Linkin Park Dedicates American Music Award Win to Chester Bennington on New Year’s Day

As a band, Linkin Park hasn’t had it easy during the last few months. The band, along with its friends, family, and fans, has been dealing with the tragic loss of Chester Bennington, who tragically took his own life on July 20. 

Nearly four months later, on Sunday in Los Angeles, they won favorite artist in the alternative rock category at the American Music Awards, adding a new chapter to their healing journey by paying tribute to their old, close buddy. 

Nearly four months later, on Sunday in Los Angeles, they won favorite artist in the alternative rock category at the American Music Awards, adding a new chapter to their healing journey by paying tribute to their old, close buddy. 

As Mike Shinоda, accоmpanied by Rоb Bоurdоn and Brad Delsоn, accepted the prize, the three members оf the band expressed their gratitude fоr the man’s memоry, skill, humоr, and pleasure. “Tоnight, I want each and every оne оf yоu—whether yоu’re a fan оr an artist—tо pause and be grateful fоr what yоu have sо far; dо sоmething that will make Chester prоud.”

The audience in Los Angeles responded enthusiastically to the Linkin Park homage. Below, you may find their speech.

Linkin Park’s seventh studio album, One More Light, containing the single “Heavy,” was released earlier this year, just before Bennington passed away. Sharing recordings of some of Bennington’s last live concerts, One More Light: Live will be available on December 15th.