Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington passed away on July 20, and since his death, tributes have been pouring in from a number of fellow musicians.
The latest artist to express their sadness over Bennington’s loss was Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich, who recalled fond memories of Bennington during an interview with Los Angeles radio station 95.5 KLOS.
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“Chester was a very kind and very unassuming and very gentle soul, who had a really big heart,” Ulrich said. “The first time I heard Linkin Park, just singing those songs on this first album — when was it? ’99 or 2000? — the power that came out of him was just unbelievable. It was so original and so unique. He was one of those singers that has that rare gift where every word that comes out of him sounds authentic. He’s not just writing something down that he sings… Everything that comes out of him sounds like he feels and he means every word, every nuance, every syllable.”
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He also discussed Metallica‘s 2003 Summer Sanitarium Tour, which included Linkin Park on the bill.
“They were kind enough to come and play with us across America on a ‘Summer Sanitarium’ tour and we had a lot of fun. And all those guys are great guys and my heart goes out to all of ’em and to the family,” the rocker said.
Ulrich concluded his thoughts by reflecting on what Bennington’s death could teach others.
“I think more than anything, I think it reaffirms — without sounding too cheesy — that we’ve gotta live each moment to the max and just be in the moment,” he said. “Every time we go out onstage, we try to take it all in. You never know when something can go sideways or something [can] happen to you physically or something. So life is beautiful and we’ve gotta just harness and maximize each moment to its fullest.”
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After Bennington’s death, Ulrich also posted a tribute to the singer on Instagram, writing, “Gracious, kind & humble. A rare combination in Rock & Roll. Deeply saddened…”
Photo Credit: Instagram / @metallica / getty / George Pimentel
