Linkin Park has issued its first full statement following the death of frontman Chester Bennington, saying “your absence leaves a void that can never be filled.”
Bennington, 41, was found dead in his Los Angeles home last Thursday. A coroner confirmed the singer took his own life.
After that tragedy, the band writes “Dear Chester,
“Our hearts are broken. The shockwaves of grief and denial are still sweeping through our family as we come to grips with what has happened.”
The post speaks of the appreciation Bennington’s wife Talinda Bentley has had for the “outpouring of love and support, both public and private, from around the world.”
Discussing the issues Bennington endured, and the way he channeled his emotions into Linkin Park’s music, the band writes “we’re trying to remind ourselves that the demons who took you away from us were always part of the deal.
“After all, it was the way you sang about those demons that made everyone fall in love with you in the first place.“You fearlessly put them on display, and in doing so, brought us together and taught us to be more human.“You had the biggest heart, and managed to wear it on your sleeve.”
The statement comes after Linkin Park created a tribute site to the late vocalist, which features fan posts and links to US and international mental health counselling resources.
You can read the full Facebook post below.
Founding member Mike Shinoda has also posted what he believes to be the first image of Linkin Park as a band, taken immediately after Chester was asked to join in the late 90’s.
“No flame tattoos yet, no red hair yet, most of us were still in college,” Shinoda writes.
The band’s DJ Joe Hahn also posted a brief tribute to Bennington.
RIP.
Source: Linkin Park / Facebook.
Photo: Paul Archuleta / Getty.
Photo: Paul Archuleta / Getty.
If you or someone you know is dealing with a mental illness, call BeyondBlue on 1300 22 4636. If you are in distress, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
