Music industry mourns death of Linkin Park lead Chester Bennington

Thursday (Friday in Manila) was another sad day for the music industry, as rock music icon and Linkin Park vocalist Chester Bennington passed away in what authorities believe is an apparent suicide.

READ: Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington dies in LA at 41 

Having collaborated with numerous talented artists throughout his storied music career, the 41-year-old singer and songwriter’s sudden passing sent shock waves all over the world.

His Linkin Park co-founder and close friend, Mike Shinoda, first confirmed the tragic news on his personal Twitter page. “Shocked and heartbroken, but it’s true. An official statement will come out as soon as we have one,” he said.

Shocked and heartbroken, but it’s true. An official statement will come out as soon as we have one.

— Mike Shinoda (@mikeshinoda) July 20, 2017

Soon after, multiple musicians paid their respects to the rock legend, including frequent Linkin Park collaborator 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

“My heart is shattered. I can’t f**king believe this is real. Crying writing this now. Destroyed,” the internationally acclaimed DJ wrote.

Rapper Machine Gun Kelly, who toured with the band in Europe earlier this month, also expressed his grief.

“love you Chester. love you more than you know. music will never be the same without u…I’m honored to have shared these moments.

love you Chester. love you more than you know. music will never be the same without u…I’m honored to have shared these moments. 💔 pic.twitter.com/2YCtszgwXG

— Young Gunner (@machinegunkelly) July 20, 2017

Blink 182’s drummer, Travis Barker, also shared an old photo of himself together with the recently departed singer.

“Absolutely heartbroken.I’ll cherish every time we hung out or rocked a stage together.Condolences & prayers to all. So sad,” he wrote.

💔 Absolutely heartbroken.I’ll cherish every time we hung out or rocked a stage together.Condolences & prayers to all. So sad 🙏🏻 #RIPCHESTER pic.twitter.com/3MAFaeEA95

— Travis Barker (@travisbarker) July 20, 2017

Blink 182 and Linkin Park are scheduled to collaborate in a series of shows titled “Welcome to Blinkin Park” later this month.

Pop stars Rihanna, Avril Lavigne, Pharell and Chance the Rapper also took to social media to remember their fondest moments with Bennington.

😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢 Literally the most impressive talent I’ve ever seen live! Vocal beast! #RIPChester #LinkinPark

A post shared by badgalriri (@badgalriri) on Jul 20, 2017 at 11:37am PDT

Chester… You and the guys all influenced an entire generation. You went so hard and set so many kids free of their environments and situations. You let NERD open for you in Germany, we’ll never forget that show; YOU CRUSHED IT. The last time I saw you, you gave us chills. Your essence is amongst the stars. Rest now, 🙏🏾

A post shared by Pharrell Williams (@pharrell) on Jul 20, 2017 at 2:02pm PDT

I can’t even deal. Horrible news. To lose one of the best. Speechless. We love you Chester @chesterbe @linkinpark. I remember playing Rock Am Ring in Nuremberg with you like it was yesterday. A magical moment. During your set you came over and gave me a big smooch on my face while I was watching side stage. Rest In Peace

A post shared by Avril Lavigne (@avrillavigne) on Jul 20, 2017 at 12:58pm PDT

I can’t even deal. Horrible news. To lose one of the best. Speechless. We love you Chester @chesterbe @linkinpark. I remember playing Rock Am Ring in Nuremberg with you like it was yesterday. A magical moment. During your set you came over and gave me a big smooch on my face while I was watching side stage. Rest In Peace

A post shared by Avril Lavigne (@avrillavigne) on Jul 20, 2017 at 12:58pm PDT

Several artists from other bands sympathized as well and reminded how mental issues should be addressed more vividly by the public.

i’ve met Chester a couple times. he was very kind and also very smart. and one hell of a singer. mental health and drug addiction are really complex issues. but just know you are not alone. rest in peace Chester. you will be missed .. suicide prevention hotline: +1 (844) 540-5889

A post shared by Billie Joe Armstrong (@billiejoearmstrong) on Jul 20, 2017 at 1:53pm PDT

Mental health is no joke. We have to destigmatize the conversation around it.

— yung menace (@petewentz) July 20, 2017

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

Bennington is survived by his wife, Talinda Ann Bentley, and their six children. RA

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