Chester Bennington has influenced millions around the world, including the popular vocalist Oliver “Oli” Skyes from BRING ME THE HORIZON.
In a recent interview with Meltdown from Detroit’s WRIF radio station, the British rockers vocalist, Oliver Sykes, shared his thoughts on his participation in a tribute concert for LINKIN PARK’s late frontman, Chester Bennington.
The concert took place on October 27, 2017, at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. This was LINKIN PARK’s first performance since Bennington tragically passed away in July of that same year.
Describing his feelings about the experience, Sykes used the term “bittersweet.” He found the whole event to be unreal but marred by the unfortunate circumstances surrounding it. Sykes admitted that it’s challenging to process emotions in such situations.
When famous individuals pass away, Sykes revealed that he often struggles with what he sees as “imposter syndrome.” He questions his right to talk about someone he didn’t personally know, even if their work had a significant impact on him.
He expressed that while he felt a part of his own history fading when Chester Bennington passed away. However, he didn’t cry because he didn’t have a personal connection to him. Instead, he experienced disbelief and a sense of detachment, which also carried over to his performance at the tribute concert.
During the 2017 concert, Sykes paid homage to Bennington by singing LINKIN PARK’s song “Crawling.” The event, titled “Linkin Park And Friends Celebrate Life In Honor Of Chester Bennington,” aimed to honor Chester’s memory.
Proceeds from the concert were directed to Music For Relief’s One More Light Fund, established in Bennington’s name.
The lineup for the show included various other artists, such as Jonathan Davis of KORN, M. Shadows and Synyster Gates from AVENGED SEVENFOLD, members of SYSTEM OF A DOWN (excluding Serj Tankian), members of BLINK-182, Machine Gun Kelly, ex-YELLOWCARD singer Ryan Key, pop singer and LINKIN PARK collaborator Kiiara, and more.
Chester Bennington’s tragic passing was determined to be a suicide, discovered at his home in Palos Verdes Estates, California, in July 2017.
Throughout his life, Bennington had been open about his struggles with mental health. He discussed battles with depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and substance abuse in various interviews. He had sought help by attending rehab twice around 2006.
Oliver Sykes of BRING ME THE HORIZON reflected on his experience participating in a tribute concert for Chester Bennington. His expressed a mix of emotions tied to the event and discussing the challenge of grieving for a public figure. The tribute concert held great significance, with various artists coming together to celebrate Chester’s life and raise funds for a cause in his memory.
