Hybrid Theory, the 2000 debut studio album by Linkin Park, sold enough copies to earn Diamond certification from the Recording Industry Association of America in 2005. As the band's primary lead vocalist, Chester Bennington utilized a distinctively emotional and high-pitched delivery that defined the sound of the group across seven studio albums released between 2000 and 2017.
Formative Years in Arizona
Born in Phoenix in 1976, Bennington attended James Madison High School and Greenway High School. His early exposure to music included an interest in the bands Depeche Mode and Stone Temple Pilots. Following his parents' divorce when he was 11, he experienced significant personal instability and turned to creative outlets like drawing and songwriting to manage his distress.
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After a period of frustration, Bennington auditioned for the band Xero, which later became Linkin Park, upon the recommendation of Jeff Blue. The band's debut release, Hybrid Theory, became a commercial success. Bennington maintained his role as lead singer through the release of One More Light in 2017. He also performed with several other groups, including Grey Daze, Dead by Sunrise, Kings of Chaos, and Stone Temple Pilots.
Collaborative Projects and Acting
Outside of his primary commitments, Bennington formed the side project Dead by Sunrise in 2005, releasing the album Out of Ashes in 2009. In 2013, he briefly joined Stone Temple Pilots as lead vocalist, recording the High Rise EP before departing in 2015. His film appearances included roles in the productions Crank, Crank: High Voltage, and Saw 3D.
Final Years
Bennington's career was marked by consistent chart success, with his albums often reaching the top three on the Billboard 200. He died in July 2017 in Palos Verdes Estates. The Los Angeles County Coroner determined the cause of death to be suicide by hanging.
Fast facts
- Born: 1976, Phoenix
- Died: 2017, Palos Verdes Estates
- Nationality: United States
- Key Band: Linkin Park
- Film credits: Crank, Crank: High Voltage, Saw 3D
- Education: James Madison High School, Greenway High School
Questions readers ask
Which bands did Chester Bennington front?
He was a member of Linkin Park, Grey Daze, Dead by Sunrise, Stone Temple Pilots, and Kings of Chaos.
What was the result of the Linkin Park debut album?
Hybrid Theory was certified Diamond by the RIAA in 2005 and became the bestselling debut album of the decade.
Achievements
- Instruments: voice, guitar and drum kit
- Genres: alternative metal, nu metal and hard rock
