Linkin Park’s Chester Bennington and Soundgarden’s Chris Cornell both took their lives earlier this year, completely rocking the music industry and everyone they touched with their voices.
Jared Leto took the stage at the VMAs to pay tribute to the fallen stars with a touching message.
“In 1976, in Phoenix, Arizona, a child was born,” Leto began. “He was precocious, full of life, and determined. He grew up to become the singer of one of the biggest rock bands in the history of music. His name was Chester Bennington.”
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As the crowd applauded, Leto cotinued, “MTV asked me to come here to say a few words about Chester and the late, great, Chris Cornell, two artists I had the absolute pleasure of touring with. They were close friends with one another. Chester even singing the cover of the classic ‘Hallelujah’ at Chris’ funeral. Chester said of Chris, ‘Your voice was joy and pain and anger and forgiveness, love and heartache, all wrapped up into one.’ Just weeks later, Chester himself was gone. Chester was my friend. As he was to so many. Witnessing his life taught me important things. Especially about working relentlessly, pursuing dreams, and being kind and caring while doing it.”
