Linkin Park Frontman Chester Bennington Dies, aged 41

The Linkin Park lead singer Chester Bennington has died aged 41 says the LA County Coroner.

Bennington was found at approximately 9am on Thursday 20^th July 2017. He was found at his home near Los Angeles where he apparently hanged himself.

It also marks the 53rd birthday of a friend, Chris Cornell (20th July 2017), who committed suicide after a concert on May 17.

Fellow band member Mike Shinoda posted on Twitter shortly after, saying that he was “shocked and heartbroken” upon hearing the news. Linkin Park has released their new album “One More Light” in May this year and the band was due to go on tour next week.

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

Chester Bennington was a hugely influential figure, revolutionising rock music. Linkin Park combined elements of rap with the more traditional rock music, giving it a more modern twist which was especially popular in the early 2000s.

The band has sold over 70 million albums worldwide and has won two Grammy Awards, proving just how much of an influence the band has had on so many people.

Despite the band’s success, Bennington didn’t have the easiest start to life. He was beaten up and molested aged 7 and moved in with his father following the divorce of his parents, aged 11 and became addicted to drugs before recovering from his addiction in 1992. It was at this point that Bennington decided to audition to be in the band which eventually became Linkin Park.

Many friends and family have posted tributes on social media, including Chance the Rapper and Paramore’s Hayley Williams. Chester Bennington still remains as one of nu metal’s biggest influencers and will be remembered for not only his unique vocals and excellent live performances, but also as “gracious, kind & humble”, as stated by Metallica’s Lars Ulrich.

If you or anybody else you know is feeling suicidal, there are always places to call to offer you support and advice. Samaritans (116 123) is free to call and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There are also mental health charities such as MIND who have a website (https://www.mind.org.uk/) and you can also ring their hotline: 0300 123 3393 if in need of immediate support.