Jared Leto Gives Chester Bennington an Emotional Tribute at the VMAs
It can be incredibly hard to speak eloquently about life and death, especially when someone with a bright light passes away long before their time. When the news that Chester Bennington passed away just weeks ago, the music industry was absolutely heartbroken.
Since he passed away, many tributes have been paid to him from everyone from friends and family to fans all across the world. He was much more to all of us than just a musician, he was a symbol of hope and of truth. He fought a battle against depression and addiction and spoke openly about both, encouraging fans to hope for better and to get help for their own struggles.
So when it was revealed that Chester took his own life, fans were devastated, many wondered if they could have done something or if he knew how much he was loved and appreciated. The truth is, Chester lived with an appreciation, even through his hard times, and he didn’t just know his fans loved him, he felt it. In the video of his last performance, he goes into the crowd to sing ‘One More Light’ and the interactions between himself and his fans were extremely emotional.
Those paying tribute to Chester have been emotional as well, and when Jared Leto got on the VMA stage this evening to pay tribute to him, it was perfect. He spoke as a friend and someone who was touched by Chester in his music as well. He said that Chester spoke about Chris Cornell and how his voice was beauty and pain and many other emotions all wrapped up into one. The truth is, that’s how many of us viewed Chester as well, what we heard in his songs.
‘When I think about him, Chester, I see his face, which was always smiling. I think about his heart, which he wore on his sleeve. I think how kindly he treated me. I think about his wife and his six, six incredible children. I think about his family, I think about his band, who were really his brothers and I remember his voice. At once ferocious and delicate, that voice will live forever.’
That voice will absolutely live forever, and after his speech, a video clip of Linkin Park performing at the VMA’s. It was a touching moment for everyone in the audience and at home, as the camera showed fans in the audience, many had tears in their eyes.
The last thing Jared said stands true, and the message was one many needed to hear.
‘I promise you this, the absolute biggest breakthroughs in life lie just beyond the darkest days.’
‘…but I knew him’
