Bennington’s Life & Legacy Celebrated

This past weekend, family and close friends celebrated the life of Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington at a private service in Los Angeles, while fans worldwide organized over 300 band-endorsed memorials to pay homage to his legacy. On Saturday, July 29, a private service for some 500 family members and close friends was held at South Coast Botanical Garden in Palos Verdes Estates. The service was led by Ted Stryker of KROQ/Los Angeles and was attended by Bennington’s Linkin Park bandmates and numerous other musicians with whom Chester had shared the stage with over the past two decades.

Bennington’s Stone Temple Pilots bandmates Robert & Dean DeLeo, Kings of Chaos drummer Matt Sorum, Damon Fox and Jimmy Gnecco teamed up for a powerful and poignant rendition of “Amazing Grace.” And Ryan Shuck, who comprised Dead By Sunrise with Chester — and Linkin Park’s Mike Shinoda and Joe Hahn were among the friends who delivered heartfelt eulogies.

The outpouring of support from the Linkin Park community continues to echo around the globe — one fan started a Google Doc, collating and collecting all of the global memorials to share with other fans around the world. From Africa and Asia to across Europe, Oceania, and South America, LP Ambassadors and fan sites honored Chester’s memory with their own touching tributes. Throughout these countries, thousands have created artwork, videos, social media posts, and more about the singer. Music For Relief, the non-profit organization Linkin Park founded in 2005, has launched the One More Light Fund in honor of Chester Bennington. Donations can be made at musicforrelief.org. The band also shared the number for the Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK.