“Chester’s passing is a great loss for music. With Linkin Park he pioneered a fresh new direction for rock, featuring an eclectic array of influences and capturing a new mood of experimentation, collaboration and cross-pollination that’s influenced and inspired so many acts who’ve followed.
The world is a less interesting place without him.”
Max Lousada (chairman & CEO, Warner Music UK)
“Chester was an artist of extraordinary talent and charisma, and a human being with a huge heart and a caring soul. Our thoughts and prayers are with his beautiful family, his bandmates and his many friends.
All of us at WBR join with millions of grieving fans around the world in saying: we love you Chester and you will be forever missed.”
Cameron Strang (chairman & CEO, Warner Bros Records
“For all the global success Linkin Park has had, it’s very important right now for the world to understand that these are very special people who are more identifiable to those that know them as dad, husband, friend as they are rock star.
They created a community that is always fan first and Chester held the flag by going out of his way to connect with so many fans because he was as touched by their passion as they were by his talent.
His work on the One More Light album is as good as anything he’s ever done. We will miss Chester greatly and never forget his tremendous talent.”
Marc Cimino (COO of Universal Music Publishing Group)
“A few weeks after Download 2014, Chester came up to me after a Linkin Park show at The O2 and said, I’ve been meaning to get in touch to thank you personally for convincing us to play [Linkin Park debut album] Hybrid Theory at Download.
It re-energised us as a band and put a fire back in our bellies and I’m so glad I got the chance to say this to you in person. The man was a true gentleman.”
Andy Copping (president of UK touring, Live Nation)
“I first met Chester 17 years ago for Linkin Park’s very first Kerrang! cover shoot. At this time they were relatively unknown and my first thoughts were, How is this geeky guy in glasses going to be a rock star? How wrong I was!
That night’s show had me hooked so I was not surprised when Linkin Park’s following grew at an astonishing rate. I worked with Chester many times since and he always offered me a warm welcome. I am honoured to have worked with him.
My thoughts are with Chester’s bandmates, friends, family and fans.”
Paul Harries (photographer, Kerrang!, Planet Rock and more)
“He’s up there with the best I’ve ever seen. Everyone knows about his huge vocal range but he was also a consummate frontman and had such a connection with his audience. The thing that came through both onstage and offstage was his genuine warmth.
He was always gregarious and a pleasure to be around. He’s one of the best live vocalists I’ve ever seen, an intense, kinetic performer.
He had that brilliant ability to deliver what he did in the studio live but add even more to it. A massive hole has been left by his loss.”
Scott Thomas (Linkin Park agent, X-ray Touring)
“Chester was a shining light in an incredibly dark world. His deeply personal lyrics brought comfort and inspired millions of fans across the globe.
His formidable talent, generosity, bright smile and infectious laugh will be sorely missed. Rest in power Chaz.”
Emma Van Duyts (director, Public City PR)
It’s a terrible thing that great artists are often ones that struggle with a darkness that is never really spoken about.
Recent events show that this is something that needs to change. Chester’s voice was one that helped define an era. It’s all such a shame.”
Daniel P Carter (DJ, BBC Radio 1 Rock Show)
Story By: Music Week Staff
