In the book “It Starts With One: The Legend and Legacy of Linkin Park,” author Jason Lipshutz explores the rise of the famous rock band as well as the personal struggles of lead singer Chester Bennington. Before his tragic death by suicide in 2017, Bennington battled addiction to alcohol, which he described as an “hour-by-hour battle.” Despite publicly discussing his general difficulties with life, Bennington privately confided in loved ones about the consuming urge to drink that he was facing.
During the last months of Bennington’s life, he was discussing his ongoing struggles with addiction while promoting the One More Light album. His close friend Ryan Shuck shared that Bennington was fighting against his addiction on a daily basis. Bennington’s wife, Talinda, recognized the signs of a relapse when an autopsy revealed trace amounts of alcohol in his system at the time of his death. She realized that the beer bottles found in his room represented a return to the painful cycle of shame and unhealthy patterns that haunted him.
Following Bennington’s death, his bandmates in Linkin Park expressed their grief and shock at the loss of their frontman. They acknowledged the demons that Bennington had struggled with throughout his life and paid tribute to his legacy. Despite the devastating loss, the band eventually returned to performing and have continued to make music. Recently, they added new members to their lineup, including co-vocalist Emily Armstrong and drummer Colin Brittain, to continue their music journey.
In commemoration of Bennington’s memory, Linkin Park held a tribute concert in October after his passing. The band has gone through a period of mourning and reflection but has ultimately persevered, continuing to create music and perform for their devoted fans. While the loss of Bennington has left a lasting impact on the band and their audience, they have found a way to carry on and honor his memory through their music and live performances. The band has found ways to navigate the pain and loss, embodying the spirit of resilience, perseverance, and dedication to their music.
