When Linkin Park lost the iconic voice of Chester Bennington in 2017, it looked like it might be the end for the group. But with a new lineup and a reinvention of their sound, the band is back together and doing better than ever. But, despite their return, there are a few songs that are considered sacred to the members of Linkin Park and won’t be played live again.
When Linkin Park first came out in 1999, they took the nu-metal world by storm. Their combination of heavy-hitting guitar, DJ kicks, and the unbelievable power of Chester Bennington’s voice changed the genre for the better. Album after album came out, drawing in a huge audience. They staked their claim as one of the biggest bands of the generation.
However, Bennington regularly struggled with addiction and mental health. This led him to eventual suicide in 2017, breaking the band apart. Despite the rest of Linkin Park creating a unique sound, his voice was a huge part of what made the group what they were.
Understandably, the group took a break. Most fans understood that this may be the end. The Linkin Park albums we were lucky enough to get were all there was. But last year, they announced they were back and taking things in a slightly different direction.
There was understandable trepidation about the reforming of such an iconic band. But, with a sold-out tour and songs even die-hard fans enjoy, they’ve proven their worth. It’s not the same Linkin Park, but it’s certainly from the same place.
However, certain songs remain very much in the past for Linkin Park.
Some Songs Died With Chester
One track, written by Chester Bennington, was intended “for a woman at the label that we worked with who passed away,” according to Shinoda, speaking to The Guardian. However, it was released only two months before Chester passed away.
Due to the heartfelt lyrics, fans took it as a farewell song from the Linkin Park vocalist. “Then, after Chester passed, the world decided that it was about him. And so that’s just too sad to play.”
So, it’s been removed from their lineup. Some things are just a bit too close to the bone. It’s beautiful, but there is enough material for them to pull from.