Forever Chester: Why I Still Miss Him Despite the Passage of Time
I must admit, I still miss Chester Bennington. Even though it’s been a while since his passing, the void he left behind is profound. To answer the question in the title, the answer is a resounding yes. I miss him deeply, and I am mad that I could not have met him at least a year or two before his untimely death.
Connection with Chester Bennington
For every person who ever interacted with Linkin Park, the feeling of missing Chester Bennington will be a permanent one. Every day, I find myself reminiscing about the days when Chester was a beacon of hope and inspiration, a unique young man who dedicated his incredible talent to saving lives through his music. Though he is no longer with us, the impact of his work is ever-present.
The Impact of Chester Bennington on Me
Linkin Park was more than just a band to me; it was my first experience with self-knowledge and ideals. Chester Bennington’s music was not just entertainment, but a guiding light. He was a true great human being, and I believe he will always be remembered as the best vocalist of all time. The loss of Chester Bennington hits me so hard that sometimes I feel like breaking down and never functioning again. He left a wound that may never fully heal.
Memories of Chester Bennington
Even though it's been nearly two years since his passing, I still feel the need to search for information about Chester Bennington on Google. The day he died marked a significant public breakdown in my life. Looking back, that day signaled the start of a sharp decline in my life, a decline I still struggle with. Chester Bennington was and still is one of my top three musicians; his voice and the power in his music are incomparable.
Linkin Park: A Gateway to English Music
Linkin Park was the first English band for almost every kid in India born in the 90s. It was the gateway to English music for many of us. Even those who didn't listen to much music knew Linkin Park. The presence of Chester in our lives made them closer to an icon status, much like Michael Jordan was to basketball or David Beckham was to football.
Personal Connection through Music
I remember the first time I heard ‘Numb’; I was 12 or 13. I had every single Hybrid Theory, Reanimation, Meteora, and Collision Course song on my iPod during my 8th grade. I knew every word and the remixed Reanimation songs by heart. When Minutes to Midnight came out, I created a filtered playlist of 42 songs that resonated with me; now, it contains 70 songs. It is a testament to the lasting impact of Chester and the band on my life.
Missing Out on a Live Performance
Bands generally do not tour in India, as the currency rates and ticket prices make it financially unviable. Chester and Mike had promised multiple tour dates in India, which deeply disappointed me. The realization that I would never get to see them perform live hits me hard. I had emotionally invested in the band, and the idea of never seeing them play destroyed my already fragile heart. I felt guilty whenever I did something else and it slipped my mind.
Devastation Following His Passing
When he passed away, I couldn't make sense of it all. It felt like a lie, a big hoax, that it couldn't be true. I had emotionally invested so much in Linkin Park over the years that losing Chester felt like a betrayal. However, I was fortunate to have friends who felt the same way, alleviating some of my loneliness.
Mourning and Continuation of Memorial
After the initial shock, I started consuming every article, video, and song related to Chester and Linkin Park to keep his memory alive. Initially, the songs were haunting, as they were often about personal struggles. However, the beauty of his music and the messages in his lyrics continue to inspire me. The songs are a reflection of his spirit, and I continue to listen to them, finding comfort in the connection to Chester's legacy.