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RIP Chester Bennington
The lead singer of American rock band Linkin Park, Chester Bennington, sadly passed away on July the 20th.
The 41-year-old committed suicide in his family home, a week before the band were due to set off on a North American tour.
Chester had struggled throughout his life with various turmoils, including the suicide of his close friend Chris Cornell from Soundgarden, earlier this year. Though he had a history of substance abuse, it was not obvious what a dark place Chester was really in.
He had indicated that he was happier, and had overcome the depression he had felt in years before 2017. He overcame the struggles of a divorce and seemed to be enjoying life with his wife and 6 children, plus new projects with Linkin Park.
Linkin Park have existed on and off since 1998, with highlights including their track 'New Divide' featuring on the Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen soundtrack and headlining Download festival in 2014.
Their cancelled tour was to promote their latest album One More Light, which had been successful on the US Billboard chart, despite being extremely pop sounding compared to their earlier, more rock-influenced sound.
The shock surrounding Chester's suicide comes as a reminder of how easy it is for people to hide their demons and struggles which can quickly become too heavy to deal with. It may be too late for Chester, but for others in a similar place to where he was, help and support can save lives.
This has inspired Chester's band members to do something to help others who too may be suffering quietly.
Like the members of Linkin Park, and Chester's close friends and family, we encourage anyone suffering to speak out and seek help. Whether a musician, a music lover or anyone at all, we don't want to hear of any more lives lost to suicide.
You are valuable. Find help through the links provided on the site in Chester's memory, or at the bottom of this page.
For UK based help: Book a counselling appointment with turn2me.org
Or call Samaritans on their free, 24-hour, every day of the week line 116 123, you can also visit one of their MANY UK wide branches.
