Lead singer of Linkin Park takes own life
LOS ANGELES: Chester Bennington, the lead singer of Linkin Park, was found dead yesterday of apparent suicide a week before the California altrock band was due to embark on a United States tour.
Bennington (41), known for his powerful, belting vocals, died at his Palos Verdes home near Los Angeles, the Los Angeles County Coroner’s office said.
Spokesman Brian Elias said the death was being treated as an apparent suicide. He died alone. His family was out of town.
‘‘Shocked and heartbroken, but it’s true. An official statement will come out as soon as we have one,’’ tweeted Linkin Park vocalist Mike Shinoda.
Bennington had a history of alcohol and drug abuse. He spoke openly in the past about his struggles to overcome his demons when Linkin Park first found fame in 2000 with its bestselling debut album Hybrid Theory and went on to become one of the most popular altrock bands of its generation.
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 United States 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.
Bennington, who was twice married and had six children, was a close friend of Soundgarden front man Chris Cornell, who committed suicide in Detroit in May.
Fans noted yesterday that Bennington had apparently taken his own life on what would have been Cornell’s 53rd birthday. — Reuters