Read the statement.
Linkin Park today released their first official statement since the death of their vocalist Chester Bennington on July 20th. The band had been silent since then, with only a few tweets from some members containing brief comments.
The official statement, translated in full, can be read below. At the end, the band provided a link to a website created in honor of the vocalist , with contact information for suicide prevention hotlines and a space for fans to leave their messages.
Chester Bennington committed suicide by hanging on July 20th. The vocalist was 41 years old.
"Dear Chester,
Our hearts are broken. Waves of grief and denial are still swirling in our minds as we try to understand what happened."
You touched so many lives, more than you perhaps realized. In recent days we have seen an outpouring of love and support, both publicly and privately, from every corner of the world. Talinda and the family deeply appreciate this and want the world to know that you were the best husband, son, and father. The family will never be the same without you.
Talking to you about the future together, your enthusiasm was contagious. Your absence leaves a void that will never be filled – a loud, funny, ambitious, creative, sweet, generous voice is no longer in the room. We are trying to keep in mind that the demons that took you from us were always a part of you. After all, it was the way you sang about it that made everyone fall in love with you from the beginning. You fearlessly exposed yourself and in doing so you united us, and taught us to be more human. You had the biggest heart, and you always showed it.
Our love for making music is inextinguishable. Although we don't know what our future holds, we know that each of our lives has been better because of you. Thank you for this gift. We love you and miss you terribly.
Until we meet again,
LP
