Linkin Park Mourn Front Man Chester Bennington in Emotional Letter: ‘Your Absence Leaves a Void That Can Never Be Filled’

Bennington. Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images for UCLA

Last week, Linkin Park lead singer Chester Bennington died of a suicide at age 41. After setting up a forum for suicide prevention on their website, his surviving bandmates have issued their first statement about Bennington’s death in the form of a letter to their late front man. “We’re trying to remind ourselves that the demons who took you away from us were always part of the deal. After all, it was the way you sang about those demons that made everyone fall in love with you in the first place. You fearlessly put them on display, and in doing so, brought us together and taught us to be more human,� they write. While the band notes in the letter that their future together is uncertain — they canceled their current tour following his death — Linkin Park imply that Bennington will likely not be replaced: “Your absence leaves a void that can never be filled — a boisterous, funny, ambitious, creative, kind, generous voice in the room is missing.� Read the full letter below.

Dear Chester,

Our hearts are broken. The shockwaves of grief and denial are still sweeping through our family as we come to grips with what has happened. 

You touched so many lives, maybe even more than you realized. In the past few days, we’ve seen an outpouring of love and support, both public and private, from around the world. Talinda and the family appreciate it, and want the world to know that you were the best husband, son, and father; the family will never be whole without you.

Talking with you about the years ahead together, your excitement was infectious. Your absence leaves a void that can never be filled—a boisterous, funny, ambitious, creative, kind, generous voice in the room is missing. We’re trying to remind ourselves that the demons who took you away from us were always part of the deal. After all, it was the way you sang about those demons that made everyone fall in love with you in the first place. You fearlessly put them on display, and in doing so, brought us together and taught us to be more human. You had the biggest heart, and managed to wear it on your sleeve. 

Our love for making and performing music is inextinguishable. While we don’t know what path our future may take, we know that each of our lives was made better by you. Thank you for that gift. We love you, and miss you so much.

Until we see you again,

LP