In the tragic aftermath of his untimely demise by suicide in 2017, the harrowing tale of Linkin Park's lead vocalist, Chester Bennington, has been unveiled in heart-wrenching detail by author Jason Lipshutz in his book, "It Starts With One: The Legend and Legacy of Linkin Park." The book poignantly delves into the artist's relentless struggle against alcoholism, a battle he faced hour by agonizing hour for months preceding his passing.
In the final chapter of his life, while publicly grappling with life's challenges during the promotional tour for 'One More Light,' Chester confided in his loved ones about a resurgence of his demons—the insatiable craving for alcohol that had once again engulfed his every thought, as recounted in a poignant excerpt from the book, shared by People magazine.
Ryan Shuck, a cherished confidant who had collaboratively navigated Chester through one of his darkest eras, fostering the birth of the 'Dead by Sunrise' album, shared the gravity of Chester's plight. "He was locked in an unyielding battle with addiction, every waking hour a relentless fight," Shuck recalled, having exchanged text messages with Chester in the weeks leading up to his tragic end.
The grim reality of Chester's addiction was further corroborated by the autopsy and toxicology report, which revealed traces of alcohol in his system. The discovery of an empty bottle of Stella Artois and a partially consumed glass of Corona in his room served as poignant reminders of a painful relapse. Talinda, his beloved wife, bore witness to this heartbreaking turn of events, acknowledging with a heavy heart, "Those beer bottles were symbols of a relapse, triggering a cascade of shame and reigniting those unhealthy neural pathways that had haunted him for so long."
At the tender age of 41, Chester's life came to a devastating halt on July 20, 2017, leaving his bandmates and countless fans reeling in disbelief and grief. In a poignant statement issued days after their leader's passing, Linkin Park's members expressed their profound sorrow, acknowledging the demons that ultimately claimed Chester as an inherent part of his journey. "Your music, your honest portrayal of those demons, is what endeared you to our hearts in the first place," they solemnly reminisced.
Months later, the band honored Chester's memory with a poignant tribute concert in October, marking a poignant moment of closure before they retreated from the public eye. Yet, Linkin Park's spirit refuses to be silenced, as they've recently resurfaced, bolstered by the addition of Emily Armstrong of Dead Sara as co-vocalist and Colin Brittain on drums. Reunited with Mike Shinoda, Brad Delson, Phoenix, and Joe Hahn, they continue to perform, carrying on the legacy of their fallen comrade and the music that bound them all together.
