Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington dead at 41
Chester Bennington, the lead singer of the rock band Linkin Park, was found dead Thursday according to a spokesman for the LA County Coroner.
The 41-year-old’s family was reportedly out of town at the time of his death and he was found alone upstairs by an employee. He leaves behind six children, wife Talinda Ann Bentley and also scores of fans.
Bennington was open about his troubled life which was blighted by drug addiction, depression and childhood sexual abuse.
The band released its newest music video just two hours before news of his death emerged on Thursday.
Linkin Park was founded by three high school friends, Mike Shinoda, Rob Bourdon, and Brad Delson in 1996. Bennington joined the band in March 1999, eventually became Linkin Park’s lead vocalist, occasionally sharing the role with Shinoda. Bennington’s “higher-pitched” and “emotional” vocals and Shinoda’s hip-hop-style, would eventually become Linkin Park’s signature sound.
After news of his shock death emerged, friends said that while they never suspected he’d kill himself, Bennington was ‘never the same’ after the death of his close friend Chris Cornell. His apparent suicide coincided with Cornell’s birthday.
Mike Shinoda and Dave Farrell have said they are “heartbroken” by the death of close friend and bandmate, Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington.
Shocked and heartbroken, but it’s true. An official statement will come out as soon as we have one.
— Mike Shinoda (@mikeshinoda) July 20, 2017
The band’s Twitter account latered post a powerful photo of Chester performing in front of a sold-out crowd.
pic.twitter.com/yoN80Mobdk — LINKIN PARK (@linkinpark) July 20, 2017
The band has collaborated with many artists over the years including Jay-Z and, more recently, London grime star Stormzy for a track on their new album called Good Goodbye.
I am heartbroken you do not know what someone’s going through serious. Prayers up for your family right now my brother ❤️❤️
— #GSAP (@Stormzy1) July 20, 2017
Warner Bros Records CEO and chairman Cameron Strang made a heartfelt statement about Bennington, whose band is signed to the label.
pic.twitter.com/CkP9p4nQwv — Warner Bros. Records (@wbr) July 20, 2017
Famous Canadian singer and songwriter Bryan Adams also remembered Chester:
RIP Chester Bennington #LinkinPark
— Bryan Adams (@bryanadams) July 20, 2017
no words. so heartbroken. RIP Chester Bennington.
— Imagine Dragons (@Imaginedragons) July 20, 2017
Oh dear God. Massive R.I.P to Chester Bennington of @linkinpark this BREAKS OUR HEART. Suicide is the devil on earth walking amongst us
— OneRepublic (@OneRepublic) July 20, 2017