Brian 'Head' Welch has branded Chester Bennington's suicide "cowardly".

Brian 'Head' Welch

Brian 'Head' Welch

The Korn guitarist insisted he was "p***ed" to hear the Linkin Park frontman - who has six children - had taken his own life aged 41, despite insisting he was trying to by sympathetic because he had battled depression himself.

He wrote on Facebook: "Honestly, Chester's an old friend who we've hung with many times, and I have friends who are extremely close to him, but this is truly p***ing me off! How can these guys send this message to their kids and fans?! I'm sick of this suicide s**t! I've battled depression/mental illness, and I'm trying to be sempethetic, but it's hard when you're p***ed! Enough is enough! Giving up on your kids, fans, and life is the cowardly way out!!!

"I'm sorry, I know meds and/or alcohol may have been involved, I'm just processing like all of us and I know we are all having some of the same thoughts/feelings.

"Lord, take Chester in your arms and please re-unite him with his family and all of us one day. Be with his wife and kids with your grace during this difficult time. (sic)"

But Head was hit with a barrage of criticism by several of his fans in response to his post.

One wrote: "Just because you made it through doesn't mean everyone does, Brian. Some people are stronger than others. I just kinda lost a lot of respect for you. Rip Chester. (sic)"

Another posted: "I partly agree and partly disagree but I didn't expect a message this harsh from YOU of all people. Not all people are like you. (sic)"

The 47-year-old guitarist followed it up with another post admitting he was feeling emotional and insisted he could've also taken his own life once.

He wrote: "I didn't mean to sound insensitive about Chester. Just dealing with a range of emotions today. Love you Chester. I'm p***ed that you did this, but I know this could have been me back in the day after getting wasted one night. (sic)"

Linkin Park co-founder Mike Shinoda yesterday (20.07.17) confirmed reports Chester had taken his own life were "true" and admitted he was "shocked and heartbroken" by the news.

He tweeted: "Shocked and heartbroken, but it's true. An official statement will come out as soon as we have one."

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