Linkin Park lead vocalist Chester Bennington death: Mike Shinoda, Rihanna express grief

Chester Bennington, lead vocalist of popular American rock band Linkin Park, committed suicide on Thursday, 20 July. He overcame a troubled childhood, and would go on to become the voice of a band that not only left their mark on the genre of rock, but also introduced several young people to it. Hours before reports of his passing emerged, the band released their latest song, 'Talking To Myself', which is a single from their album One More Light.

Chester Bennington. Image from Facebook

Bennington was a well-loved member of the music fraternity, and social media is filled with tributes to him. Linkin Park's own Twitter account chose a picture rather than words to express their feelings.

pic.twitter.com/yoN80Mobdk

— LINKIN PARK (@linkinpark) July 20, 2017

Bandmate Mike Shinoda said that he was both shocked and heartbroken.

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

Other celebrities also expressed their grief, offering their condolences to the Bennington's family.

RIP Chester. Tragic ending. Condolences his family and friends and Linkin Park 🙏🏾

— Lil Chano From 79th (@chancetherapper) July 20, 2017

no words. so heartbroken. RIP Chester Bennington. — Imagine Dragons (@Imaginedragons) July 20, 2017

pic.twitter.com/CkP9p4nQwv

— Warner Bros. Records (@wbr) July 20, 2017

😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢 Literally the most impressive talent I've ever seen live! Vocal beast! #RIPChester #LinkinPark A post shared by badgalriri (@badgalriri) on Jul 20, 2017 at 11:37am PDT

So sorry to hear the news about Chester Bennington. Sending so much luv, strength & light to his family, kids & @linkinpark ohana.

— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) July 20, 2017

Chester... You and the guys all influenced an entire generation. You went so hard and set so many kids free of their environments and situations. You let NERD open for you in Germany, we'll never forget that show; YOU CRUSHED IT. The last time I saw you, you gave us chills. Your essence is amongst the stars. Rest now, 🙏🏾 A post shared by Pharrell Williams (@pharrell) on Jul 20, 2017 at 2:02pm PDT

Our thoughts and prayers are with @linkinpark and Chester's friends and family. #RIPChester pic.twitter.com/45B0vMQZtP

— Timbaland (@Timbaland) July 20, 2017

So shocked and saddened by the news of Chester Bennington's passing. I remember the first time I… https://t.co/gReNMJV1Sm — System of a Down (@systemofadown) July 20, 2017

Oh dear God. Massive R.I.P to Chester Bennington of @linkinpark this BREAKS OUR HEART. Suicide is the devil on earth walking amongst us 😞

— OneRepublic (@OneRepublic) July 20, 2017

Chester was one of the kindest men I've had on my show. My heart breaks for his family and friends. He will be missed terribly. — Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) July 20, 2017

Chester Bennington recently penned a heartfelt letter after his friend Chris Cornell, Soundgarden singer, committed suicide. "I’d like to think you were saying goodbye in your own way. I can’t imagine a world without you in it. I pray you find peace in the next life. I send my love to your wife and children, friends and family," it read. He is survived by his wife Talinda and his six children.