Chester Bennington: Musicians, Famous Fans React to Linkin Park Singer’s Death
An array of musicians and famous fans expressed their sadness over the sudden death of Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington. Bennington died of an apparent suicide by hanging Thursday morning at the age of 41.
A representative confirmed Bennington’s death to Rolling Stone, while his Linkin Park bandmate Mike Shinoda wrote on Twitter, “Shocked and heartbroken, but it’s true. An official statement will come out as soon as we have one.”
Bennington’s death elicited sorrow, grief and memories from his many fans, peers and collaborators in the music and entertainment world including Rihanna, Justin Timberlake, Timbaland, Nikki Six, Ro Thomas, Hayley Williams of Paramore, Chance the Rapper, Passion Pit, Nile Rodgers, Pusha T, Pete Wentz and Jimmy Kimmel. Others took the opportunity to speak out about the importance of addressing mental health issues, including Thursday’s Geoff Rickly and Best Coast’s Bethany Cosentino. Read the remembrances below.
Paramore’s Hayley Williams
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
Chance the Rapper
RIP Chester. Tragic ending. Condolences his family and friends and Linkin Park ??
— Lil Chano From 79th (@chancetherapper) July 20, 2017
Rihanna
Jimmy Kimmel
Chester was one of the kindest men I’ve had on my show. My heart breaks for his family and friends. He will be missed terribly.
— Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) July 20, 2017
Thursday’s Geoff Rickly
.in response to your question pic.twitter.com/sAEd68iYT6
— Geoffrey Rickly (@GeoffRickly) July 20, 2017
Lupe Fiasco
Ooooh noooo…????#CHESTER
Damn This really hurts a lot man #LP4EVER
— DROGASLight Out Now! (@LupeFiasco) July 20, 2017
#LinkinPark means a lot of things to a lot of people…definitely means a lot to me…condolences to his family and my fellow LP heads…??
— DROGASLight Out Now! (@LupeFiasco) July 20, 2017
His words and vibes helped me in my own dark times…such an inspiration…?
Thanx for that Chester! #LP4EVER #BeautifulLasers
— DROGASLight Out Now! (@LupeFiasco) July 20, 2017
Nile Rodgers
#RIPChesterBennington I remember the 1st day I went in the basement Warner Bros. Records #Burbank to hear you 1at… https://t.co/gDkXtq5Vge
— Nile Rodgers (@nilerodgers) July 20, 2017
Killer Mike
Pusha T
Chester it was truly a pleasure, thank you for sharing your greatness… #RIP #LinkinPark ??
— King Push (@PUSHA_T) July 20, 2017
Best Coast
RIP. Mental health is not a joke. Heartbreaking ? https://t.co/31oKtz1HM6
— Best Coast (@BestCoast) July 20, 2017
OneRepublic
Oh dear God. Massive R.I.P to Chester Bennington of @linkinpark this BREAKS OUR HEART. Suicide is the devil on earth walking amongst us ?
— OneRepublic (@OneRepublic) July 20, 2017
Dwayne Johnson
So sorry to hear the news about Chester Bennington. Sending so much luv, strength & light to his family, kids & @linkinpark ohana.
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) July 20, 2017
Passion Pit
rip chester bennington
— #weneedscience (@passionpit) July 20, 2017
Ryan Adams
R.I.P Chester Bennington
My thoughts are with his family & friends today
He & @linkinpark are the kindest folks you could ever hoped to meet pic.twitter.com/abS1e4t3Oi— Ryan Adams (@TheRyanAdams) July 20, 2017
Garbage
Just heard the sad news of the passing of Chester Bennington . Our sincere condolences to his family, his band and everyone who loved him.
— Garbage (@garbage) July 20, 2017
Nickleback
“When life leaves us blind, love keeps us kind.” – Chester Bennington. Rest easy sir. pic.twitter.com/RLhmf0UR0B
— Nickelback (@Nickelback) July 20, 2017
5 Seconds of Summer’s Michael Clifford
can’t even fathom the news about Chester Bennington. going to have LP on repeat all day. Rest In Peace.
— michael (@Michael5SOS) July 20, 2017
Timbaland
Our thoughts and prayers are with @linkinpark and Chester’s friends and family. #RIPChester pic.twitter.com/45B0vMQZtP
— Timbaland (@Timbaland) July 20, 2017
Justin Timberlake
RIP to Chester Bennington and my sincerest condolences to his family, friends, and the Linkin Park family. Truly unique, humble frontman.
— Justin Timberlake (@jtimberlake) July 21, 2017
Imagine Dragons
no words. so heartbroken. RIP Chester Bennington.
— Imagine Dragons (@Imaginedragons) July 20, 2017
Joss Whedon
“A Thousand Suns” got me through a horribly dark time. I’m indebted. Thank you and RIP Chester Bennington, wish you were here
— Joss Whedon (@joss) July 20, 2017
Hozier
Saddened to hear of the passing of Chester Bennington and the talent that goes with him. Thoughts are with family and loved ones.
— Hozier (@Hozier) July 21, 2017
Jimmy Eat World
We’re extremely saddened by the loss of Chester Bennington. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Such is a huge loss for so many.
— Jimmy Eat World (@jimmyeatworld) July 20, 2017
Rob Thomas
song of the day: NUMB – LINKIN PARK pic.twitter.com/7itrfa0Sz6
— Rob Thomas (@ThisIsRobThomas) July 20, 2017
Steve Aoki
My heart is shattered. I can’t fucking believe this is real. Crying writing this now. Destroyed. pic.twitter.com/MeEBJD9gi3
— Kolony July 21 (@steveaoki) July 20, 2017
Gracious, kind & humble. A rare combination in Rock & Roll. Deeply saddened… pic.twitter.com/cVtNEzrjHD
— Lars Ulrich (@larsulrich) July 20, 2017
Nikki Six
I am in tears.Chester just told me how happy he was…..He was such a sweet and talented man……Ifeel so sad for his family,band mates and fans
— Nikki Sixx (@NikkiSixx) July 20, 2017
Nick Jonas
This is heartbreaking. RIP Chester. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends. https://t.co/z4R5gdFt8D
— Nick Jonas (@nickjonas) July 20, 2017
The Chainsmokers
RIP The legend Chester. You were were and will continue to be a huge inspiration to us.
— THE CHAINSMOKERS (@TheChainsmokers) July 20, 2017
Juicy J
We lost another legend R.I.P. Chester Bennington of (linkin park) prayers up for the family so sad
— juicy j (@therealjuicyj) July 20, 2017