Raw and powerful, Chester Bennington’s voice, coupled with those angst-ridden lyrics, set American band Linkin Park apart. Millions of music lovers from around the world found an instant resonance with the music. Needless to say, Bennington’s recent suicide has shocked fans and tribute gigs are being played across the world, by established musicians and ardent fans alike.
Come Saturday, about 30 artistes, both amateur and professional from all over the city will pay their tributes to late Bennington. “His lyrics carried the pain of a generation. It is difficult to believe that he isn’t around anymore and that we won’t see him live, ever again.” says AP Akshaye, the 23-year old techie from the city who is bringing this gathering together. Participants can sign up to sing or talk about their memories of the band.
What made a California rock band appeal to so many people? Bennington’s greatest hits spoke about the angst of being a misfit and about making sense of mental illness. He also talked about his battle with depression and drug abuse. Akshaye recalls the first time he came across the band. “I was perhaps 15 and had Numb on loop. He helped hundreds of people all over the world put in words how they felt. It was like Chester lent his voice to us,” he says nostalgically, “I researched the band just like every other fan and the best part was that Linkin Park had performed every song live. If you grow up watching a person, even if it is on a screen and they give you the strength to wake up to another day, you form an attachment. I think that’s the beauty of music.”
What sets this tribute apart from the rest is its attempt to be more than just a musical gathering, he says. The tribute will have a session where participants are invited to talk about their experiences with mental illness and also share their first brushes with Linkin Park and Chester Bennington. “We are extremely upset with what happened. It shouldn’t have. This evening will not just be about playing his songs and remembering his music but will also be about talking out about depression, anxiety and suicide so that help can be sought before its too late,” he explains. The singer had opened up in an interview with Kerrang magazine in 2008 that he was sexually abused, beaten and threatened when he was seven by a male friend. Bennington also stressed on the fact that he was alone and didn’t have anyone to talk to.
The late 41 year-old-singer was also the fronted rock band Stone Temple Pilots from 2013-2015 and was the lead singer for post grunge rock band Dead by Sunrise.
What : A Tribute to Chester Bennington from Bengaluru
When: 29th July 2017, Saturday 1pm-5pm
Where: Casa Piccosa, JP Nagar 6th Phase
