Like some of you, I am in shock and very upset about Chester’s passing. He was a beautiful human being who, like the rest of us, had struggles; for him, drug and alcohol addiction. But what drew me to him and the rest of the guys, and turned me into a fan, was not just their music, but their dedication to their music, comradery (they are all hilarious together), and experimentation with their music; even when it didn’t turn out so hot, and when it turned EPIC (A Thousand Suns is their best album and blows my mind every time I listen to it from beginning to end). In other words, Linkin Park isn’t just some nu metal band (and I don’t care about the whole nu metal controversy and I think it’s dumb). They really have held their own and have been true to themselves and what they love to do.

But what really grabbed me in the beginning was Chester’s lyrical honest about his life; his struggle with addiction and about being molested as a kid. His honesty, their honesty, is what makes them stand out as a band – dealing with serious, life issues.

Now I…we, can’t fathom Linkin Park without him. I am selfishly mourning the fact that I never took those many opportunities to see and experience them perform live. And now that opportunity is gone.

Chester, thank you for sharing your voice, words of honesty, pain, love, and healing with us. They helped me and millions of others. Sadly, as my friend Brittany Davis wrote, “I’m sorry they helped me more than they could help you.”

Chester, you will always be loved. You will always be missed. Keep rocking out. I'm sure we will hear you.

When you feel you're alone
Cut off from this cruel world
Your instinct's telling you to run

Listen to your heart
Those angel voices
They'll sing to you
They'll be your guide
Back home

When life leaves us blind
Love keeps us kind
It keeps us kind

When you've suffered enough
And your spirit is breaking
You're growing desperate from the fight

Remember you're loved
And you always will be
This melody will bring you right
Back home

When life leaves us blind
Love keeps us kind
When life leaves us blind
Love keeps us kind