Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington has died, according to the L.A. County Coroner. The musician was found dead in his Los Angeles home Thursday. He was 41.
Bennington joined Linkin Park in 1999. A year later, the band released their debut album Hybrid Theory, which became a massive commercial success, and helped launch the rap-metal scene of the early 2000s. Hybrid Theory has since been certified diamond for 10 million copies sold.
In 2004, Linkin Park recorded a collaborative EP with rapper JAY-Z, which spawned the hit mash-up “Numb/Encore.”
After Hybrid Theory and its follow-up, 2003’s Meteora, Linkin Park began to move away from their initial rap-rock sound. Their seventh and most recent album, One More Light, which was released this past May, took a more pop-oriented approach. The band is scheduled to kick off a tour in support of the album on July 27 in Boston.
In between his work with Linkin Park, Bennington also fronted Stone Temple Pilots between 2013 and 2015.
Bennington had struggled with drug addiction throughout his life. He appeared very affected by the death of Chris Cornell, who committed suicide by hanging in May. Thursday, perhaps not coincidentally, would’ve been Cornell’s 53rd birthday.
At Cornell’s funeral service, Bennington sang Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.” The night of Cornell’s death, Linkin Park performed the One More Light title track in honor of the late Soundgarden frontman.
In May, Linkin Park performed on a New York City subway for an Good Morning America segment on ABC. They were scheduled to play GMA’s concert series in Central Park on August 4.
Meanwhile, many of Chester’s famous fans took to Twitter to express their condolences. Here’s a roundup of some of their reactions:
Chainsmokers: RIP The legend Chester. You were were and will continue to be a huge inspiration to us.
Rihanna: Literally the most impressive talent I’ve ever seen live! Vocal beast! #RIPChester #LinkinPark
Nick Jonas: This is heartbreaking. RIP Chester. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends.
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
Imagine Dragons: no words. so heartbroken. RIP Chester Bennington.
Matchbox Twenty’s Paul Doucette: So sad to hear about Chester Bennington. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and fans.
Josh Groban: Label mate and all around nice cool talented guy. We came up at the same time at [Warner Bros. Records]. F**k. RIP Chester.
Hayley Williams from Paramore: 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.. & 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.
American Authors: Chester Bennington thank you for your music and incredible voice. Another legendary singer gone. Sending our hearts
Fall Out Boy’s Pete Wentz: Mental health is no joke. We have to destigmatize the conversation around it.
Dwayne The Rock Johnson: So sorry to hear the news about Chester Bennington. Sending so much luv, strength & light to his family, kids & @linkinpark ohana.
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.
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.
Bennington is survived by his wife and 6 children.
