Chester Bennington
The lead vocalist whose death by suicide on July 20, 2017, ended the One More Light World Tour and inspired a tribute concert at the Hollywood Bowl.
Chester Bennington was the frontman of Linkin Park who died by suicide on July 20, 2017. His death led to the cancellation of the rest of the One More Light World Tour and prompted the band to host a tribute concert, Linkin Park and Friends: Celebrate Life in Honor of Chester Bennington, on October 27, 2017, at the Hollywood Bowl. The concert was Linkin Park's only live performance following his death until the band's reformation in 2024.
- Tenure
- 1999–2017
- Origin
- Phoenix, Arizona
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Chester Bennington's death by suicide on July 20, 2017, immediately halted Linkin Park's One More Light World Tour, which had been promoting their seventh studio album, One More Light. On August 22, 2017, the band announced plans to host a tribute concert in Los Angeles to honor him. The concert, titled Linkin Park and Friends: Celebrate Life in Honor of Chester Bennington, took place on October 27, 2017, at the Hollywood Bowl and sold out by September 23. It featured a wide range of artists including Blink-182, members of System of a Down, Korn, Avenged Sevenfold, Machine Gun Kelly, Sum 41, Bring Me the Horizon, Civil Twilight, A Day to Remember, Yellowcard, and Kiiara. The concert was livestreamed on Linkin Park's YouTube channel and, as of July 2025, has been viewed more than 26 million times. It was Linkin Park's final concert to include drummer and band co-founder Rob Bourdon, who did not rejoin the band after its hiatus.
In Their Own Story
On July 20, 2017, Chester Bennington was found dead from suicide by hanging, immediately canceling the remaining dates of Linkin Park's One More Light World Tour. The band announced a tribute concert on August 22, 2017, to honor him. The event, held at the Hollywood Bowl on October 27, 2017, featured a set list that included performances by special guests such as Ryan Key of Yellowcard, Gavin Rossdale of Bush, Alanis Morissette, and many others. Mike Shinoda debuted a new song, 'Looking for an Answer,' during the concert. The show also included a performance of 'New Divide' with pre-recorded video and vocals of Chester Bennington from the 2014 Hollywood Bowl performance. The concert ended with a medley of 'Bleed It Out' and 'The Messenger' featuring all special guests and a studio voice-over of Chester Bennington on his part of 'Bleed It Out.'
Reader's Guide
Chester Bennington was the lead vocalist of Linkin Park, who died by suicide on July 20, 2017. His death resulted in the cancellation of the rest of the One More Light World Tour. The band's tribute concert, Linkin Park and Friends: Celebrate Life in Honor of Chester Bennington, was held on October 27, 2017, at the Hollywood Bowl. It was Linkin Park's only live performance following his death until the band's reformation in 2024, and also their final concert to include drummer and band co-founder Rob Bourdon. The concert featured a wide array of special guests, including Blink-182, members of System of a Down, Korn, Avenged Sevenfold, Machine Gun Kelly, Sum 41, Bring Me the Horizon, Civil Twilight, A Day to Remember, Yellowcard, and Kiiara. The event was livestreamed on Linkin Park's YouTube channel and has been viewed more than 26 million times as of July 2025.
Did You Know?
- Chester Bennington died by suicide by hanging on July 20, 2017, which canceled the rest of Linkin Park's One More Light World Tour.
- The tribute concert 'Linkin Park and Friends: Celebrate Life in Honor of Chester Bennington' sold out by September 23, 2017.
- As of July 2025, the concert's YouTube livestream has been viewed more than 26 million times.
- The concert was Linkin Park's final performance to include drummer and band co-founder Rob Bourdon, who did not rejoin after the band's hiatus.
- During the concert, Mike Shinoda debuted a new song called 'Looking for an Answer.'
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Chester Bennington?
Chester Bennington was the lead vocalist of Linkin Park from 1996 until his death in 2017, originating from Scottsdale, Arizona. He served as the band's public face and primary creative force for nearly two decades.
What was Chester's specific role and vocal style?
As the frontman, he defined the group's sound by seamlessly blending melodic singing with intense screaming to create a signature emotional intensity. This dynamic range allowed him to express raw vulnerability that resonated deeply with fans worldwide.
How did Chester Bennington's life story end?
His journey concluded tragically when he passed away unexpectedly in 2017 at the age of 41. His untimely death marked the end of his tenure but solidified his status as a defining voice of a generation.
Why is Chester Bennington considered so important to Linkin Park?
He was instrumental in elevating the band from underground nu-metal pioneers to international superstars through his honest expression of struggle and resilience. His unique ability to connect with audiences made him central to the band's identity throughout their entire history.
What is Chester Bennington's lasting legacy?
Chester left behind a profound impact as an emotional voice for millions, known for establishing the raw power that characterized nu-metal. Even after his passing, his influence continues to resonate within the music community and among fans globally.
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