Linkin Park’s Chester Bennington has died at the age of 41, the Associated Press has confirmed.
It was originally reported by TMZ, who reported that the singer hanged himself at his residence. The report says his body was discovered before 9 a.m. this morning.
Bennington was close friends with Chris Cornell, and today would have been Cornell’s 53rd birthday.
Bennington has been in Linkin Park since 1999 and was part of the band’s massively successful Hybrid Theory, released in 2000. He has been a part of the band’s seven albums: 2003’s Meteora, 2007’s Minutes To Midnight, 2010’s A Thousand Suns, 2012’s Living Things, 2014’s The Hunting Party and their most recent released, 2017’s One More Light.
The band are scheduled to head out on tour next week alongside MGK and ONE OK ROCK and released a music video earlier today for their song, “Talking To Myself,” taken from their new album, One More Light.
Warner Bros. CEO and Chairman Cameron Stang has issued a statemet following the tragic loss of Chester Bennington, the Associated Press has reported.
“Chester Bennington was an artist of extraordinary talent and charisma, and a human being with a huge heart and a caring soul. Our thoughts and prayers are with his beautiful family, his band-mates and his many friends.”
The Associated Press have reported that coroner spokesman Brian Elias said authorities are currently investigating Bennington’s death as an apparent suicide at Palos Verdes Estates, located outside Los Angeles.
PETA, who Bennington has been a long time supporter of, has also released a statement:
“PETA will always remember Chester Bennington as a musical powerhouse and a powerful force for animal rights. He bared his skin to help animals keep theirs in PETA’s ‘Ink, Not Mink’ campaign, and he spoke passionately about both the cruelty of the fur industry and the need to adopt homeless dogs and cats, telling PETA, “We need to show our respect for all creatures of this world. The world lost a kind heart today.”
Linkin Park’s Mike Shinoda has shared a few words on Bennington’s loss:
“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
Musicians and friends of Chester Bennington have also spoken out about the sad news:
Circa Survive:
He was in one of the biggest bands on the planet yet went out of his way to make us feel welcome and respected when we played with them. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/R5Ph4cLx4w
— Circa Survive (@circasurvive) July 20, 2017
Alex Gaskarth (All Time Low):
Fuuuuuuck ��������
— Alexander William (@AlexAllTimeLow) July 20, 2017
If you or someone you know is struggling, needs help, or just needs to talk, call 1-800-273-8255.
So so sorry to hear about Chester.��— Alexander William (@AlexAllTimeLow) July 20, 2017
Kevin Skaff (A Day To Remember):
Brandon Hoover (Crown the Empire):
Too many artist in the rock community taking their own lives. Today is fucking terrible.
— Brandon Hoover (@BrandonCTE) July 20, 2017
Jordan Fish (Bring Me The Horizon):
Absolutely devastated. His voice and band were such a huge, huge influence to me and so many growing up. RIP Chester https://t.co/553PYCJQwB
— Jordan Fish (@JordanFish86) July 20, 2017
Pete Wentz (Fall Out Boy):
Mental health is no joke. We have to destigmatize the conversation around it.
— yung menace (@petewentz) July 20, 2017
Billie Joe Armstrong (Green Day):
Matt Skiba (Blink-182, Alkaline Trio):
Devin Oliver (I See Stars):
Literally the first band to point me in my direction musically. As well as millions of other people I know
— Devin Oliver (@devinoliver) July 20, 2017
Telle Smith (The Word Alive):
Anybody who knows me knows that Chester is my favorite singer. No voice ever connected with me more. RIP and love to all the LP family.
— TELLE (@tellesmith) July 20, 2017
Keaton Pierce (Too Close to Touch):
Lynn Gunn (PVRIS):
Fuck…
— LANEGŌØN (@LYNNGVNN) July 20, 2017
Josh Franceschi (You Me At Six):
Incredibly sad news about Chester Bennington. His voice and band a huge inspiration to so many. Thoughts with his family & LP x
— Josh Franceschi (@joshmeatsix) July 20, 2017
Ben Barlow (Neck Deep):
RIP Chester Bennington. His voice and LP were the sound of a generation. Massively influential to me and countless others. Very very sad.
— Ben Barlow (@ben_barlyo) July 20, 2017
Neck Deep:
Never be afraid to reach out. Never be afraid to talk. It’s ok not to be ok. If you’re unsure, go talk to our good friends at @HopeForTheDay
— Neck Deep (@NeckDeepUK) July 20, 2017
Oli Sykes, Bring Me The Horizon
Ben Bruce, Asking Alexandria
RIP Chester Bennington. I hope you find peace. Thank you for the years of incredible music that helped shape the musician I am today.
— Ben Bruce (@benjaminbruce) July 20, 2017
Aaron Pauley, Of Mice & Men
I’m at a loss for words. Chester was not only one of my heroes, but he was one of my friends. He was one of the best dudes in music. RIP.
— Aaron Pauley (@aaronpauley) July 20, 2017
Sam Carter, Architects
Absoutley crushed by the passing of @ChesterBe My biggest vocal inspiration and reason I wanted to start singing. Rest in Power ♥️ pic.twitter.com/6AtHhMQT78
— Samuel David Carter (@samarchitects) July 20, 2017
Ryan Key, Yellowcard
Hayley Williams, Paramore
artists are ppl compelled to bring beauty into a world that can be so dark. makes sense then that artists are always conscious of darkness..
— hayley from Paramore (@yelyahwilliams) July 20, 2017
… & maybe at times made more vulnerable by it? i don’t know. life can be relentless. heart hurts for Chester’s family/band/friends/fans.
— hayley from Paramore (@yelyahwilliams) July 20, 2017
