It’s been almost two months since the world lost musician Chester Bennington, with the Linkin Park frontman passing away on July 20th at age 41. Friends, family and fans of the Linkin Park frontman are still reeling from the painful news, with Bennington’s death signaling the loss of one of the most inspiring voices of a generation.
Following Bennington’s death, an outpouring of condolences and love for the singer and songwriter, his bandmates and family began pouring in from around the world. In a new video showing the international impact of Bennington and his band, Linkin Park put together a video spotlighting just some of the vigils held in honour of the late musician. Posted to their social media channels last week, Linkin Park’s track “One More Light” plays in the background as fans from Peru, Russia, Indonesia, Brazil, Kazahstan and more gather to say good bye to Bennington.
Now, Linkin Park have once again used their 2017 song “One More Light,” the title track from their seventh studio album, to honour their late friend.
Just released in May, One More Light first hit the charts with the track “Heavy,” a somber single that chronicles the singer’s feeling of depression and hopelessness. The song was released with singer Kiiara and written by Bennington and Linkin Park guitarist Mike Shinoda along with Julia Michaels and Justin Tranter.
In a move that now feels apropos, “One More Light” was written by Shinoda and talks about the importance of human life, specifically those left behind after losing a loved one to suicide. In the title track, Bennington sings “Should’ve stayed, were there signs, I ignored? / Can I help you, not to hurt, anymore?”
While depression and feelings of hopelessness combated with rally cry messages of ‘it gets better’ have been common themes in Linkin Park lyrics, “One More Light” is a diversion from the hard-hitting musicality of the band, with the soft ballad acting as the perfect backdrop to footage of Bennington and his band on the road. In the new video released today, Bennington performs “One More Light” among the crowd at a Linkin Park concert, a fitting final image for a band who has always been devoted to their huge fan base.
Writing on their YouTube channel, Shinoda expands on the meaning of “One More Light,” saying “One More Light was written with the intention of sending love to those who lost someone. We now find ourselves on the receiving end. In memorial events, art, videos, and images, fans all over the world have gravitated towards this song as their declaration of love and support for the band and the memory of our dear friend, Chester. We are so very grateful and can’t wait to see you again.”
Linkin Park DJ Joe Hahn, who’s credited as directing “One More Light” along with Mark Fiore, also shared his feelings on putting together the tribute video, writing “It has been incredibly emotional to work on this, and especially to watch it. I feel that by doing it, we not only faced some of our biggest fears, but it enabled us to use our talents to bring some light to people that need it. As we move forward to the Hollywood Bowl show and beyond, I think about the people that connect with the band, outside and inside our circle. This video is a gesture of good will to the people that want that connection.”
Linkin Park are currently planning a tribute concert for Chester Bennington in Los Angeles on October 27. Calling it a ‘celebration of life,’ the band will be performing with a number of their musician friends in honour of Bennington.
If you or someone you know is suffering from depression or thoughts of suicide, there are many ways to get help. Click here to find resources close to you.
