The lead singer of rock band Linkin Park, Chester Bennington, has been found dead in an apparent suicide at his Palos Verdes home near Los Angeles.
ADVERTISEMENTChester Bennington, the lead singer of rock band Linkin Park, has been found dead at his home near Los Angeles in an apparent suicide.
Bennington had a history of alcohol and drug abuse. He had spoken openly about his struggles to overcome his demons when Linkin Park first found success in 2000 with the album “Hybrid Theory” and went on to become one of the most popular alt-rock bands of their generation.
But by 2011 he said he had been sober for six years.
Celebrity website TMZ, citing law enforcement sources, said Bennington had hung himself at his Palos Verdes home near Los Angeles.
Linkin Park vocalist Mike Shinoda tweeted to confirm the news:
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
The 41-year-old, known for his powerful, belting vocals, had been married twice and had six children.
He was a close friend of Soundgarden front man Chris Cornell, who committed suicide in Detroit in May.
Fans noted on Thursday that Bennington had apparently taken his own life on what would have been Cornell’s 53rd birthday.
Cornell’s wife Vicky also tweeted about her shock over the news:
Just when I thought my heart couldn’t break any more…..I love you T
— Vicky Cornell (@vickycornell) July 20, 2017
The band’s latest album, “One More Light,” was released in May, and Linkin Park had been touring South America and Europe until two weeks ago.
Bennington’s death came a week before the band was due to kick off the U.S. leg of the tour on July 27 in Mansfield, Massachusetts. It also came the same day as the release of Linkin Park’s music video “Talking to Myself.
The band has sold more than 70 million albums worldwide.