Music

CARL GERSHON CHATS “LIKE PARADISE” AND POTENTIAL TOUR PLANS

Carl Gershon is a gifted song-writer and multi-instrumentalist who puts his heart and soul into all that he does. Inspired and influenced by the likes of David Bowie, Van Halen, Depeche Mode and many others, his latest single “Like Paradise” is by far one of his best to date and Carl spoke to ThisIsTheLatest about new music, favourite artists and his love of skiing.

TITL: Who is Carl Gershon?

Carl Gershon: A gear nerd.

TITL: When did you start making music?

CG: I started playing saxophone when I was 7 and drums when I was 10. My true love is guitar which I started aged 12; bass and synth came a few years later. Then I started getting into recording at about 14.

TITL: What is the meaning behind your new track “Like Paradise”?

CG: I wrote it about New York specifically but it could be about any city or anyone who loves their city and city lifestyle. That’s part of the reason, while I do allude to New York City quite a bit, I don’t actually mention New York in the lyrics.

TITL: Who would you say is your favourite artist?

CG: You want me to pick just one? You can’t be serious…

TITL: Who inspires you in terms of your music?

CG: It’s not always a who. Of course all of my favorite artists do but also it can be a piece of gear or an instrument that gets the process going.

TITL: Is there a new EP or album in the works?

CG: There are no definite plans yet, but it’s been talked about in the not so distant future.

TITL: Are there any tour plans in the pipeline?

CG: I hopefully will get something going for the fall.

TITL: Away from music, what are your hobbies and other interests?

CG: Skiing is the biggest one. I love everything about it, the gear, the traveling, the towns, the drinking. I sing while I ski sometimes. I’ll be completely sick of summer by next week and be researching trips for the winter. Another one is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, which I don’t do as much as I would like to because nothing will make you sing like Kermit the frog like someone drilling rear naked chokes on you. Unfortunately, I can only go when I know I won’t be singing within at least a week, but I love it and always miss it.

Check out “Like Paradise” below and for more information on Carl Gershon, visit his website, give his page a like on Facebook or follow him on Twitter.

August 19, 2017 0 comment

Music Reviews

REVIEW: ORISSA – RESURRECTION

written by Rebecca Haslam

The sound of what sounds like chains which makes up intro piece “Circle X”gets Orrisa’s new album off to an interesting and atmospheric start and makes a refreshing change from the usual piano based interludes several albums in recent times have opened with, but when “Tara”, complete with impressive vocals and strong instrumentation kicks in, the collection shifts –albeit only for a few minutes – into high gear.

The rather sombre guitar of “Shades Of Grey” begins the closest thing to a ballad that the album features, while at the same time showcasing Orissa’s versatility– it’s a simplistic little number, but it says one hell of a lot. “Dissolution” brings back the heavier guitar and deeper vocals which rock fans will lap up however, clocking in at almost 8 minutes in length, the song is far too long and runs the risk of being cut off or skipped over completely.

“Psalm 1”, at 7 minutes and 12 seconds, has a similar problem, not at all helped by the lullaby-like introduction and a vocal which is surprisingly soft – at least until 5 minutes in when the tempo and the power with which the lyrics are delivered are both upped considerably. It’s not a bad track by any means, but it’s also not one likely to find itself put on repeat very often.

“Primordial” might as well have been left off the album all together. Consisting of little more than breathy air sounds and the odd rumble, its inclusion on the collection is likely to baffle listeners as much as it did myself. Fortunately “Verse V” gets things somewhat back on track thanks to a guitar lick sure to have many air-strumming to, however it is also the third number on the album to come in at more than seven minutes long. Once again, the piece is longer than necessary and distracts from the strong musicianship presented to those who hear it.

It’s also a shame, although admittedly not that surprising, to find that closing number “Blue Communion” is yet another long track – in fact it’s the longest on the album by some considerable margin. While it works as a showcase of Orissa’s talents, its length once again means it runs the very likely risk of dis-interesting – perhaps even boring – those who check it out.

August 16, 2017 0 comment

Awards Entertainment News Music

P!NK TO RECEIVE VIDEO VANGUARD AWARD AT THE MTV VMAS 2017

written by Jack Laws

P!nk will receive MTV’s highest honour at the Video Music Awards (VMAs) later this month.

The Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award celebrates an artist’s contribution to pop culture and fashion, as well as music.

Previous winners of the prize include Guns N’ Roses, Rihanna, Kanye West and Beyonce.

This year’s VMAs take place at the Forum in Inglewood, California on 27 August.

Here’s a quick look back at Pink’s career to date:

Awards and sales

Pink’s 17 years in the industry have been filled with fierce pop songs and memorable music videos.

Since her debut in 2000, the singer has sold over 42 million albums worldwide.

In the UK alone, 18 of her singles have reached the top 10 (you can see why she had no trouble finding enough material to release a greatest hits album a few years back).

And her shiny new Vanguard Award will be far from lonely on the shelf as Pink is also the recipient of three Grammys, a Brit and three Billboard Music Awards.

Fashion and style

Aside from her musical range, Pink is also well known for her adventurous style, from her spiky fluorescent hair and pink-streaked dreadlocks to her skater cuts and platinum blonde quiffs.

In her earlier days, some called Pink’s style androgynous, but after her separation from her husband in 2008, a softer side of the singer emerged.

Nowadays we see Pink merging her edgy roots with a more grown-up and feminine twist.

Transcending genres

While Pink is better known for her pop-rock sound, she actually started out as an R&B singer. Her debut album Can’t Take Me Home was similar in style to the likes of TLC and Destiny’s Child, and her edgier image set her apart from the cookie-cutter pop stars. Her second and third albums Missundaztood and Try This revealed a totally different side of the singer as she started to go in a rockier direction although Pink’s recent work has seen her settle into a more mature sound.

Campaigning and charity work

Known for speaking her mind and being totally fearless, the singer is an animal rights activist and a prominent campaigner for Peta.

She is also involved with several charities such as Save The Children and Unicef and is an official advocate for the RSPCA.

Pink has also been praised for speaking out on issues such as body image – most notably via her 2006 single Stupid Girls.

The track and its video were praised by many critics – and JK Rowling – for highlighting sexism and its positive message to young girls.

August 15, 2017 0 comment

Music Television

CHILDREN IN NEED ROCKS THE 80S CONCERT ANNOUNCED

written by Jack Laws

On Thursday 19 October 2017, the BBC will stage BBC Children In Need Rocks The 80s, a very special fundraising concert at The SSE Arena, Wembley celebrating the decade in which BBC Children in Need’s first major appeal took place.

The 80s extravaganza, from BBC Studios, will be hosted by Fearne Cotton and Sara Cox and will feature performances of some of the most iconic hits of the era. Artists confirmed to perform include Bananarama, Boy George, Erasure, Europe, Imagination, Jason Donovan, Katrina from Katrina & The Waves, Louisa Johnson, Nick Heyward, OMD and UB40 Featuring Ali, Astro and Mickey. Roman Kemp will be capturing all the excitement backstage and interviewing many of the night’s performers.

In the spirit of the occasion, concertgoers will be invited to fully embrace the retro theme and don 1980s-inspired ensembles – the perfect opportunity to dig out those legwarmers, hair scrunchies, parachute pants and shoulder pads!

Fearne Cotton, co-Presenter of BBC Children In Need Rocks The 80s, said in a statement:

“As a child of the 80s, I am especially thrilled to be presenting this year’s BBC Children In Need Rocks! This is an amazing opportunity to party to the finest tunes from the 1980s, in aid of an incredibly important cause. It’s going to be a blast!”

Sara Cox, co-Presenter of BBC Children In Need Rocks The 80s, added:

“I am so excited to be hosting BBC Children In Need Rocks The 80s! It’s no secret that I am in love with the sounds of the decade and I can’t wait to hear some of the era’s greatest hits performed live at Wembley for a very worthy cause. Get your tickets now!”

Since its first major appeal in 1980, BBC Children in Need has raised over £909 million for disadvantaged children and young people across the UK. A number of films sharing the stories of children and young people supported through the charity’s grants will feature in the broadcast and viewers and listeners to the show will be invited to donate to raise even more money for those in need. All profits from the concert will go to BBC Children in Need.

Simon Antrobus, Chief Executive of BBC Children in Need, said of the upcoming show:

“Since 1980, thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we have been able to make a real difference to young lives throughout the UK. This year’s concert promises to be a terrific event; it’s a fantastic opportunity to enjoy some of the greatest hits from the 1980s whilst raising money to support disadvantaged children and young people who desperately need our help. Join us for a night to remember!”

Tickets are on sale now and are priced from £25 each.

The concert will be broadcast on BBC One in the run up to the annual BBC Children in Need Appeal, the date and time of which has yet to be announced).

August 14, 2017 0 comment

Music

PAM TAYLOR HITS THE UK & ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUM

written by Rebecca Haslam

Having released her first album, Hot Mess, back in 2012, Pam Taylor has had several years of critical acclaim and success, including picking up the Queen City Music Award for Best Female Rock Artist three years running, but such success has also been intertwined with some personal difficulties which have influenced her upcoming album Steal Your Heart which is set for release in the autumn.

Before then though, she’s currently on a UK tour which kicked off in Dumfries on August 12th. Speaking about playing in the UK, Pam said:

“It’s all very surreal to be sharing my music in the U.K. This place has such a rich musical history in general and in my personal life especially. I grew up listening to Eric Clapton, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Pet Shop Boys, The Bee Gees, Rod Stewart, The Police… I can go on.. Black Sabbath, The Beatles!!

It’s amazing how much British music has shaped my musical influence. More recently I was mesmerized by Amy Winehouse. I too shared the same afflictions but luckily I survived. Another is Adele. I connect with her pain especially since my recent break up. Obviously, the blues was resurrected in the U.K. so of course I have a fondness for this place. Plus, my family lineage traces back to here so I feel a huge connection; almost like I’m at home.

My tour starts in Scotland where I’m doing some festivals and charity events for Leonard Cheshire Disability down in Dumfries then I have two dates at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. I can’t wait to be apart of the worlds largest art festival. Plus it’s celebrating 70 years so I know Its going to be one hell of a party. After that I’m heading down to England to play a couple of dates, then over to Europe, then on to Israel for my CD release party. I feel like I’m riding one big wave.”

A full list of her remaining tour dates and venues can be found below.

Aug 18 Barbour Memorial Hall – Glencaple, UK

Aug 19 Parkgate Blues Festival Carmichael Community Hall – Dumfries, UK

Aug 20 Carlisle Fringe – Carlisle, UK

Aug 25 Edinburgh Fringe Festival – Edinburgh, UK

Aug 26 Edinburgh Fringe Festival – Edinburgh, UK

Sept 1 Bear Hotel – Devizes, UK

Sept 5 Bristol Blues Clubhouse – Bristol, UK

Sept 14 Bluescafe Apeldoorn – Apeldoorn, Netherlands

Check out the video for her new track “Squeeze Me” below and for tickets and more information on Pam Taylor and her music, visit her website, give her page a like on Facebook or follow her on Twitter. Steal Your Heart will be available on September 22nd.

August 13, 2017 0 comment

Interviews Music

KOMPLEX KAI TALKS NEW MUSIC & ARTISTIC INFLUENCES

written by Rebecca Haslam

Currently preparing to release his new album, rapper and rights leader from WA Indian Reservation Komplex Kai has been honing his craft for over a decade and has already been dubbed the “Native American Tupac.” With a growing social media following and hundreds of thousands of views on YouTube, he chatted to ThisIsTheLatest about favourite artists, performance plans and career ambitions.

TITL: At what age did you first realize you wanted to make music a career and before that, did you have any other ambitions?

KK: I’d say 16 or so is when I thought I could make a career out of it. Naturally there were a lot of learning curves in the beginning, so it took a while before I became a professional, or actually began treating it as a profession. I was writing well before that but that’s when I thought I could put all of it into an album and try and give that to the world. When I was a lot younger, I wanted to be a doctor for a period of time. I thought of it as a good job you know; taking care of people and helping people in that way but once music came in, any prior ambitions took a backseat.

TITL: What would you say your unique selling point is?

KK: The obvious one to go to is me being Native American. I always look for the music to bring people in first, but the thing they always gravitate towards is the Native thing anyway, so I’ve been just going with that. I’ve been telling people that first and the response or reaction is always that it is a unique thing – to be native and be in my position or actively pursuing a career in Hip Hop music. I’m often classed as a “Native Rapper.”

TITL: Which bands or artists most influenced you growing up and how, if at all, have those influences changed over the years? What impact do they have on the music you make?

KK: I mean my influences go back to a lot of early west coast stuff. N.W.A, of course, including Dre and Ice Cube, and Pac was always an influence as well. From them up to Eminem D.M.X and some of the other acts around the time I was “coming of age”, otherwise known as my early teenage years. I still look back to some of the older stuff for influence, just to recapture the feeling of when it was all new or the impact it had on me at the time. The old stuff still resonates with me more than the newer stuff. For example I connect with a new Jay-z album more than I would say a new artists’ album. Just stylistically and content wise it just connects with me more. I always say there’s a little bit of these guys in my music; just in the sense that they helped shape me, rather kind of like mentors. I studied their stuff closely when I was younger; I even tried to sound like them at times until I grew into my own and was able to do my own thing and create my own sound and fully and easily express my point of view through my music, in my way.

TITL: Is there a band or artist you might say you sound most similar to?

KK: I’ve heard quite a few compare to some of the above artists like X, or Em or the early west coast stuff or Pac, as far as some content or some of the more political type of stuff. Even Mobb Deep one time so. I never like to say stuff like that though, I’ll let the fans decide that. I hope they’re able to just say “that’s Kai and he sounds like Kai, and does his own thing and has his own lane.” But I think there will always be comparisons to artists that came before me.

TITL: What can you tell me about your upcoming album?

KK: This upcoming album is just me getting back fully into the swing of things musically. It’s been awhile since I felt like I was able to fully tune in, to the process and focus and what I want to deliver to my fans. I think you can expect a lot of energy, The lyrical style my fans have become accustomed to and some of the more serious stuff too; my deep thoughts or stuff of a deeper perspective. I think it’ll have something for everyone – something to grab the ones who haven’t heard of me yet and some stuff to resonate with my long-time fans as well.

TITL: Which of your songs are you most proud of and why?

KK: Wow that’s a tough question. I’m proud of ‘em all. But the main one that will always be something I’m very proud of for my own personal reasons is probably, “About The Rez” or “Rise Up” both for somewhat the same reason. How I broke into the game so to speak was with “About The Rez” and it let you know who I was, where I was from, what I stood and stand for, and my beliefs all in three or four minutes. “Rise Up” also means a lot to me because I felt like it did that same thing for my people; spanning bigger than just my rez or my state or hometown and was able to connect with a lot of people who felt or believed the same thing and had similar beliefs. I’ll always be proud of those two, though especially “The Rez” because it was the first song of mine that really said something in a powerful way that connected with people, and has had staying power; it still brings me new listeners to this day.

TITL: Who or what most inspires you lyrically and with that in mind, which song would you say is the greatest ever written and why?

KK: There is no greatest song ever written I don’t think. There are just certain types of songs you know. Like say story tracks to me…there are easily top two in my opinion are “Stan” by Eminem and “Dance with the Devil” by Immortal Technique. If we’re talking all genres it’s just an impossible thing to do – to think of one greatest song, or artist, ever. I’ll go with what Nas said, “Ain’t No Best.” It was something like that anyway and he had and has a point. There are just too many great artists and great songs to ever point to one as the greatest ever. Just to complete the thought, a song of any genre can have an influence on me; if the story or lyrics are great, chances are I’ll give it a shot.

TITL: How do you feel about being labelled the “Native American Tupac” by The Seattle Times?

KK: I think that the subject I was hitting the people with at the time and the attitude in which I was presenting it with, kind of set me up for that comparison. Again, all I can do is be the best me and hope people appreciate the music and shy away from latching onto any comparisons or labels anyone might throw out there, negative or positive. But at the time, it was cool, I’m not going to lie. Pac’s music was a huge influence on me so it was dope to be compared to him in that way.

TITL: Do you have any tour plans/upcoming performances you can tell me about and which venue, anywhere in the world, would you most like to play and why?

KK: I’d like to get to the point where I’m able to play in an arena like the key or Madison Square Garden or something of that size. I’m going to be putting a lot of energy to booking shows as soon as I’m at a point where I feel I’m in the last quarter of wrapping this project up and am ready to hit the road and share that with the world. I have plans and I’ll be sure to share them soon.

TITL: If you could share a stage with three acts, living or dead, who would you choose?

KK: Three? Pac, Em, Tech N9ne.

TITL: How do you feel about social media and what impact does it/is it having on your career? Do you think it’s possible for artists to succeed without it?

KK: I think artist can succeed to a certain extent without it, but to grow a sustainable career, I believe you have to use it and engage with your fans as often as possible. Don’t obsess too much…or maybe obsess a lot if you want to reach a high level. There are a lot of levels to success in the music business though, but I think all of them include social media engagement.

TITL: Do you have any other plans/projects in the pipeline?

KK: I’ve had thoughts of doing another song with another push to try to continue to raise awareness on things of this nature, it’s still going on, still affecting people and their way of life. The beat has to come to me or the hook, or the general outline of the song and when that happens I’ll put it out.

TITL: Looking ahead, what would you have to achieve in order for you to finally feel like you’d truly made it? Whose career would you most like to emulate and why?

KK: Dre, Jay-Z , Diddy; those names come to mind as to the heights I’d like to reach but first for me to feel like I’ve truly made it, I’d need to have the freedom to work on any project want without any limits attached to it – and just do the music I love. Also, I’d like to have the ability and connections to work with anyone I might want to in the music industry. That, along with a strong base of fans who look forward to any new material or songs I put out – I want the freedom to make my art, and have people look for and appreciate and enjoy my art. I feel like I’m almost there; I mean I’ve made it in a sense in my own mind. I’m doing the music I love and am connecting with more people who appreciate that by the day, so if I just continue do this in a positive way and continue to grow, then to me, I’ve made and will continue to make it.

For more information on Komplex Kai, visit his website, give his page a like on Facebook or follow him on Twitter.

August 12, 2017 0 comment

Music Reviews

REVIEW: JESSICA DOMINGO – ‘MOONPLAY’ EP

written by Rebecca Haslam

Jessica Domingo is a Seattle-based alternative R&B/pop artist who in the past few months in particular has seen her following across social media platforms rocket exponentially, and she’s currently riding high on a wave of success thanks to her latest EP, Moonplay.

Starting things off with the rather subdued “Sleep” – with its stripped back instrumentation – might not have been Domingo’s best idea but the track does showcase her smooth and soulful vocal which alone makes the song worthy of repeat listens.

“No Good” follows along a similar path, meaning the two songs at times sound almost like copies of one another, but “F.N.S.” picks things up somewhat and gets the collection on a much more stable path (metaphorically speaking at least). “Electrical Desire” meanwhile has a slow-burn of a toe-tapping rhythm and once again it’s Domingo’s vocal that makes the track shine.

The ballad “Echoes” is undoubtedly the stand-out number on the EP and addresses first-hand the many difficulties that can come from and with long-distance relationships. It’s a raw and honest account of a hard time in Domingo’s own life and she should be duly credited for being brave enough to write about the experience and share it with the world.

Closing number “Wonderland” could have easily been missed off the collection and it’s inclusion means the EP ends on a rather demure note. The vocal is breathy, almost lost at times under the instrumentation, and while it might work as a track to unwind to after a difficult day, ultimately, it’s the weakest song on the collection and makes for a somewhat disappointing end to the latest piece of work from a talented artist.

For more information on Jessica Domingo, visit her website, give her page a like on Facebook, follow her on Twitter or check out her YouTube channel. Moonplay is available now.

August 12, 2017 0 comment

Music Reviews

LIVE: JESS GLYNNE @ YORK RACECOURSE – JULY 28TH 2017

written by Rebecca Haslam

Having first come to public attention as the vocalist on Clean Bandit’s “Rather Be” back in 2014, the past few years have seen Jess Glynne’s career hit incredible heights and on Friday night, as part of a Music Showcase weekend, she brought THAT powerful voice and her band of musicians (and pretty nifty dancers to boot) to York Racecourse.

Taking a page from the Bruno Mars play-book, from the second they walked on stage, Jess and her energetic crew made sure that, even despite the fact it has been raining for six hours at that point, with beaming smiles on their faces, they excited and entertained their crowd enough to make them forget about being absolutely drenched.

While the hits including “Rather Be” and “Hold My Hand” were undoubtedly the fan favourites, “You Give Me Something” delivered a palpable burst of energy that reverberated around the entire racecourse. “My Love”, tonight performed in a slowed-down style didn’t quite fit in with proceedings, but, ever the professional, it didn’t take Jess – or the crowd – long to bounce back from the lull as “Ain’t Got Far To Go” kicked in and Jess split the thousands in attendance in half, giving each side some lyrics to sing back to her.

As the show began to draw to a close, Jess exited the stage to a growing chant of “We want more” and, ever eager to please, she soon appeared back before the masses to perform an encore consisting of “Take Me Home” (for this reviewer, THE standout performance of the night) and “Don’t Be So Hard On Yourself.” With a slick and polished performance, Jess Glynne won over an army of new fans and also delighted those who have supported her from the beginning – if that’s not the sign of a true star, I for one honestly don’t know what is.

July 31, 2017 0 comment

Entertainment News Music

THOMAS RHETT ANNOUNCES NOVEMBER UK TOUR

written by Rebecca Haslam

With country music having undergone a considerable resurgence in recent years, particularly here in the UK, and following on from his sold out tour last autumn, the Academy of Country Music’s Male Vocalist of the Year award winner Thomas Rhett has announced he’s returning to British shores in November to perform five shows in support of his new album Life Changes, due out on September 8th. Rhett has also provided fans with a taste of what to expect from the new collection by unveiling the lyric video to his new single “Unforgettable.”

Surrounded by music from an early age, Rhett grew up to be influenced and inspired by musicians of all genres, though most notably, through his dad Rhett Atkins who had 3 top 20 hits in the mid-90’s. Now established as a gifted artist in his own right, he’s spent the last several years honing his craft, the dedication to which can be heard throughout his career and notably on the albums It Goes Like This and Tangled Up. Such dedication, combined with huge personal and artistic growth, is also sure to come across to fans on his new release as well.

A list of Rhett’s November tour dates and venues can be found below.

Nov 10th – Roundhouse – London (SOLD OUT)
Nov 11th – O2 Academy – Birmingham
Nov 12th – Academy – Manchester
Nov 14th – O2 Academy – Glasgow
Nov 15th – Waterfront – Belfast

For more information on Thomas Rhett, visit his website, give his page a like on Facebook or follow him on Twitter.

July 29, 2017 0 comment

Entertainment News Music

MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS 2017: THE NOMINEES REVEALED; KATY PERRY TO HOST

written by Jack Laws

On Tuesday afternoon, MTV rolled out the nominees for the 2017 Video Music Awards in a series of surprise announcements on Instagram Live. Kendrick Lamar leads the pack with eight nominations, including Video of the Year for “HUMBLE.,” Artist of the Year, and Best Hip-Hop. The Weeknd and Katy Perry are each nominated for five awards.

Find all of the nominees for the upcoming awards below. The 2017 VMAs are set to take place on August 27.

BEST EDITING

Future – “Mask Off” (Editor: Vinnie Hobbs of VHPost)

Young Thug – “Wyclef Jean” (Editors: Ryan Staake, Eric Degliomini)

Lorde – “Green Light” (Editor: Nate Gross of Exile Edit)

The Chainsmokers ft. Halsey – “Closer” (Editor: Jennifer Kennedy)

The Weeknd – “Reminder” (Editor: Red Barbaza)

VIDEO OF THE YEAR

Kendrick Lamar – “HUMBLE.”

Bruno Mars – “24K Magic”

Alessia Cara – “Scars To Your Beautiful”

DJ Khaled ft. Rihanna & Bryson Tiller – “Wild Thoughts”

The Weeknd – “Reminder”

ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Bruno Mars

Kendrick Lamar

Ed Sheeran

Ariana Grande

The Weeknd

Lorde

BEST NEW ARTIST (Presented by Taco Bell®)

Khalid

Kodak Black

SZA

Young M.A

Julia Michaels

Noah Cyrus

BEST COLLABORATION

Charlie Puth ft. Selena Gomez – “We Don’t Talk Anymore”

DJ Khaled ft. Rihanna & Bryson Tiller – “Wild Thoughts”

D.R.A.M. ft. Lil Yachty – “Broccoli”

The Chainsmokers ft. Halsey – “Closer”

Calvin Harris ft. Pharrell Williams, Katy Perry & Big Sean – “Feels”

Zayn & Taylor Swift – “I Don’t Wanna Live Forever (Fifty Shades Darker)”

BEST POP

Shawn Mendes – “Treat You Better”

Ed Sheeran – “Shape Of You”

Harry Styles – “Sign Of The Times”

Fifth Harmony ft. Gucci Mane – “Down”

Katy Perry ft. Skip Marley – “Chained To The Rhythm”

Miley Cyrus – “Malibu”

BEST HIP HOP

Kendrick Lamar – “HUMBLE.”

Big Sean – “Bounce Back”

Chance the Rapper – “Same Drugs”

D.R.A.M. ft. Lil Yachty – “Broccoli”

Migos ft. Lil Uzi Vert – “Bad & Boujee”

DJ Khaled ft. Justin Bieber, Quavo, Chance the Rapper & Lil Wayne – “I’m The One”

BEST DANCE

Zedd and Alessia Cara – “Stay”

Kygo x Selena Gomez – “It Ain’t Me”

Calvin Harris – “My Way”

Major Lazer ft. Justin Bieber and MØ – “Cold Water”

Afrojack ft. Ty Dolla $ign – “Gone”

BEST ROCK

Coldplay – “A Head Full Of Dreams”

Fall Out Boy – “Young And Menace”

Twenty One Pilots – “Heavydirtysoul”

Green Day – “Bang Bang”

Foo Fighters – “Run”

BEST FIGHT AGAINST THE SYSTEM

Logic ft. Damian Lemar Hudson – “Black SpiderMan”

The Hamilton Mixtape – “Immigrants (We Get the Job Done)”

Big Sean – “Light”

Alessia Cara – “Scars To Your Beautiful”

Taboo ft. Shailene Woodley – “Stand Up / Stand N Rock #NoDAPL”

John Legend – “Surefire”

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

Kendrick Lamar – “HUMBLE.” (Cinematographer: Scott Cunningham)

Imagine Dragons – “Thunder” (Cinematographer: Matthew Wise)

Ed Sheeran – “Castle On The Hill” (Cinematographer: Steve Annis)

DJ Shadow ft. Run The Jewels – “Nobody Speak” (Cinematographer: David Proctor)

Halsey – “Now Or Never” (Cinematographer: Kristof Brandl)

BEST DIRECTION

Kendrick Lamar – “HUMBLE.” (Directors: Dave Meyers, The Little Homies)

Katy Perry ft. Skip Marley – “Chained To The Rhythm” (Director: Mathew Cullen)

Bruno Mars – “24K Magic” (Directors: Cameron Duddy, Bruno Mars)

Alessia Cara – “Scars To Your Beautiful” (Director: Aaron A)

The Weeknd – “Reminder” (Director: Glenn Michael)

BEST ART DIRECTION

Kendrick Lamar – “HUMBLE.” (Production Designer: Spencer Graves)

Bruno Mars – “24K Magic” (Production Designer: Alex Delgado)

Katy Perry ft. Migos – “Bon Appetit” (Production Designer: Natale Groce)

DJ Khaled ft. Rihanna & Bryson Tiller – “Wild Thoughts” (Production Designer: Damian Fyffe)

The Weeknd – “Reminder” (Production Designers: Lamar C Taylor, Christo Anesti)

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS

Kendrick Lamar – “HUMBLE.” (Company: Timber/Lead: Jonah Hall)

A Tribe Called Quest – “Dis Generation” (Company: Bemo/Lead: Brandon Hirzel)

KYLE ft. Lil Yachty – “iSpy” (Company: Gloria FX/Leads: Max Colt & Tomash Kuzmytskyi)

Katy Perry ft. Skip Marley – “Chained To The Rhythm” (Company: MIRADA)

Harry Styles – “Sign Of The Times” (Company: ONE MORE/Lead: Cédric Nivoliez)

BEST CHOREOGRAPHY

Kanye West – “Fade” (Choreographers: Teyana Taylor, Guapo, Jae Blaze, Derek ‘Bentley’ Watkins)

Ariana Grande ft. Nicki Minaj – “Side To Side” (Choreographers: Brian & Scott Nicholson)

Kendrick Lamar – “HUMBLE.” (Choreographer: Dave Meyers)

Sia – “The Greatest” (Choreographer: Ryan Heffington)

Fifth Harmony ft. Gucci Mane – “Down” (Choreographer: Sean Bankhead)

BEST EDITING

Future – “Mask Off” (Editor: Vinnie Hobbs of VHPost)

Young Thug – “Wyclef Jean” (Editors: Ryan Staake, Eric Degliomini)

Lorde – “Green Light” (Editor: Nate Gross of Exile Edit)

The Chainsmokers ft. Halsey – “Closer” (Editor: Jennifer Kennedy)

The Weeknd – “Reminder” (Editor: Red Barbaza)

It was also announced today that five-time 2017 VMA nominee and judge on the upcoming American Idol reboot Katy Perry would host the show ahead of embarking on her Witness world tour. In a statement, the chart-topper said:

“I’ve been training with MTV in zero gravity, eating astronaut ice cream, and I’m on a group text with Buzz Aldrin and Neil deGrasse Tyson. Come August 27th, I’ll be ready to be your MOONWOMAN! Brace for impact, kids.”

Viacom’s head of music and music talent, global entertainment group, Bruce Gillmer, added:

“We’re thrilled to have global phenomenon Katy Perry as the host and a performer at the 2017 VMAs. She is at the forefront of music culture and the perfect person to anchor this year’s show, which promises to be one of the most diverse and music-filled in VMA history.”

July 27, 2017 0 comment

Music Reviews

REVIEW: GRANT MALOY SMITH – ‘DUST BOWL: AMERICAN STORIES’

written by Rebecca Haslam

Having been working on the album for more than 2 years, every moment of effort Grant Maloy Smith put into creating this new collection, Dust Bowl: American Stories, comes through on every track, though some fare much better than others.

“Old Black Roller” kicks off the collection with a simple guitar rhythm – so simple in fact that when put with the few lyrics the song features it may be skipped over entirely – it doesn’t get things off to a great start. “Lily Of The Valley” fares better, helped by the use of more instrumentation and the vocal has more passion behind it, which is always a great way of drawing in an audience.

“So Far Away” is perhaps the stand-out track on the album. With a great drum beat and uplifting, toe-tapping percussion, the track blends musicianship, lyrics and a superb vocal performance almost effortlessly to create a number which, if there’s any justice, will be played time and time again by those who hear it. “Ride That Train” is also a strong inclusion on the collection, working hard to match the upbeat tempo if its predecessor, so it’s a little disappointing to find that “Isht a Lhampko (Have Strength) slows things down and ruins the momentum the album had just started to pick up.

There’s a real country twang to “Me Time” that those who aren’t die-hard country fans might not like, but I dare anyone who hears it to try and not grin or tap their toes once the rhythm kicks in. The emotion contained within “Pushing Back The Wind” makes the track ideal for anyone wanting something to reflect on a moment or event in their life to, and “Never Seen The Rain” is lyrically simplistic but the return of an uptempo rhythm more than makes up for it.

Maloy tends to swing from one extreme to the other and does so again on “All The Long Way”, cutting short the building energy of some tracks and replacing them with sombre, stripped back numbers- like this one – which risk being overlooked. Fortunately, he swings the slow-fast pendulum quite often and so while “ATLW” is sure to be skipped over by some, the same most likely won’t be said of “I Come From America” – give it a listen and you’ll see and hear why.

The most emotive number on the album, “Daddy If You Have To Go”, held particular resonance with me, and, for those who have lost a loved one, it will surely do the same. “And The Rain Comes Down” meanwhile doesn’t hit as hard, but there’s something about the lyrics such as “I’ve been known to sit and watch the starlight turn to dawn” that makes it one of the most reflective and thoughtful songs Smith’s ever written.

Quite why Grant Maloy Smith included a reprise of “Old Black Roller” to close out the collection I personally don’t know, and the reality it doesn’t work, but nevertheless, the 12 diverse tracks that preceded it cement his place as a country staple with a twist. His songs might not get the airplay that the likes of Taylor Swift and Lady Antebellum do, but certain ones certainly pack a punch, reconnecting the listener with aspects of reality in a way few artists in today’s day and age can do.

July 27, 2017 0 comment

Music Reviews

REVIEW: MIDNIGHT BEACH – ‘MIDNIGHT BEACH’

written by Rebecca Haslam

After winning over fans with their summer-vibe track “No” earlier this year, Midnight Beach have now released their debut, self-titled LP which is likely to divide listeners everywhere as to what they think.

Opening the album with a minute and a half long intro doesn’t get things off to the best of starts and the piece could have quite easily (and for the better) been left off the album, but it does lead into “Try”, a little uptempo electro-pop number that serves as a good though admittedly far from great proper introduction to the band and their sound.

Next track “Drums and Dominoes” maintains the electro feel of things started by its predecessor although it might come across as being little too psychedelic for some. “Fantasy” doesn’t fare much better but it does offer up the best vocal performance so far, so it’s a little disappointing to see said vocals then overshadowed by the instrumentals on “No.”, though the song still remains a highlight of the album.

The slow rhythm of “Cocoon” makes the song suitable for those wanting to unwind after a stressful day, but might not be a good idea to play on repeat if the listener is driving a long distance. It’s not like the song is boring per se, it’s just that, particularly given a lot of other tracks in the charts at the moment, there’s nothing about it that allows it to stand out and it’s subdued tempo might cause some people to drift off into a daydream.

Thankfully, things pick up somewhat with the arrival of “Dare U”; the musicianship and vocals finally managing to work in harmony with one another for – realistically – the first time on the album. “Reset” meanwhile is lyrically simple but with a thumping beat, it’s sure to have people smiling and perhaps even blaring as they get ready for a night out.

“Days Go By” – not a cover of the Keith Urban track just FYI – lowers the standard once again (they’d have honestly been better throwing in a KA cover), and it’s a shame that the band close out the collection with a mix of “Fantasy” – it would’ve been nice to see them truly push themselves to their musical limits and create something much better.

July 26, 2017 0 comment

Entertainment News Music US Music

RADIO 1’s LIVE LOUNGE MONTH: LINE UP REVEALED

written by Jack Laws

BBC Radio 1’s Clara Amfo today announced the line-up for Radio 1’s Live Lounge Month in September when some of the biggest and newest acts from the UK and beyond – including Jay-Z, Miley Cyrus, Harry Styles and Chris Martin (of Coldplay) – will be performing in the iconic Radio 1 Live Lounge.

Radio 1 will be marking its 50th anniversary in September and as a nod to the station’s legacy as the nation’s favourite for the past five decades – the famous Live Lounge cover versions will be hits from anytime in the past 50 years.

Running Monday-Friday from the 1st to the 29th of September and kicking off with a Foo Fighters performance in their own LA studio, the month-long event will showcase a wide range of musical genres supported by Radio 1, from emerging artists to big acts, and is part of the station’s continued commitment to bringing the best new and live music to young audiences.

The Foo Fighters, P!nk, Miley Cyrus and Jay-Z will all perform extended Live Lounges on each Friday in September and the event will be rounded off by an evening concert in front of a live studio audience by a performer still to be announced.

Clara Amfo will host each Live Lounge during her weekday Radio 1 show between 10am and 1pm, whilst the special evening concert will be broadcast live on Radio 1 on Friday evening while videos will be available to watch on Radio 1’s BBC iPlayer channel.

Clara Amfo, host of Radio 1’s Live Lounge, said of Live Lounge Month:

“This year’s Live Lounge Month has me more excited for our listeners than ever. From LA back to our studios in the UK, there are 50 great years of Radio 1 to celebrate with all of the artists and I can’t wait for it to kick off!”

Ben Cooper, Controller, Radio 1, 1Xtra and Asian Network added:

“I love Live Lounge Month – the world’s biggest artists, in the world famous Radio 1 studio, playing the best music in the world.”

Over the years, Radio 1’s Live Lounge has attracted some of the biggest names in music with the likes of Adele, Coldplay, Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran Slaves and James Bay – to name just a few – having all performed their tracks and, more often than not, a rather unexpected cover.

Here’s who you can look forward to hearing as part of Live Lounge Month:

1st Sept: Foo Fighters (extended)

4th Sept: Chris Martin

5th Sept: The Script

6th Sept: The xx

7th Sept: 30 Seconds To Mars

8th Sept: P!nk (extended)

11th Sept: The Killers

12th Sept: London Grammar

13th Sept: Harry Styles

14th Sept: Stormzy

15th Sept: Miley Cyrus (extended)

18th Sept: Rita Ora

19th Sept: Wolf Alice

20th Sept: George Ezra

21st Sept: Rag ‘N’ Bone Man

22nd Sept: Jay-Z (extended)

25th Sept: Craig David

26th Sept: Royal Blood

27th Sept: Rudimental with James Arthur

28th Sept: Lorde

29th Sept: Concert with special guest

July 26, 2017 0 comment

Concerts Music Reviews

LIVE: CULTURE CLUB – HAYDOCK PARK RACECOURSE – 22/07/17

written by Rebecca Haslam

As one of the biggest bands in the world during the 1980’s, Culture Club racked up chart hit after chart hit on both sides of the Atlantic, earning themselves a fan-base equivalent to the size of One Direction’s today.

With a new album due next year, the band, fronted by iconic show-man Boy George, took to the stage at Haydock Racecourse to an audience of around 10,000 and proceeded to send everyone on a somewhat nostalgic trip down memory lane full of hits, slightly sexual banter and of course, a couple of sing-alongs thrown in for good measure.

Opening with “Church Of The Poison Mind”, Culture Club made their way on stage a little after 9pm and with the sun only just starting to set (the bit you could see behind the cloud-cover, that is), there was an almost electric atmosphere that only continued to build as the evening progressed.

Encouraging everyone to turn to the person next to them and say hello, Boy George instantly made even newer, younger fans of the band feel part of a long-since established family. “Miss Me Blind” proved particularly popular as did a rendition of Bread’s “Everything I Own”, but it was their cover of “Tainted Love” by Soft Cell that really got the audience involved in the performance for the first time with people of all ages across the site singing along to its chorus. “Do You Really Want To Hurt Me” meanwhile had the thousands in attendance waving their arms in the air and swaying along just as the heavens began to open.

With a beaming smile, a short time later, Boy George walked from one side of the stage to the other, delighting in the applause and cheers from the crowd. “We’re almost done…you don’t have to get wet for much longer” he quipped to the crowd – but little did they know then that Culture Club would play far past their ‘scheduled’ finish time. Instead, the band and the crowd refused to have their spirits dampened by the rain and the show charged on, delivering songs including “Victims” and “The War Song” before the band finally began to draw the evening to a close with…what else? – “Karma Chameleon” – cue thousands of people singing and dancing along with utterly delightful abandon.

Culture Club might have been a phenomenon back in the 80’s but tonight they proved – not that they needed to – they could still deliver a great show and the 10,000 people they entertained tonight certainly seemed more than a little pleased with what they’d witnessed.

July 25, 2017 0 comment

Entertainment News Music

LINKIN PARK’S CHESTER BENNINGTON DIES AGED 41

written by Rebecca Haslam

Just two weeks after finishing up a UK tour, it was announced this evening that Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington, 41, had committed suicide.

The first report came from TMZ who wrote that Bennington had hung himself at a private residence in Palos Verdes Estates in California where his body was found earlier today. Chester’s band-mate Mike Shinoda then officially confirmed the report of Bennington’s death, posting this on his official Twitter page:

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

Linkin Park’s official Twitter then posted this image of Chester:

pic.twitter.com/yoN80Mobdk

— LINKIN PARK (@linkinpark) July 20, 2017

Bennington had been close friends with Chris Cornell who died on May 17th aged 52 and had himself struggled with drug and alcohol issues for many years. Chester shared a heartfelt tribute/goodbye letter, which many now see as an indication of his struggles, to his friend on Twitter and had often spoken in the past about considering suicide due to being abused by an older man. He also spoke powerfully about depression and mental health in what are believed to be his last two interviews. Cornell’s wife Vicky posted the following message on Twitter upon hearing of her friend’s death:

Just when I thought my heart couldn't break any more…..I love you T

— Vicky Cornell (@vickycornell) July 20, 2017

Linkin Park, who only posted the video for their new single this morning, achieved worldwide success thanks notably to their albums Hybrid Theory and Meteora, the latter of which topped the Billboard 200 chart in 2003 and remains one of the biggest alternative albums in history.

News of Bennington’s death immediately saw thousands of social media users – friends, fans and celebrities – take to Facebook and Twitter, flooding both sites with messages expressing their shock and sharing their memories and messages of condolence.

On Facebook, Eva Bayer summed up her thoughts by posting:

“Farewell Chester… Linkin Park will forever be a part of me and was the soundtrack to such an important time in my life.”

18-year-old Arianna Balfe wrote:

“I’m honestly heartbroken to hear about Chester Bennington.. R.I.P. man. Your music helped me through some tough times.
It was an honor to get to see you perform a few years back. I’ll still be listening to Linkin Park 10 years from now.”

Summing up the thoughts and reflections of many, Chris Whitby shared this:

“The songs that Chester along with the rest of the band wrote have seen me through the darkest times of my life since I first listened to them as a teenager. Hybrid Theory and Meteora remain two of my favourite albums and I am so glad I got to see Linkin Park perform Hybrid Theory in full at Download 2014. To this day, it was the best live performance I’ve ever seen with everyone in that crowd singing every single word from that album. Very few musicians could switch from soft vocals to a metal growl like he could. Through all of the hardships he faced in his life and that he wrote about in his music, he was a true warrior and one of the reasons he inspired me so much. He was one of the most influential musicians I’ve ever listen to, a unique and inspirational songwriter.”

He later wrote a second post which read:

“Through the death of a father, the death of a best friend, the death of a grandmother, bullying, betrayal, heartbreak, depression, isolation, rejection, failure. I found the strength to face all of this through your music. Finding myself, my individuality and the strength to stand as an individual in this world. My passion for music, making amazing friends who shares the same passion for that music as me. And moments of happiness at gigs and festivals. I found all of this from your music.

Though you may have lost your battle, a battle you fought so hard and bravely for years, your music helps millions of people face the same issues each day and to help them win. You helped me to win my battles. Your music will live on and help millions more win theirs. That is your legacy. Thank you Chester Bennington, you were my Hero, your music is and always will be a major light in my life.”

Green Day front-man Billie Joe posted his own tribute on Instagram, as did Gerard Way and Machine Gun Kelly, who was due to support Linkin Park on their upcoming US tour.

i've met Chester a couple times. he was very kind and also very smart. and one hell of a singer. mental health and drug addiction are really complex issues. but just know you are not alone. rest in peace Chester. you will be missed .. suicide prevention hotline: +1 (844) 540-5889

A post shared by Billie Joe Armstrong (@billiejoearmstrong) on Jul 20, 2017 at 1:53pm PDT

I am so incredibly sad to hear of Chester’s passing. He was kind and vibrant, a good human being, and an incredibly talented individual. I will always have wonderful memories of the tour we did together, and will never forget him. Sending my love to his family, his fans, and his bandmates. -G

A post shared by Gerard Way (@gerardway) on Jul 20, 2017 at 1:56pm PDT

my heart hurts in ways i never thought it could. 💔💔 i heard the news when i was driving in the car with my daughter and i couldn't even finish the drive. i pulled over and lost my shit. i remember watching u perform "crawling" stripped down with just mike shinoda playing the keys in Poland when we did that show together the other week, and your voice spoke to my soul. im re-living that moment now because that's how u deserve to be remembered: a voice for those who wanted to scream out, who had pain and no way of expressing it. u were that for me since 11 years old and i had the honor to become friends with u and share the stage with you, but i never got to say thank you. You guys invited me on tour this summer and it was the happiest I've felt in my career, I'm sad to not be able to see it happen, but mostly just sad for music, the linkin park family, and the fans – u were one of the greatest frontmen of a band to ever live and i just want u, wherever u are, to feel loved and to be happy. thanks for everything Chester. love.

A post shared by young gunner (@machinegunkelly) on Jul 20, 2017 at 1:06pm PDT

Performer Aaron Lewis dedicated his song “Something To Remind You” to Bennington while playing a show in New Hampshire.

Cameron Strang, chairman and CEO Warner Bros. Records, the label that signed Linkin Park in 1999, released a statement while music magazine Kerrang! created a tribute playlist and new upcoming issue, having scrapped the one they were working on. The statement, playlist and front cover of the new magazine can all be found below:

“Chester Bennington was an artist of extraordinary talent and charisma, and a human being with a huge heart and a caring soul, Our thoughts and prayers are with his beautiful family, his bandmates and his many friends. All of us at WBR join with millions of grieving fans around the world in saying: we love you Chester and you will be forever missed.”

Many tears were shed making this playlist. Listen to our tribute to Chester Bennington. https://t.co/Zurg5yvjVB pic.twitter.com/JkI6h71g5T

— Kerrang! Magazine (@KerrangMagazine) July 21, 2017

Extremely hard issue to make. New Kerrang! Out Weds, July 26. We've also given a free advert to @samaritans on the back cover. RIP Chester pic.twitter.com/1KLOHXJIsj

— James McMahon (@jamesjammcmahon) July 21, 2017

Kerrang! editor James McMahon also posted his thoughts, including reflections of a meeting with Chester and the band back in March, on Instagram.

I’m angry. At myself. At everyone. Today the internet is awash with pleas for people to speak up if they’re suffering; to break the stigma of depression, to talk about poor mental health. And rightly so. But Chester Bennington did just that. We just weren’t listening. On March 30th, Linkin Park held a launch party of sorts, for their record One More Light. This involved them playing a couple of songs, stripped back to just piano and voice, in the foyer of their record label, Warners, in south London. Cards on the table; I merely appreciated Linkin Park. I wasn’t the biggest fan, but I never questioned their importance. I respected them. But the way they performed the songs, skeletal, delicate, chilling; they were beautiful. I came away touched. But before they performed, they conducted a question and answer session. In that session, Chester explicitly told the audience – an audience that included myself, as well as a host of other music industry people – that he had recently contemplated suicide. Not years ago. Recently. Chester wasn’t suffering in silence. He told us. He told us directly. He told his bandmates. Fucking hell, he told his employers. I feel anger. And I feel shame. I’m asking myself what I could have done. He wasn’t a rockstar I had the phone number of. There are people I could call up and say, ‘hey, I’m here…’ But he wasn’t one of them. But a man told an audience I was in, that he had been thinking of killing himself, and less than four months later, he killed himself. Lately, but for too long now, I can’t shake the feeling that the world is broken. It’s moving too fast. Communication is too dissipated. Humanity is off its hinges, the wheel is flapping around off the axis. Caring has become so uncool. A hero of mine, Chris Cornell, died barely two months ago. It might make me sound like a fucking dick, but it feels like a year ago, so much has happened since. If you're suffering, you must speak up. But if people are speaking, we must listen. We must. Tomorrow we attempt to do justice to the man in the pages of Kerrang!'s forthcoming tribute issue. But I am sick of writing about people I admire in the past tense. RIP Chester.

A post shared by Jimmy Tooombs (@jamesjammcmahon) on Jul 20, 2017 at 5:25pm PDT

Scores of celebrities, friends and fans also shared their tributes to Bennington and you can read just a selection of them below.

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

Rest in peace, @ChesterBe. I never got to meet you but your music changed my life for the better. Devastating. https://t.co/HkPaf3ckAX

— David Kirby (@kirbywrites) July 20, 2017

We're heartbroken to hear about the passing of @LinkinPark's Chester Bennington. Heartfelt condolences to his family. #RIP

— TIDAL (@TIDALHiFi) 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

Such an incredible band and a huge part of my childhood, RIP Chester Bennington

— Krista (@kristajmo) July 20, 2017

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 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

R.I.P Chester Bennington, your voice guided me through some of the darker times of my life. You will be missed dearly #RIPChester pic.twitter.com/zczPot2qpr

— Georgia (@GalaxyGirlGia) July 20, 2017

Chester Bennington.. my heart hurts. Thank you for getting me through some tough years with your music. All the love to his family ❤️

— matt walden (@MattWaldenAC) July 20, 2017

RIP Chester Bennington. This feels like a kick in the chest. My December has pulled me through many times. Depression is a real monster.

— Gabby Sidibe (@GabbySidibe) July 20, 2017

RIP Chester Bennington of Linkin Park.
An amazing singer. Your voice helped me get through some rough times growing up. Gone too soon 😔 pic.twitter.com/GO9hDnDOci

— =^. .^= (@GamerKat09) July 20, 2017

So incredibly sad to hear about Chester Bennington.

Thank you for the music and for inspiring so many of us.

— Dan (@danbratton) July 20, 2017

Saddened to learn about the passing of the talented Chester Bennington from Linkin Park. My heart breaks for his family and children.

— Ashley Greene (@AshleyMGreene) July 20, 2017

Wow, my childhood years would be nonexistent without Chester Bennington and Linkin Park, so so sad to hear. Rest easy Chester.

— Adam Alesch (@TheAdamAlesch) July 20, 2017

A more cohesive summary of my thoughts. RIP Chester Bennington. You will be missed. pic.twitter.com/mNlDRfeNZG

— Matthew Santoro (@MatthewSantoro) July 20, 2017

The news about Chester Bennington is devastating. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and @linkinpark. Such a tragic loss

— Ryan Seacrest (@RyanSeacrest) July 20, 2017

#RIP Chester Bennington 🙏🏼 Your music spoke to me at an early age! pic.twitter.com/1EYZaVoAN5

— Erica❥ (@xoericacakes) July 20, 2017

whoa. chester bennington's death is hitting hard. linkin park was genuinely my first favorite band, and was for so many others also.

— sinai vessel (@sinaivessel) July 20, 2017

Just heard the sad news of the passing of Chester Bennington . Our sincere condolences to his family, his band and everyone who loved him.

— Garbage (@garbage) July 20, 2017

Today we lost one of the most influencial musicians of the new generation. #RestInPeace Chester Bennington of Linkin Park.

— JT Ackerman (@jtack95) 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

can't even fathom the news about Chester Bennington. going to have LP on repeat all day. Rest In Peace.

— michael (@Michael5SOS) July 20, 2017

I sang with you two weeks ago, Im so thankful i got to experience that. Thought and prayers to friends and family. RIP Chester Bennington pic.twitter.com/022XrwMHRW

— Amy |-/ (@SkeletonRat) July 20, 2017

So glad I have this pic w/ Chester Bennington but so sad there won't be more. Not for his family, his friends, his fans. Rest in peace, C. pic.twitter.com/OoO5jTpzFH

— karah leigh (@karahontheradio) July 20, 2017

Our deepest sympathies go out to the family and friends of Chester Bennington on this sad day. He was an amazing talent and will be missed.

— Rhett & Link (@rhettandlink) July 20, 2017

Linkin Park has been one of my biggest influences since I could remember… thank you for your music Chester Bennington. Rest In Peace man 💕

— James Anthony (@JamesMeetsFame) July 20, 2017

Rest In Peace Chester Bennington. Grew up listening to Linkin Park, he will live on forever through his music.

— Chris Eubank Jr (@ChrisEubankJr) July 20, 2017

rip chester bennington. you were a huge inspiration to us all & forever changed the shape of rock'n'roll

— smallpools (@smallpools) July 20, 2017

This one hurts. Hurts bad. RIP Chester Bennington. Maaaaannnnnn pic.twitter.com/fxWVH15vVC

— Bandido (@Oklandraida84) July 20, 2017

my heart goes out to chester bennington’s family, friends and fans. suicide is never a joke and should never be taken lightly.

— sara (@thisbemesara) July 20, 2017

RIP Chester Bennington, think Linkin Park was my first ever CD me mum got me.

— Joe Donovan (@JoeDonovan92) July 20, 2017

Chester Bennington has been someone I've looked up to since I was a little kid. Hearing about his death is devastating. Rest In Peace Legend

— Alex 💫 (@alexnmcguire) July 20, 2017

RIP to Chester Bennington, a musician that was very important to a lot of people. I know I make jokes a lot, but truly sad to hear this.

— Bry (@BryanGarris_) July 20, 2017

We are completely heartbroken about Chester Bennington. Linkin Park was a huge inspiration and showed this band what can happen when you….

— I See Stars (@iseestarsmusic) July 20, 2017

Take chances. What you can create when you merge two worlds together. They easily pioneered heavy electronic music. We will forever be….

— I See Stars (@iseestarsmusic) July 20, 2017

Grateful for the doors they opened for millions of aspiring rock bands and the lyrics he wrote that took care of us when we needed them

— I See Stars (@iseestarsmusic) July 20, 2017

Sending so much love to @linkinpark and the family of Chester. 😞

— I See Stars (@iseestarsmusic) July 20, 2017

What sad, sad news. RIP Chester Bennington. Thank you for the years of music you and Linkin Park birthed into this world.

— Abraham Lim (@realabrahamlim) July 20, 2017

Just heard the sad news about Chester Bennington, feeling absolutely gutted RIP

— CallingAllAstronauts (@CAA_Official) July 20, 2017

Goddamnit. RIP Chester Bennington. Linkin Park lives on forever in our angsty little hearts. 💔 pic.twitter.com/zugLsGVlOL

— Lauren Duca (@laurenduca) July 20, 2017

I'm so heartbroken about Chester Bennington, I wouldn't be the person I am today if it weren't for him. Today we've lost a beautiful artist

— ambur (@caraphernope) July 20, 2017

Rest in peace Chester Bennington, Linkin Park was a huge part of my childhood. Thank you for everything you've done man

— Deji (@ComedyGamer) July 20, 2017

In the end, it really matters. You will be missed. RIP Chester Bennington pic.twitter.com/wnjQDrlKvY

— Nicky Romero (@nickyromero) July 20, 2017

My heart dropped. #ChesterBennington RIP. @linkinpark I'm thinking of you guys. Grew up listening and singing with my friends to you. ❤️

— brooke. (@alwysblyn) July 20, 2017

We should definitely share our favorite Linkin Park AMVs today. RIP Chester Bennington, honestly loved you. 🌹

— Victoria Holden (@sailorbee) July 20, 2017

"When life leaves us blind, love keeps us kind." – Chester Bennington. Rest easy sir. pic.twitter.com/RLhmf0UR0B

— Nickelback (@Nickelback) July 20, 2017

Rip @ChesterBe. LP was a big part of my 20s and I've made life long friendships thanks to them and the #lpst. This is really heart breaking.

— michelle (@mewpymichelle) July 20, 2017

Damn. Awful news about passing of Chester Bennington. Sad reminder of the battles so many of us are silently fighting. Be kind to one other.

— Austin Healy Aries (@AustinAries) July 20, 2017

Incredibly sad news about Chester Bennington. His voice and band a huge inspiration to so many. Thoughts with his family & LP x

— Josh Franceschi (@joshmeatsix) July 20, 2017

heartbroken to hear abt Chester Bennington 🙁 mental health is no joke, pls if you're battling depression keep this # close:

1-800-273-8255

— OMGitsfirefoxx 👽 (@OMGitsfirefoxx) July 20, 2017

Our hearts go out to the family & friends of Chester Bennington, and to Linkin Park fans everywhere.

— TWLOHA (@TWLOHA) July 20, 2017

Thank you, Chester Bennington, you will be missed.

— John Bacon (@juan_wogf) July 20, 2017

The office is a little heavier today… 💔 RIP Chester Bennington

— Hopeless Records (@hopelessrecords) July 20, 2017

RIP Chester Bennington. thanks to you and the rest of Linkin Park for providing some of the key tracks on the soundtrack to my youth ❤️

— anthony amorim (@AnthonyAmorim) July 20, 2017

In memory of Chester Bennington .. no one deserves to feel alone. #RIPChester https://t.co/zORSjNOE6G

— Spreading The Love (@Spreading_L0ve) July 20, 2017

Remembering Chester Bennington with the top 5 Linkin Park songs. #RIPChesterBennington pic.twitter.com/Pqos1AHATU

— iHeartRadio (@iHeartRadio) July 20, 2017

My thoughts and prayers go out to Chester Bennington's wife and family 🙏🏼He will be missed terribly!

— Eva Marie (@natalieevamarie) July 20, 2017

Shocked & saddened to hear about the passing of Chester Bennington. Another incredibly talented musician gone way too soon. Rest in paradise

— Hannah Sommers (@hannerfannerz) July 20, 2017

"A Thousand Suns" got me through a horribly dark time. I'm indebted. Thank you and RIP Chester Bennington, wish you were here

— Joss Whedon (@joss) July 20, 2017

"You can't be afraid of people willing to hurt you, cause if you fear life, then you will never live." – Chester Bennington #rip #heartbreak

— Princess Pia Mia (@PiaMia) July 20, 2017

God damn. Rest In Peace @ChesterBe. You were one of the biggest parts of my youth.

— Mike Monaghan (@Mike_Monaghan_) July 20, 2017

Incredibly sad news. RIP Chester Bennington. You rocked the tent and will be sadly missed. pic.twitter.com/2tieyIgDxM

— The O2 (@TheO2) July 20, 2017

RIP Chester Bennington. The world will miss everything you brought to it. pic.twitter.com/mcXnb0znOi

— Funny Or Die (@funnyordie) July 20, 2017

R.I.P Chester Bennington of Linkin Park. :') Thanks for inspiring thousands of people :')#ripchesterbennington pic.twitter.com/n3zRlgHgrk

— Z∆KU∆NZ∆BIR (@ZakuanZabir) July 20, 2017

So sad to hear about Chester Bennington! My thoughts are with his family & friends 💗

— Zoë (@Zoella) July 20, 2017

We just lost one of the loudest, most iconic voices of our generation

RIP Chester Bennington

— patty is okay. (@PattyxWalters) July 20, 2017

Devasted to hear about Chester Bennington's passing, so grateful to see him perform in Brixton a few weeks ago

— Olive (@olivierjones_) July 20, 2017

pic.twitter.com/khUB4KGWUI

— JARED LETO (@JaredLeto) July 22, 2017

We are deeply saddened by Chester's death. We loved him. Our condolences to Chester's family, Linkin Park, and all of their loved ones.

— My Chemical Romance (@MCRofficial) July 20, 2017

No matter what anyone says, Chester Bennington spoke to the hearts of millions of ppl, including myself at a young age, & we'll never forget

— Nick White (@TheOfficialNWT) July 20, 2017

Our heartfelt condolences go out to Chester Bennington’s family, friends, collaborators, and all who have been impacted by his work. pic.twitter.com/pXpnWadqrd

— Recording Academy (@RecordingAcad) July 20, 2017

Completely stunned to hear of Chester Bennington's passing. My heart is with his family and friends, what an absolutely tragic loss.

— Andy Biersack (@andyblack) July 20, 2017

So shocked right now. Rest in peace, Chester Bennington. Linkin Park will always be a part of my life and your memory will last forever.

— Evelyn Schwarz (@Evi_miAUx3) July 20, 2017

Our thoughts are with Chester Bennington's family & all of Linkin Park at this remarkably difficult time. A voice of a generation. X

— You Me At Six (@youmeatsix) July 20, 2017

In the end,
it did matter. You mattered.
You mattered to an entire generation that grew up on your voice and music.
R.I.P Chester Bennington pic.twitter.com/c2nTbwZzuq

— Vh1 Supersonic (@Vh1Supersonic) July 20, 2017

Bennington is survived by wife Talinda Ann Bentley and six children.

Update (21/07/17): Live Nation the promoters for the scheduled upcoming Linkin Park US tour announced that all dates had been cancelled. In a brief statement, they said:

“We are incredibly saddened to hear about the passing of Chester Bennington. The Linkin Park ‘One More Light’ North American Tour has been canceled and refunds are available at point of purchase. Our thoughts go out to all those affected.”

Blink 182, who were due to be a part of the tour as co-headliners for two Blinkin Park shows at New York’s Citi Field and Hersheypark in Pennsylvania, posted this message on their Twitter:

pic.twitter.com/QGJrmGaF6x

— blink-182 (@blink182) July 22, 2017

Before performing in Indiana, Limp Bizkit front-man Fred Durst shared his memories of Bennington with Variety, writing:

“I’m sitting here with my brother Cory and we were talking about when Linkin Park played before us on their first ever show in Europe. They came in our dressing rooms and they were clearly both so excited and so shy. [Limp Bizkit guitarist] Wes [Borland], myself and my brother went and watched their show and doused them in champagne after their performance to congratulate them.

I remember seeing them on the side of the stage and as were performing, I was thinking to myself, “Chester’s voice is going to blow these kids the f— up.” It was a great moment and I’m happy now to have had it.

I can say so many wonderful things about the Chester I knew. He had a way of making anyone he spoke to feel heard, understood and significant. His aura and spirit were contagious and empowering. Often those types of people have so much pain and torture inside that the last thing they want is to contaminate or break the spirit of others.

He would go out of his way to make sure you knew he truly cares. As real and transparent as our conversations would be, he was always the one projecting light on the shadows. In my last conversation with him, he was holding his two cute puppies and giving me the most selfless and motivational compliments in regards to Limp Bizkit and myself and thanking me for paving the path for bands like Linkin Park.

In return, I told him if it weren’t for him and his voice and his words, this genre would never have reached the masses and affected so many lives. I thanked him for being so courageous and humble and for always being such a gentleman. We laughed and hugged and told jokes as if there would always be a tomorrow for us to meet again.

I want to hug him now and let him know that we all experience our own pain and deal with it our own ways. I know his torture is unique to him, but I would always be here to listen and help in any way I can. But I won’t get that hug and that moment now, which makes me so sad.”

Update (22/07/17): So strong has the fan reaction been to Bennington’s death that between July 20th and the 21st, streams of Linkin Park albums increased by more than 10,000% in the case of 2003’s Meteora. 2007’s Minutes To Midnight saw an increase of 9,500% while Hybrid Theory, released in 2000, saw a rise of 8,700%. The song “In The End” was on-demand streamed 1.5m times and was the most Shazamed and downloaded track of the 24 hour period. On video platforms, “Numb” was viewed 695,000 times while on both audio and video services, Linkin Park songs were up 469% overall.

Linkin Park today set up a tribute site for their singer, encouraging fans to leave their messages and memories, which features a photo of Bennington onstage, surrounded by the light from thousands of fans’ phones, with the hashtag #RIPCHESTER and the following message:

“In case you or someone you know needs support, here are some resources:
Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK
Crisis Text Line, the free, nationwide, 24/7 text message service for people in crisis, is here to support. For support in the United States, text HELLO to 741741 or message at facebook.com/CrisisTextLine.
For support outside the US, find find resources at http://www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html.”

At a show in New York, Thirty Seconds To Mars frontman Jared Leto spoke fondly of Bennington before performing “Alibi” while Muse dedicated “Starlight” to him.

Update (24/07/17): Former head of Warner Bros. Records Tom Whalley shared his reflections and memories of Bennington with Billboard writing:

“Chester was a great singer in the classic way that great rock singers move the world with their voice. He had a unique ability to bring forth a guttural scream that would project the intent of the song and in the same song flip to a beautiful melody that drove home the song’s purpose. He wanted Linkin Park to change people’s lives. He sucked people in: That’s what I saw in the studio, what I saw live, what I saw when I talked to him about the recording process.

Hybrid Theory was already out when I got to Warner Bros. I inherited it and my job was to galvanize what I walked into. I was there for Meteora with Don Gilmore and the next two albums, which were produced by Rick Rubin. I was just encouraging them to continue to innovate and move their music forward, and to not get hooked on having to repeat the success — that they should just be confident in exploring what their next record should be.

Chester was a very impassioned person. He believed in what he was doing at all times, whether it was a small conversation about being a father or being a good person, but in particular when it was about his songwriting or the records that Linkin Park was making. His belief in the band and the records they were making was always 150 percent. He believed in the spirit of rock and roll and the purpose it had in the fans’ lives.

As the band grew, they never had a sense of entitlement, even after success. Chester still brought his basic instincts, his basic talents, into the room every time. He had no sense of self-importance, that, “I’m a rock star.” He still had his belief of purpose, he never let go of that. It was a pleasure working with the band. They knew how to give back to family and causes. Chester was the guy in front, he was the one that had to expose what their convictions were, what their purpose was as a band. That’s what lead singers were supposed to do. And he did that.”

Ed Winter, a spokesman for the Los Angeles county coroner’s office, confirmed Bennington died by hanging. He added that half a bottle of alcohol was found nearby but there was no sign of drug abuse and no suicide note was found.

At approximately 2.30pm UK time, Linkin Park posted this statement/tribute to Chester on their social media pages.

https://t.co/CkwWKW25et pic.twitter.com/364B8vHRmf

— LINKIN PARK (@linkinpark) July 24, 2017

Update (25/07/17): The first fan-organised memorials to Bennington began taking place around the world, with one in Italy being shared on YouTube:

Update (26/07/17): Linkin Park re-entered the Billboard Artist 100 Chart in the US following Bennington’s death, while their album One More Light re-entered the Billboard 200 chart at number 17, having sold 23,000 units (up 461%).

Update (27/07/17): The All Time Greatest Singers page on Facebook announced that in the wake of Bennington’s suicide, they’d set up a Music Saves Lives campaign to raise awareness for suicide prevention, writing:

“His music has saved countless of lives and will continue to live on in our hearts. We are donating 100% of the proceeds from this campaign to suicide prevention organizations.”

Fans took to Twitter to share images and videos from gatherings and memorials they were holding in memory of Chester.

.@LPAssociation @LPLive @linkinpark @LinkinParkPTF @PortugalLP Beautiful Memorial with great people in Oporto.
I needed this to say goodbye. pic.twitter.com/qxBfQFurWr

— Mr. Santos (@NYCitizen07) July 27, 2017

#LPmemorial today in Prague,it marks 1 week since the terrible news & it still hurts as hell! @LPLive @LPFanCorner @linkinpark @mikeshinoda pic.twitter.com/KSbe55yNpH

— Kate Palusakova (@kubkate) July 27, 2017

Chesters memorial in London #LpMemorial @linkinpark @LPLive @LPAssociation @LPFanCorner pic.twitter.com/OY7VDrDoBN

— Cheryl 🏳️‍🌈 (@_thislineismine) July 27, 2017

Linkin Park family singing One More Light at Chesters memorial in London. #LPMemorial pic.twitter.com/2aurIfslNE

— Cheryl 🏳️‍🌈 (@_thislineismine) July 27, 2017

Update (28/07/17): Mike Shinoda took to Instagram to endorse hundreds of memorials to Chester that have and are scheduled to take place around the world, also providing a link to a Google document where fans could add others, while fans shared images and videos from such events.

One week. Feels like forever. I’m here for a couple updates. I know these links aren’t clickable. Just type them out in your browser; they're easy to remember. 1.) If you need a (local) place to celebrate Chester, look to tiny.cc/lpmemorial and all the amazing fan sites I’ve previously mentioned. 2.) If you’re having suicidal thoughts, go to chester.linkinpark.com 3.) If you’re going to buy merch in honor of Chester, consider who the purchase benefits. Don’t give money to scumbag bootleggers and opportunists. Linkin Park official merchandise is at store.linkinpark.com 4.) If you want to donate in honor of Chester, do it at musicforrelief.org 5.) Brad, Joe, Rob, Dave, and I love you all very much. Thank you for respecting our privacy during this extremely difficult time. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

A post shared by Mike Shinoda (@m_shinoda) on Jul 28, 2017 at 10:20am PDT

And the sun will set for you 🌅#LPMemorial in Caen, France 💗@linkinpark @linkinparkfr @LPFanCorner @mikeshinoda pic.twitter.com/Wt5dSbFQcm

— Alice Eril (@SomwhreIBelng) July 28, 2017

Meanwhile, Bennington’s wife Talinda posted this statement:

“One week ago, I lost my soulmate and my children lost their hero — their Daddy. We had a fairytale life and now it has turned into some sick Shakespearean tragedy. How do I move on? How do I pick up my shattered soul? The only answer I know is to raise our babies with every ounce of love I have left. I want to let my community and the fans worldwide know that we feel your love. We feel your loss as well.

My babies are so young to have lost their daddy. And I know that all of you will help keep his memory alive. He was a bright, loving soul with an angel’s voice. And now he is pain free singing his songs in all of our hearts. May God Bless us all and help us turn to one another when we are in pain. Chester would’ve wanted us to do so. Rest In Peace, my love.

Always,

Mrs. Talinda Bennington.”

In the UK, Linkin Park songs and albums flooded the charts. Hybrid Theory re-entered the album chart at number 4, while One More Light placed fifth and Meteora reached number seven. Minutes To Midnight re-entered at 15, A Thousand Suns was at 38, Living Things placed 49th, Collision Course – the album with Jay-Z – was at 70, Reanimation was 71st and The Hunting Party was at 91. The bands’ album success meant they became the first US band in 50 years to have 3 albums in the top 10. In the singles chart, “In The End” re-entered at number 14, “Numb” was at 20 and latest track “Heavy” featuring was at 43.

Update (29/07/17): Linkin Park bassist Dave Phoenix Farrell took to Twitter to thank fans for their support and to pay tribute to his friend and band-mate, asking his followers to send him pictures from any memorials or events they were attending.

It goes without saying, this last week has been extremely difficult. The outpouring of love and kindness I've received from friends and (1)

— Dave Phoenix Farrell (@phoenixlp) July 29, 2017

Fans from all over the world has been incredible. I wish I could personally thank every one of you for your love and support… (2)

— Dave Phoenix Farrell (@phoenixlp) July 29, 2017

A huge part of Chester's legacy will be the memories we hold of him in our hearts. He was an enthusiastic, playful father… (3)

— Dave Phoenix Farrell (@phoenixlp) July 29, 2017

An honest, and passionate musician, and a loyal friend. I've been touched to see memorials that have been held worldwide. (4)

— Dave Phoenix Farrell (@phoenixlp) July 29, 2017

Haven't been to a memorial, felt the urge to spread the word in memory of Chester. pic.twitter.com/r1Cz8D2fMO

— Danielle Whitcanack (@LPGurl) July 29, 2017

Chengdu, China tonight. We miss u and love u so much,thank u Chester R.I.P🖤@LinkinParkCN @linkinpark @LPAssociation @LPLive #LPMemorial pic.twitter.com/gMzcoXCOGQ

— joanna (@joanna_chester) July 29, 2017

@LPLive @LPAssociation people wept, prayed but also shared their love for LP #LPMemorial in Bratislava, Slovakia https://t.co/p9kmfsuzyx pic.twitter.com/2ZY9otzo1o

— Lucy L (@chemicalzombie) July 29, 2017

Dutch cathedral tribute to Chester Bennington with What I've Done & Numb https://t.co/MQnuroyIIU

— Linkin Park Live (@LPLive) July 29, 2017

We miss Chester#Hongkong #LPMemorial #RIPChester @LPAssociation @LPFanCorner @ChesterBe @mikeshinoda pic.twitter.com/YomCcd6QMG

— Ross 🤘 (@RossSong1) July 29, 2017

Beautiful painting of Chester by @never1959 @_kryst_ @mr_kub_ Proud to see this happen! @chesterbe @linkinpark 🙏 #ChesterBennington #LinkinPark #Family – Riverside and Morse in Sherman Oaks, CA behind @rocknpies

A post shared by TheSeventhLetter (@theseventhletter) on Jul 29, 2017 at 7:19pm PDT

Bennington was laid to rest in a private memorial. Former front-man of Of Mice & Men Austin Carlile and hip-hop artist Blackbear were just two of those in attendance and both took to social media to comment on the day.

The service today was beautiful. Thank you Linkin Park, thank you Chester. For everything ❤❤❤

A post shared by Austin Carlile (@austincarlile) on Jul 29, 2017 at 3:51pm PDT

beautiful ceremony.. a lil piece of u has & will be in every song i sing on stage forever. @chesterbe @linkinpark #chesterbennington pic.twitter.com/IXHMxDbvMn

— blackbear (@iamblackbear) July 29, 2017

Update (30/07/17): Bennington’s first wife Samantha took Facebook to share her thoughts, writing:

“Words can not express the devastating loss that my son & I both, along with the rest of our families are feeling over my ex husband & son’s father’s recent passing. Unreal to stay the least!

I pray from my soul that he is at peace and no longer suffering.

My son & I are extremely spiritual & would like to share our believes with you in hopes it brings a little comfort.

We do not believe there is a hell. We believe that we as souls make “soul contracts” we agree to come into this world with the knowledge of our destiny & when it’s fulfilled we move on to a higher vibration of energy, meaning “the next level”. He fulfilled his destiny while helping others every step of the way through his music, a hand shake,a conversation, or even a hug. No matter if you saw him on stage, had an opportunity to meet him anywhere he truly touched everyone in a positive way. He absolutely loved singing for each & every one of you & for all of his friends & family at home all the time. I have always missed him singing throughout our home & loved it when he would visit, he would sing for us every time we ask or just spontaneously . He absolutely had a God given talent!
We are all created the same & connected so Chester you are never “gone”. Our souls & energy are forever connected.

Chester, as one of my best friends of the age of 19, a husband, father to my son, business partner, and all we created together, I’m truly honored to have completed our soul contracts together, build all we did together, & thank you for giving me the greatest gift ever, our beautiful son Draven.

I promise to continue to raise a great man who has integrity, humility, kindness, & most of all compassion & love.

I do feel your presence as a guardian angel watching over us & Im extremely filled with gratitude.

Thank you to Draven’s god parents Uncle Stefie & Moni along with friends & family for joining us in with a raw ruby crystal that we shared a prayer, we all kissed the stone, & prayed to chester to find peace & fill his heart with love. Then our son through it in the ocean as an offering to God/Source.

We also want to thank our family and friend who traveled close & far for their support & continuous love.

We will always love you Chester.

From the bottom of our hearts .. love Sam & Draven Bennington.”

Goodbye C 😢💔 #ripchester #Finland #memorial @LPFanCorner @linkinpark @LPLive @LPAssociation @phoenixlp @mikeshinoda @joehahnLP @BradDelson pic.twitter.com/RsT1XtduwG

— Laura Seppälä (@TheLrau) July 30, 2017

Update (01/08/17): Coldplay’s Chris Martin performed “Crawling” at a show in New Jersey, which Mike Shinoda, writing on Twitter, said: “Thank you Coldplay. It sounded beautiful.”

#RIPChester pic.twitter.com/g2ffGLkm8l

— LINKIN PARK (@linkinpark) August 1, 2017

Update (02/08/17): It was revealed today that some of special packages given to those who attended Bennington’s funeral had found their way onto ebay and sellers, claiming the packages are authentic, are wanting thousands of dollars for them. Kerrang! magazine were one of the first to report the disgraceful behaviour and encouraged readers to report the sales if they came across any more.

Update (04/08/17): A Hybrid Theory sing-along took place in Dublin last night with scores of fans and even a representative from Warner Bros Records in attendance while other memorials also took place.

Linkin Park Hybrid Theory Sing Along fundraiser for Pieta House – Dublin Ireland @mikeshinoda @TalindaB @phoenixlp @joehahnLP @LPFanCorner pic.twitter.com/98z7hvF5A4

— Jade Kearns (@JadeKearns) August 4, 2017

Went to the Chester Bennington Memorial in Tokyo thank you @LinkinPark_JPN @LPLive @linkinpark @mikeshinoda @phoenixlp 🙏🏼🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/xnDTcxmHjm

— Alika Lausanne I (@alick36) August 4, 2017

Late last night, Bennington’s widow Talinda posted this tweet:

Thank you @RyanTedder @OneRepublic 4 honoring my husband Chester & dear pal Chris tmrw.Be still and you will feel them sing within you too.

— Talinda Bennington (@TalindaB) August 4, 2017

By the end of the day, 11 of Linkin Park’s songs had earned new platinum certifications. “One Step Closer”, “Waiting For The End” and “Leave Out All The Rest” earned their first platinum records, while “What I’ve Done”, “Bleed It Out”, “Shadow Of The Day”, “New Divide”, “In The End”, “Numb”, “Burn It Down” and the Jay-Z collaboration “Numb/Encore” added multi-platinum certifications. Notably, “What I’ve Done”, received a five-times-platinum nod, making it the band’s most commercially successful song.

Update (05/08/17): This morning, Chris Cornell’s 12-year-old daughter Toni joined One Republic on stage as part of the Good Morning America Summer Concert Series, at which Linkin Park were scheduled to perform, to sing “Hallelujah” in tribute to her father and Bennington. The performance has many members of the large crowd in tears:

The band later replied to Talinda’s tweet with this message:

Was truly an honor—- and we did 🙏

— OneRepublic (@OneRepublic) August 4, 2017

Fans also continued to share photos of their memorials to Bennington.

San Diego Chester Bennington Memorial @mikeshinoda @phoenixlp @linkinpark pic.twitter.com/KHVaU6MnkI

— Mandy Seiveno (@MSeiveno) August 6, 2017

Big shout out to @owendippie for this insane tribute mural for Chester on Fairfax + @knowngallery for helping make it happen ❤️ ・・・ #repost Chester Bennington.. you're missed and loved dearly… @chesterbe @owendippie @erindippie @linkinpark @mrjoehahn @m_shinoda @theseventhletter #ChesterBennington #LinkinPark #OwenDippie #TheSeventhLetter #TWFSL #Fairfax

A post shared by Mike Shinoda (@m_shinoda) on Aug 12, 2017 at 11:09pm PDT

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