Linkin Park to Release New Live Album in Honor of Chester Bennington

On Wednesday, Linkin Park band members announced they were releasing an album of songs recorded on their One More Light World Tour. The album,”Linkin Park: One More Light Live,” which will be available in December, gives fans who didn’t attend lead singer Chester Bennington’s last tour a chance to hear his last live performances.

Bennington died by suicide in July, right before the band was about to start the North American leg of their tour, which was subsequently canceled.

“We dedicate this live album to our brother Chester who poured his heart and soul into One More Light. We hope this live album gives our fans a glimpse into how magical these shows were for the six of us.”#OneMoreLight Live – December 15th. Pre-order: https://t.co/woknEvjnsI pic.twitter.com/vt4NM318jT

— LINKIN PARK (@linkinpark) November 16, 2017

The band released a statement about the album, and shared memories about what it was like touring with Bennington:

We dedicate this live album to our brother Chester who poured his heart and soul into One More Light. After we finished recording the album, we joked with Chester that — since he had delivered so many stunning performances in the studio — he had set the bar extra high to produce that alchemy on stage each not. Not surprisingly, he welcomed the challenge.

The shows we played together during the early summer of 2017 were extraordinary. Chester shared with us that he felt this was the best tour we had ever done. The camaraderie and joy we experienced on stage was reflected in our deep connection with each other, with our fans, and with the music.

Every night before walking out onto the stage, we would huddle, get focused, and share whatever last-second remarks popped into our heads. Chester always took it upon himself turn the name of the city where we were into a first-rate pun. This was our ritual. Best of all, it was a moment to express our gratitude that we were living our dream. 

Chester never forgot to express his appreciation to our crew — the men and women who traveled the world with us, making our dream into a reality night after night. Without them, these shows would not have been possible.

Chester was uniquely passionate, uncommonly generous, sensitive, optimistic, funny and kind. With his voice, he turned pain into catharsis, authenticity into art, and passion into connection. His dedication to bringing these songs to life was triumphant. His dedication to bringing these songs to life was triumphant. For those of you who attended this tour in person, we thank you. For those who could not, we hope this live album lives you a glimpse into how magical these shows were for the six of us.

—  Joe, Dave, Rob, Mike & Brad

The 16-track album includes songs from their newest album, like “One More Light” and “Heavy,” but also classic Linkin Park songs like, “Numb” and “Crawling.”

This is the latest way Linkin Park has reached out to their fans after Bennington’s death. Just last month, during a tribute concert in honor of Bennington, Linkin Park band member Mike Shinoda performed a new song, “Looking for an Answer.”

Bennington’s wife, Talinda Bennington, also took to stage during the tribute concert, announcing a new mental health initiative, 320, named after Chester’s birthday, March 20. Additionally, all the proceeds from the concert were donated Music for Relief’s One More Light Fund, a charity started by Linkin Park.

Bennington said:

Together, we will build a resource — not only for those suffering emotionally, but also for friends and family members and medical practitioners who are seeking answers about mental health, illness and addiction, so they can best support the people in their lives.

You can pre-order the album on Linkin Park’s site for $11.99 before it is released on December 15.

The Mighty reached out to Linkin Park to learn more about the album, and has yet to hear back.

If you or someone you know needs help, visit our suicide prevention resources page.

If you need support right now, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or reach the Crisis Text Line by texting “START” to 741-741.

Thinkstock photo via Linkin Park’s Facebook