He was the idol of millions. Even people very far from the world of music imitated him and looked up to him. At one point, his name became known to almost the whole world, however, it cannot be said that Bennington gained such popularity exclusively after his death. He was known and loved during his lifetime. So who was he, the one whose unexpected death became a real shock for an entire army of fans, causing not only bitterness and sorrow, but also indignation, and sometimes contempt?
Chester Bennington was born in Arizona in 1976. His family had nothing to do with music or art in general. Parents future star The rock scene divorced when the boy was only eleven years old.
Bennington began his work with the musicians of the future band Linkin Park back in 1999. Over the entire existence of the group, these guys have released five albums, and have also been repeatedly recognized the best team USA performing alternative music.
By the way, the history of the creation of the group's name is connected with Bennington's hometown. As a child, little Chester often had to walk in Lincoln Park. Actually, this is exactly what Bennington, as an aspiring musician, wanted to call his band - Lincoln Park. The problem arose when the young team decided to create their own website. It turned out that there was already an Internet page with the same name on the World Wide Web. And then the idea came to call the group Linkin Park.
As for the musician’s personal life, Bennington was officially married twice. Chester has a son from his first marriage. The rock idol entered into a second marriage with a popular model men's magazine Playboy. The couple had three children and adopted two more.
Death of Chester Bennington
Twentieth July 2017 year, the entire Internet and all media literally exploded with stunning news: the lead singer of one of the most popular rock bands modern times was found dead in own home in Los Angeles. The 41-year-old musician committed suicide, choosing a very symbolic date for this. Bennington decided to take his own life on the 53rd birthday of his late colleague and comrade, Soundgarden lead singer Criss Cornell. The latter had passed away very shortly before this. at will, it happened on the eighteenth of May.
An event such as the death of one of the most popular rock idols modern world, Chester Bennington, caused a huge resonance among the public. Numerous versions have been put forward as to why the rock musician died. We will try to analyze the most basic of them further.
Causes of Chester Bennington's death
Establishing the actual reason why Linkin Park lead singer Chester Bennington died was not difficult for forensic investigators. It was suicide by hanging. Of much greater interest to the press, the public, fans, friends and in general everyone who has at least once heard something about Bennington’s work was internal reasons musician who pushed him to this act.
There are many opinions and versions here. Here are a few of the most basic ones.
- Death of a close friend. Indeed, the suicide of musician Criss Cornel was a huge shock for Bennington. They were very close and Bennington’s subtle emotional attachment to his deceased friend can be understood from his letter to the latter, which the musician published on one of the social networks shortly after the death of his colleague and comrade. In addition, the choice of date for committing suicide seems to hint at some kind of connection with Cornel.
- Dependencies. It's no secret that rock musicians lead a very specific lifestyle. Bennington was no exception in this regard. Alcohol and drugs were an integral part of his life. Many condemn the musician for this, some forgive " bad habits", speaking about Bennington's enormous talent. Likewise, it is difficult to say whether it is true or not that these harmful things caused the death of a rock star. No one knows about this except Bennington himself.
- Depression. Many believe that the cause of Bennington’s death was his severe psycho-mental state, namely, a prolonged depression in which the singer and musician had been for many years. There may be several reasons for this condition. Firstly, the burden of responsibility to the fans. On stage, Chester and his team always tried to give their best, but it would never be possible to please all the fans, and the dissatisfaction worried Bennington very much.
Plus, as a child, Chester had to endure an act of sexual violence by an adult man, which also left its mark on the psyche of the future idol of millions.
Which of this is true is the cause of the musician’s death, and which is a lie, perhaps no one will ever know, but now these are the versions.
Video on the topic: Death of Chester Bennington
Details of the death of Chester Bennington
As for some of the details of this tragic incident, the press learned that shortly before the incident, Bennington and his family were vacationing in Arizona. However, the musician decided to go home to Los Angeles alone.
His dead body was found along with an empty liquor bottle by a housekeeper.
It is known that the next day the Linkin Park group was scheduled to premiere a new video.
Linkin Park reacts to the death of lead singer Chester Bennington
Bennington's death came as a real shock to everyone, including fellow musicians, members of the band Linkin Park. In the first days after the incident, the guys refused to comment on anything. The band members refused to make an official statement regarding the death of their colleague, saying that they would inform the press about it as soon as they had one.
It is known that at the time of Bennington’s death, the Linkin Park group was planning another round of development. The guys were preparing for the release of a new video, and the group also had a joint photo shoot. This is one of the reasons why the lead singer’s act came as a real shock to the other members of the group.
Also, many other celebrities took to social media to express their shock and surprise at Bennington's death. Many expressed words of grief and admitted that they were longtime fans of Bennington and Linkin Park.
Fans react to Chester Bennington's death
As for Bennington’s fans, their opinion about the musician’s action was sharply divided. Of course, this act made an indelible impression on all of them. However, they expressed it differently. Some expressed words of regret and grief, admitted that they grew up and matured to the songs of Linkin Park, and are connected with the work of the group important stages their lives and they sincerely regret that such a talented person left this world.
Others, contrary to the opinion that “it’s either good or nothing about the dead,” condemn and criticize the musician, not understanding how a man who inspired and encouraged millions could turn out to be so weak.
Whether to accept or condemn such an act by Chester Bennington remains a personal matter for everyone.
The news came as a shock to his fans and colleagues. One of the first to comment on the tragedy was Michael Shinnoda, the band's vocalist.
“Shocked and heartbroken. But it's true. An official statement will come as soon as we receive it.”
Many celebrities also expressed regret about the loss on their pages. in social networks.
Boxer Paul Malignaggi:“I always thought Linkin Park's songs were very deep. I listened to their words and trained to their music for years. Rest in peace Chester Bennington."
Lauren Jauregui from Fifth Harmony:"Rest in peace, Chester Bennington. You created incredible music and inspired many, including me. I hope you find peace."
Chester Bennington with Jay Z and Paul McCartney
One Republic Group:"Can't be. The massive RIP for Chester Bennington is breaking our hearts. Suicide is the devil on earth who lives among us.”
Rihanna:“The most amazing talent I have ever seen! Vocal beast!
Group imagine Dragons: “There are no words. Broken. Rest in peace Chester Bennington."
TV host Jimmy Kimmel:"Chester was one of the the kindest people who have ever come to my show. My heart breaks for his family and friends. He will be greatly missed."
Rapper Timbaland:"Our thoughts and prayers are with Linkin Park and Chester's family and loved ones."
Garbage group:“We just heard the news about the death of Chester Bennington. Our sincere condolences to his family. To the group and everyone who loved him."
Chester Bennington and his wife
Actress and model Ashley Greene:“Upset by the news of the death of the talented Chester Bennington from Linkin Park. My heart breaks for his family and friends."
Rapper Juicy J:“We have lost another legend. Rest in peace, Chester Bennington. I pray for his family."
Russian fans launched a flash mob in memory of their idol
passed away on July 20 Linkin lead singer Park Chester Bennington. The singer passed away on the birthday of his friend, who passed away two months ago, like him, of his own free will. " Real time“In memory of the idol of millions, he recalls his difficult life and publishes some of the heart-warming tweets of Russians who are unable to come to terms with their loss.
The same Chester Bennington
On Thursday evening, news began to spread online that fans are unlikely to be able to come to terms with - Linkin Park vocalist Chester Bennington committed suicide. He was 41 years old. The singer was found in his home in Los Angeles on July 20 - the birthday of his friend, Soundgarden singer Chris Cornell, who died two months earlier.
The life of the leader of Linkin Park was difficult, and in many ways he was influenced by the events that happened in his childhood. He never hid the fact that as a child at the age of seven or eight he experienced sexual abuse by his “older friend.” His parents divorced early, and at the age of 11 he was left with his father, from whom he did not see emotional support. He did not find an outlet at school either - the guys mocked him and beat him. Bennington himself later admitted in an interview that in his childhood and youth he was “very scared and lonely.” The solution was drugs, alcohol and creativity - throughout his life he had given up bad habits more than once, but then he still returned to them.
At one stage in 1999, when the singer gave up drugs and alcohol and had already become the former vocalist of Gray Daze, he was taken into the group Linkin Park. In 2000 musical Olympus blew up the band's first album, Hybrid Theory. The album sold 50,000 copies in the United States in its first week, and 5 million copies a year later, making the album the best-selling album in the United States of 2001. Over the years, sales remained steady and by 2005 the album had reached over 10 million copies.
Subsequently, the stunning success of “Hybrid Theory” even began to irritate Chester Bennington - fans constantly criticized the band’s new works, while remaining faithful to the first album.
In May of this year, Linkin Park released its seventh studio album, One More Light, and the group began its world tour in support of it. Bennington committed suicide during a break between tours. By tragic accident on this day not only his friend was born, but also their new clip"Talking To Myself" From two marriages, the singer had 6 children, two of whom were adopted.
“No one heard him or saved him”
Many stars commented on the sad news about the death of the Linkin Park lead singer. The group's co-founder Mike Shinoda was one of the first to talk about it. He wrote that he was shocked and broken. Within 24 hours, his message on Twitter received 218 thousand retweets. Many of the fans did not believe in the death of their idol until recently, but Shinoda’s message dispelled the last hopes.
Shocked and heartbroken, but it's true. An official statement will come out as soon as we have one.
- Mike Shinoda (@mikeshinoda)
What might you not know about the legendary lead singer of Linkin Park?
Today, March 20, Linkin Park lead singer Chester Bennington could have turned 43 years old, but in the summer of 2017 the performer voluntarily passed away. This tragic event forever changed the iconic group, and rock music in general. And despite the fact that in one of latest interviews, frontman Mike Shinoda said that they are not going to finish musical activity, and even began the search for a new member, who, according to the performer, will in no way be a “replacement for Chester,” fans believe that without Bennington’s unique, memorable voice and wild charisma, the group will no longer be the same.
In honor of the cult musician's birthday, we have collected 11 incredible facts about his life.
1. Despite the fact that Bennington is left-handed, he played guitar exclusively right hand.
2. Since 1993, Chester has played in the band Gray Daze. After their breakup in 1997, Bennington moved to Linkin Park.
Photo: Instagram@therealgreydaze
3. By the way, it was Chester who came up with the name of the group, but initially it sounded different - Lincoln Park. The participants appreciated this option, but upon learning that the Internet domain with that name was taken, it was decided to change it to a similar one - Linkin Park.
4. Before participating in the famous group, Bennington worked part-time at Burger King, where he met his first wife.
5. At the same time, Chester was very poor - he got to work on a skateboard, and instead of rings at his own wedding, the newlyweds got tattoos on their fingers.
6. Unlike the rest of the group, Chester did not have a higher education.
7. After being in the group for 9 years, Chester decided to try his hand at solo work: in 2009, he released the album of his project Dead by Sunrise. By the way, the first person to listen to the record was Mike Shinoda.
Dead by Sunrise album cover "Out of Ashes"
8. Bennington was married twice, last wife artist became Talinda Ann Betley, former model Playboy magazine.
9. Chester left six children - four natural and two adopted.
10. Not many people know that the musician also tried himself as an actor. Performer has 4 cameo roles in the films "Adrenaline", "Adrenaline 2", "Saw 3D" and "Artifact".
Still from the film “Adrenaline. High voltage»
11. In 2018, a year after Bennington’s death, Mark Morton released the track Cross off, where Chester performed as a guest vocalist.
Cover of Mark Morton's single "Cross off" feat. Chester Bennington
The music community around the world and ordinary people are mourning the untimely death of Linkin Park lead singer Chester Bennington, who was found dead in a private residence near Los Angeles the day before. Social media is full of sadness.
The first to react was Bennington's friend and bandmate Mike Shinoda, who, along with the deceased, was at the origins of Linkin Park. He was the first to confirm the terrible news.
There are no words. Heart is broken. Rest in peace, Chester Bennington
- members of the rock band Imagine Dragons.
The One Republic Twitter account recalled the six children Chester left behind. Musicians believe that suicide is “the devil who walks the earth among us people.”
If anyone thinks the world will be a better place without you, how incredibly wrong they are.
- musicians Group One Republic
According to Good Charlotte vocalist Joel Madden, he was speechless when he learned of Bennington's death.
Singer Rihanna wrote that she considered the deceased the most impressive talent she had ever seen in her life.
Rest in peace, Chester Bennington. We will never know someone's pain. Prayers are with his family during this tragedy. If you need help, reach out
- Rhythm guitarist and vocalist of the rock band Kiss Paul Stanley.
Probably our most famous fan. It was very sad to hear this news. Everyone in the club is transmitting best wishes Chester's family and friends
- team of the English club "Ipswich Town"
Shocked by this news
- Russian singer Diana Arbenina
Yana Churikova.
Sad, Linkin Park lead singer committed suicide
- Oleg Gazmanov.
What must happen to a person for him to take his own life! Moreover, when you are loved by everyone and incredibly talented musician, vocalist! This death, like many others, will remain a mystery to us. It's good that we have music. She is with us forever
- GlucoZa
The leader of “Crematorium” Armen Grigoryan, in a conversation with, called Linkin Park one of his favorite groups. He considers one of possible reasons tragedy drug addiction.
The actions of rock musicians are often not related to their commercial success. It is not clear why this happened. Maybe it's drugs
- Grigoryan.
This serious blow for the fans, I count myself among this number. I was always looking forward to new albums. It's a pity that this creator is no longer in the world. The load that fell on him turned out to be so heavy that he could not cope. Chester left six children - this is a great human tragedy
- vocalist of the band Lumen Rustem Bulatov
Russian fans of Linkin Park launched a hashtag dedicated to the death of Chester Bennington on social networks, calling for prayers for him: #RussiaPrayForChester.