Surviving Members of Linkin Park Share Note to Chester Bennington

Surviving Members of Linkin Park Share Note to Chester Bennington

The surviving members of Linkin Park have shared an emotional letter and tribute to their late frontman Chester Bennington on the first anniversary of his death.

The message reads:

To our brother Chester,

It has been a year since your passing — a surreal rotation of grief, heartbreak, refusal and recognition. And yet it [still] feels like you are close by, surrounding us with your memory and your light. Your one-of-a-kind spirit has authored an indelible imprint on our hearts — our jokes, our joy, and our tenderness. 

Eternally grateful for the love, life, and creative passion you shared with us and the world. We miss you more than words can express.

Love,

M, J, D, R, B

Included below the initials of the band members is the number of the Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK, as well as a URL to a page on the band's website, chester.linkinpark.com, where fans can leave messages of support to others struggling with depression. 

Bennington took his own life on July 20, 2017. In the ensuing year, Bennington's bandmates and wife Talinda have spoken out about mental health issues, urging people to get help if they need it.

Linkin Park bassist Dave "Phoenix" Farrell added a separate remembrance to the singer on his personal social media, expressing the raw pain he still feels a year after Bennington's death and explaining why he couldn't speak at his funeral. He writes:

Chester,

In the past year, there hasn’t been a day that has gone by that I haven’t thought of you. I miss you, and it still hurts to not have you here. I chose not to speak at your memorial because I couldn’t formulate the words to adequately express how I felt... I chose not to speak at the Celebration of Life Concert honoring you because I knew I’d struggle to even be able to speak at all. And today, a year after your passing, I still struggle to try and eloquently express what you mean to your family, your friends, your fans... and to me. There is so much that I feel, and that I could say, and that I would want to say, and that I don’t know how to say... but one thing I know for certain, is that you are loved, and you are missed. 

Be Well My Friend,

Dave

The band has not performed since its celebrated One More Light benefit concert in tribute to Bennington, and its future is still uncertain. 

Multi-instrumentalist Mike Shinoda released a solo album in June that is largely about his complicated feelings surrounding Bennington's death. While Shinoda has indicated interest in forging ahead with the band, he's been clear that he and the band haven't made a decision, and probably won't anytime soon. 

The band members have been in regular contact over the past year, Shinoda has said. They have even played music together during some gatherings.

Thumbnail Photo: Getty Images


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