Celebrities React to Tragic Passing of Linkin Park's Chester Bennington

July 20, 2017

Chester Bennington of Linkin Park — © Ron Elkman/USA TODAY NETWORK

Chester Bennington, the man behind Linkin Park’s vicious vocals, was found dead Thursday, July 20 in a private Southern California residence.

With a sound that fused rap, rock, metal, and electronics, Linkin Park had a wide reach, and musicians across all genres cite the group, particularly Bennington’s vocals, as a major influence on their own work. As such, the music world at large is stunned by the heartbreaking news, and many have taken to social media to share tributes to the late singer.

In fact, everyone from bandmate Mike Shinoda to Chance The Rapper and KISS’ Paul Stanley have shared heartfelt responses to the tragedy, showcasing just how wide Bennington’s reach stretched. As rocker Mike Portnoy points out, Bennington sang at Chris Cornell’s funeral just two months ago—a fact that becomes all the more chilling knowing Bennington died on Cornell’s birthday.

Below, read tributes and reactions from Cornell’s wife, Vicky Cornell, and more:

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

artists are ppl compelled to bring beauty into a world that can be so dark. makes sense then that artists are always conscious of darkness..
— hayley from Paramore (@yelyahwilliams) July 20, 2017

... & maybe at times made more vulnerable by it? i don't know. life can be relentless. heart hurts for Chester's family/band/friends/fans.
— hayley from Paramore (@yelyahwilliams) July 20, 2017

Jesus No...
— MARY POPPINS, Y'ALL! (@CoreyTaylorRock) July 20, 2017

Ihope you find peace in the next life Chester @ChesterBe Life is hard,everyone battles demons.I want everyone here to know you are not alone
— Lzzy Hale (@LZZYHALE) July 20, 2017

RIP Chester B.
— Duff McKagan (@DuffMcKagan) July 20, 2017

Just shocking...this is the man that just sang Hallelujah at Chris Cornell's funeral 2 months ago...Life is precious & fragile #RIPChester pic.twitter.com/U055as4CQL
— Mike Portnoy -- (@MikePortnoy) July 20, 2017

Our Thoughts & Prayers To The Family, Friends & Fans Of Chester Bennington, Linkin Park...RIP...Far too young...
— David Coverdale (@davidcoverdale) July 20, 2017

Just when I thought my heart couldn't break any more.....I love you T
— Vicky Cornell (@vickycornell) July 20, 2017

My heart is shattered. I can't fucking believe this is real. Crying writing this now. Destroyed. pic.twitter.com/MeEBJD9gi3
— Kolony July 21 (@steveaoki) July 20, 2017

RIP CHESTER BENNINGTON. We can never know someone's pain. Prayers to his family in this tragedy. If you need help REACH OUT. @RollingStone pic.twitter.com/DmtWrHNgeY
— Paul Stanley (@PaulStanleyLive) 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

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

I am in tears.Chester just told me how happy he was…..He was such a sweet and talented man……Ifeel so sad for his family,band mates and fans
— Nikki Sixx (@NikkiSixx) July 20, 2017

RIP Chester. Tragic ending. Condolences his family and friends and Linkin Park ----
— Lil Chano From 79th (@chancetherapper) July 20, 2017

So sad to hear of Chester's passing. Was listening to L.P. yesterday. He was a friend. Rest peacefully.
— Nick Hexum (@NickHexum) July 20, 2017

Mental health is no joke. We have to destigmatize the conversation around it.
— yung menace (@petewentz) July 20, 2017

rest in peace Chester Bennington.
— el-p (@therealelp) July 20, 2017

#RIPChesterBennington I remember the 1st day I went in the basement Warner Bros. Records #Burbank to hear you 1at... https://t.co/gDkXtq5Vge
— Nile Rodgers (@nilerodgers) July 20, 2017