The Connection Between Chester Bennington and Chris Cornell
By Dave Basner
July 20, 2017
The world was shocked on May 17th when news broke that Soundgarden singer Chris Cornell committed suicide, but few people were affected more by the rocker's death than his friend Chester Bennington.
The pair shared a lot in common. Not only did they tour together in 2007 and 2008, but they both had at one point in their lives suffered from bouts of suicidal thoughts and struggled with addiction.
It's likely not a coincidence that Chester tragically decided to take his life on what would've been Chris's 53rd birthday in the same way that Cornell did, by hanging.
Following Chris's death, Chester posted a letter to him on Twitter and in it wrote, "You have inspired me in many ways you could never have known. Your talent was pure and unrivaled. Your voice was joy and pain, anger and forgiveness, love and heartache all wrapped up into one. I suppose that’s what we all are. You helped me understand that,” adding, "I can’t imagine a world without you in it."
With all of my love @chriscornell. pic.twitter.com/NFz0dnxfp8
— Chester Bennington (@ChesterBe) May 18, 2017
Bennington went on to attend Cornell's funeral where he performed Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah."
.@ChesterBe & Brad performed 'Hallelujah' at Chris Cornell's funeral. Heartbreaking performance 💔 #RIPChrisCornellhttps://t.co/vY8rUKSW4n pic.twitter.com/p3WnNWcBHp
— Linkin Park Live (@LPLive) May 26, 2017
Chester's pain following Cornell's death stayed with him and during Linkin Park's performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live a few days later, they dedicated their song "One More Light" to the late singer.
In his letter to Chris, Chester wrote, "I pray you find peace in the next life." Here's hoping Bennington does as well.
Photo Credit: Getty