RIP Chester Bennington

[Joe Jones]

Sad news today from the world of rock as it's been confirmed that Linkin Park lead singer Chester Bennington has passed away.

Linkin Park were the band that got me into rock and metal when I was a youngster - about 11/12 years old. I remember flicking through the music channels on TV one day and coming across One Step Closer, and I was just blown away by what I was listening to.

Needless to say, Chester and his gang were a huge part of my childhood, not only through their music but also for having opened my eyes (and ears) to some fantastic rock and metal both coming out at the time and also music from years gone by. I would have never discovered the likes of Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Deicide, Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath and so on were it not for the captivating sounds of LP.

I'm too young to remember the passing of Kurt Cobain, but many fans of Nirvana and rock in general from the generation above me have never quite got over it. Now I know how that feels - not only with Chester but also with Chris Cornell, who also passed this year.

RIP Chester. You will be missed.