Mike Shinoda and Dave Farrell have said they are “heartbroken” by the death of close friend and bandmate, Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington.
Bennington, 41, was found dead in a suspected suicide, the Los Angeles County coroner has said.
Shocked and heartbroken, but it’s true. An official statement will come out as soon as we have one.
— Mike Shinoda (@mikeshinoda) July 20, 2017
Hours before the news was announced, the band debuted a new video for their song Talking To Myself, taken from their latest album One More Light.
Farrell tweeted a link to the video, a montage of clips from their shows, and asked fans what they thought.
New video now available… let me know what you think!https://t.co/bWJvlgWuQh
— Dave Phoenix Farrell (@phoenixlp) July 20, 2017
He later tweeted just one word, “heartbroken”, after learning of his friend’s passing.
The date of Bennington’s death, July 20, also marks what would have been the 53rd birthday of one of his close friends, former Audioslave and Soundgarden singer Chris Cornell, who died in May this year.
LA County coroner spokesman Brian Elias confirmed that law enforcement had responded to reports of a death in the Palos Verdes Estates area in LA.
American website TMZ first reported the news, saying the singer’s body had been found at a private residence in LA.
The band recently performed in the UK on the European leg of their One More Light world tour, which saw them play to packed venues in London and Birmingham.
They have won two Grammy Awards, five American Music Awards, four MTV VMA Awards, 10 MTV Europe Music Awards and scores of other accolades.
The band has collaborated with many artists over the years including Jay-Z and, more recently, London grime star Stormzy for a track on their new album called Good Goodbye.
Stormzy posted on Twitter shortly after the news broke, writing: “I am heartbroken you do not know what someone’s going through serious. Prayers up for your family right now my brother.”
I am heartbroken you do not know what someone’s going through serious. Prayers up for your family right now my brother ❤️?❤️?
— #GSAP (@Stormzy1) July 20, 2017
Warner Bros Records CEO and chairman Cameron Strang made a heartfelt statement about Bennington, whose band is signed to the label.
He said: “Chester Bennington was an artist of extraordinary talent and charisma, and a human being with a huge heart and a caring soul.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his beautiful family, his band-mates and his many friends.”
— Warner Bros. Records (@wbr) July 20, 2017
Rihanna also posted her respect for the artist to Instagram, writing: “Literally the most impressive talent I’ve ever seen live! Vocal beast!”
In April this year, while promoting their latest tour in London, Bennington opened up during a Q&A session following a playback of a few tracks from One More Light.
I am in shock and heartbroken. All my thoughts and prayers go out to Chester and his family and friends at this time.
— Ken Jeong (@kenjeong) July 20, 2017
The singer spoke openly about his state of mind when they started working on the new album.
He admitted to “hating the world”, adding: “I had a song in my phone at the start of the process called I Hate The World Right Now. ”
Born in Arizona, he is survived by six children and his wife, Talinda Ann Bentley.
The band were due to continue with the North American leg of their tour next week.
