Wow. Has it really been that long since we lost Chester Bennington? The legendary nu-metal frontman passed away one year ago on July 20th, and the date is weighing heavily on his surviving bandmates in Linkin Park.
They’ve posted a brief yet emotional open letter to Chester on their official website to mark the solemn occasion, admitting that they can still feel the singer’s presence.
It reads:
To our brother Chester,
It has been a year since your passing—a surreal rotation of grief, heartbreak, refusal, and recognition. And yet it sill feels like you are close by, surrounding us with your memory and your light. Your one-of-a-kind spirit has authored an indelible imprint on our hearts—our jokes, our joy, and our tenderness.
Eternally grateful for the love, life, and creative passion you shared with us and the world. We miss you more than words can express.
Love,
M, J, D, R, B
As well as signing off the band’s joint letter, bassist Dave “Phoenix” Farrell also penned one of his own on Instagram. It reads:
In the past year, there hasn’t been a day that has gone by that I haven’t thought of you. I miss you, and it still hurts to not have you here. I chose not to speak at your memorial because I couldn’t formulate the words to adequately express how I felt… I chose not to speak at the Celebration of Life Concert honoring you because I knew I’d struggle to even be able to speak at all. And today, a year after your passing, I still struggle to try and eloquently express what you mean to your family, your friends, your fans… and to me. There is so much that I feel, and that I could say, and that I would want to say, and that I don’t know how to say… but one thing I know for certain, is that you are loved, and you are missed.
Be Well My Friend,
Dave
Meanwhile, LP fans have announced a series of Australian memorial events to mark the first anniversary of Chester’s death.
Punters in Brisbane are throwing a picnic in Roma Street Parkland today as “an opportunity to share memories together, as we all deal with this loss as a family”.
While next Saturday, 28th July, Sydney’s Hideaway Bar will host a free Linkin Park tribute show — featuring bands like Scarburrow, Snake Eyes, Await A Guardian and Together In Tragedy — to raise money for the 320 Changes Direction campaign, created by Bennington’s widow, Talinda.
In a statement endorsing the fan-organised tributes, Linkin Park said, “Thank you to all the fans for planning beautiful events around the world to honor and remember Chester.”
View all the dates and Facebook events for the Australian memorials right here.
Chester died on 20th July 2017 at the age of 41.
And for now, the future of Linkin Park remains up in the air.
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