The name of Chester Bennington resonates strongly once again following the announcement of Linkin Park‘s return with a new vocalist. During his active years, the American established himself as a rock star not only for his leadership in the legendary band but also for his career as a vocalist in other bands like Grey Daze, Dead by Sunrise, and Stone Temple Pilots.
His voice is both the past and present of the international rock scene. Anthems like In the End or Numb played and continue to play powerfully, with Chester Bennington’s voice as the centerpiece. “Literally, the most impressive talent I have ever seen live in my life. A vocal beast,” said Rihanna about the singer.
Linkin Park, which was first called Xero and then Hybrid Theory, began its journey in 1996, though its rise to stardom came with its first album released in 2000, Hybrid Theory, considered the best-selling debut album of the 90s.
After seven studio albums, the last being One More Light (2017), the band paused its activity that same year following the news of the death of its vocalist and leader, Chester Bennington himself.
How Chester Bennington died and when
Chester Bennington was born on March 20, 1976 in the city of Phoenix, the capital of the state of Arizona in the U.S. At the age of 41, he died on July 20, 2017 in the coastal city of Palos Verdes Estates, California.
That day, the musician’s housekeeper found him dead in his home, and shortly afterwards, his death was ruled as suicide by hanging, although he left no note. This occurred after spending a vacation with his wife and family in Arizona. Chester Bennington decided to return alone to his residence in Palos Verdes Estates, claiming he had work to do.
The day after his death, it was reported that there was a half-empty bottle of alcohol at the scene of his death, and a toxicology report published five months later indicated that “a small amount” of alcohol was found in Bennington’s body right at the time of his death.
Band member Mike Shinoda confirmed the death of his bandmate via X (formerly Twitter). “Devastated and heartbroken, but it’s true. We will release an official statement as soon as we have it,” he wrote.