Read Linkin Park's Heartfelt Tribute to Chester Bennington | Revolver

Read Linkin Park's Heartfelt Tribute to Chester Bennington

"Your absence leaves a void that can never be filled"
chester bennington, Christopher Polk / Getty
photograph by Christopher Polk / Getty

Linkin Park have penned a heartfelt letter in memory of Chester Bennington, their first public comments since the singer took his own life last Thursday (July 20th). "Our hearts are broken. The shockwaves of grief and denial are still sweeping through our family as we come to grips with what has happened," they begin, going on to express appreciation for the "outpouring of love and support, both public in private, from around the world," as well as celebrate Bennington's passion, courage, and openness. Read the entire statement below.

Linkin Park's tribute follows last week's cancellations of their "One More Light" tour (which was slated to begin July 27th), as well as the "Blinkin Park" trek with Blink-182. In the wake of Bennington's death, the band have launched Chester.linkinpark.com, a website where fans can share tributes of their own, as well as find resources on suicide prevention.

Dear Chester,

Our hearts are broken. The shockwaves of grief and denial are still sweeping through our family as we come to grips with what has happened.

You touched so many lives, maybe even more than you realized. In the past few days, we've seen an outpouring of love and support, both public and private, from around the world. Talinda and the family appreciate it, and want the world to know that you were the best husband, son, and father; the family will never be whole without you.

Talking with you about the years ahead together, your excitement was infectious. Your absence leaves a void that can never be filled—a boisterous, funny, ambitious, creative, kind, generous voice in the room is missing. We're trying to remind ourselves that the demons who took you away from us were always part of the deal. After all, it was the way you sang about those demons that made everyone fall in love with you in the first place. You fearlessly put them on display, and in doing so, brought us together and taught us to be more human. You had the biggest heart, and managed to wear it on your sleeve.

Our love for making and performing music is inextinguishable. While we don't know what path our future may take, we know that each of our lives was made better by you. Thank you for that gift. We love you, and miss you so much.

Until we see you again, LP