Every person that comes to this world influences other people's lives. Human beings are designed and meant to interact with each other and through that impact each they impact each other's future. But every now and then a soul is born that touches significantly more people's lives than others. It still impacts few directly but is powerful enough to reach out much further to hundreds and thousands of other souls around this world.
I generally don't write very personal posts. I try to present my views or matters of my interest, challenge them with questions. But it's impossible for me to stay impersonal in light of the latest news. Therefore this post is first and probably the only one of such kind that I'll write in here.
Chester Bennington was one of the most powerful voices in music of my generation. Not once have I mentioned his ability to pierce through the soul and reach the heart of the listener. An incredible writer, beautiful artist and one in a million talent.
Linkin Park's music has always been with me. For the past over 12 years there I have listened to at leas one LP song a day. I had Chester's voice waking me up in the morning, preparing me for facing the new challenges of the day. His deep and piercing scream, yet melodical and soothing. I remember the first time I heard it - I fell in love with the band and with rock music overall.
Their songs have helped me through the most difficult times in my life. They have accompanied me through the happiest moments in my existence. Whenever I feel like giving up and breaking down I just put on 'Meteora', get in the car and drive off with one song after another playing as loud as possible. Every time when I feel like jumping from happiness, there's always the most beautiful sound I have ever found in any music I have ever listened to in my ears - Chester's scream. Every time when I had my heart broken there was 'Numb' playing over and over again in my earphones helping me put myself together and move on.
When my brother was a baby I used to put him to sleep playing 'In the end'. I've tried different artists at first but that was the one that really made him calm.
I remember going to their concert a few years back, being so excited to hear them live. I stood there in the crowd, Chester came over to the side of the stage, singing deep from his lungs, leaning over the audience. Everyone was jumping, screaming, singing along. And I stood there, watching him and the stage, crying. It was one of the most beautiful and powerful moments in my life - seeing a group of people that impacted me and helped me become the person I am today through their music and sheer talent. I couldn't have been happier at that moment.
For a long time in my life I felt out of place, captured, overwhelmed. I was constantly fighting to move along to something different, hopefully better. But it's hard keeping yourself motivated and keep on going. And there was always 'Somewhere I belong' that would come to rescue and that would lite up the sparkle in the long, dark tunnel.
I'm certain I'm not the only person who's found their own voice in Linkin Park's music and whose soul was touched by Chester Bennington's voice. I'm positive there are thousands of people around the globe who's these news stroke like a lightening. And there's not a doubt in my mind that the mark he's left on this world will never be forgotten.
There's nothing left for me to say but 'Thank you'. For touching mine and so many other people's souls. For being the voice of many. For kindness and love you shared and showed to your fans.
Thank you the whole band for creating the powerful music that brought me up when I was down. For your staying true to yourself no matter what people were saying. For your bravery in trying new ideas, styles and sounds despite the criticism you might have faced.
My deepest condolences to all closest to Chester. I truly believe that he's watching over the world now and his voice is floating quietly in the wind, embracing the world. In fact, if I close my eyes, I can hear it.
R.I.P. [*]