The music-loving world was rocked to its core today following reports that Chester Bennington, the lead singer of the iconic alt-rock group Linkin Park took his own life earlier this by hanging himself. He was only 41-years old. Bennington’s bandmate Mike Shinoda confirmed the sad news on Twitter.
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
It was to his immense credit as a singer and performer that Bennington managed to criss-cross into so many different realms of music, both in Linkin Park, but also with his collaborations with Jay-Z and Stone Temple Pilots. In his life Bennington racked up a staggering collection of six number one albums, including the most recent release from Linkin Park, One More Light that hit stores only a couple months ago. All told, he’s accounted for more than 70 million copies worldwide, including his group’s debut Hybrid Theory which has been certified diamond.
Bennington was especially close to Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell who committed suicide only a few months ago, serving as the Godfather to the singer’s children and performing a touching rendition of the song “Hallelujah” at his funeral. Today on what would have been her husband’s birthday, Cornell’s widow Vicky divulged her renewed pain on Twitter.
Just when I thought my heart couldn't break any more…..I love you T
— Vicky Cornell (@vickycornell) July 20, 2017
Stars of all stripes from across the world of rock and hip-hop shared equally in her grief.
https://twitter.com/JackAllTimeLow/status/888100228255162370
Goddamn. Just GODdamn. Another one gone. JUST chatted with @ChesterBe in Europe and South America. I'm at a loss for words on this one.
— Chris Kael (@5FDPChrisKael) 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
Jesus No…
— fuck your checkmark (@CoreyTaylorRock) July 20, 2017
no words. so heartbroken. RIP Chester Bennington.
— Imagine Dragons (@Imaginedragons) July 20, 2017
song of the day: NUMB – LINKIN PARK pic.twitter.com/7itrfa0Sz6
— Rob Thomas (@ThisIsRobThomas) July 20, 2017
Mental health is no joke. We have to destigmatize the conversation around it.
— pw (@petewentz) July 20, 2017
This was just a couple months ago. Absolutely speechless. #RIPChesterBennington pic.twitter.com/LtHR9GUlMo
— Apl.de.Ap (@apldeap) July 20, 2017
I am in tears.Chester just told me how happy he was…..He was such a sweet and talented man……Ifeel so sad for his family,band mates and fans
— 📷 (@NikkiSixx) July 20, 2017
Saddened to hear of the passing of Chester from @linkinpark.
Another gifted voice silenced to the spirit in the sky-forever alive in song— tyson ritter (@tysonritter) July 20, 2017
So sad to hear of Chester's passing. Was listening to L.P. yesterday. He was a friend. Rest peacefully.
— Nick Hexum (@NickHexum) July 20, 2017
RIP Chester. Tragic ending. Condolences his family and friends and Linkin Park 🙏🏾
— Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) July 20, 2017
https://twitter.com/therealelp/status/888110886988128257
Chester it was truly a pleasure, thank you for sharing your greatness… #RIP #LinkinPark 🙏🏿
— King Push (@PUSHA_T) July 20, 2017
https://twitter.com/andyblack/status/888101930937053185
Ooooh noooo…😢😢😢😢#CHESTER
Damn This really hurts a lot man #LP4EVER
— CHECKIN’ Out Now! #APTMC (@LupeFiasco) July 20, 2017
https://www.instagram.com/p/BWx6DjADYcH/
Bennington was married twice, and is survived by six children.
Read our obituary of the beloved frontman, and about his profound connection to the hip-hop world.
