Linkin Park have been left with a "void that can never be filled" following Chester Bennington's suicide.
Linkin Park
The 'In the End' hitmakers - comprising Mike Shinoda, Brad Delson, Dave Farrell, Joe Hahn and Rob Bourdon - have been left heartbroken and filled with "grief and denial" following the tragic passing of the singer, whose body was found at his home on Thursday (20.07.17) morning.
The band have shared an open letter to the frontman on their website, in which they have also thanked fans for the support both they and Chester's family, wife Talinda and his six children, have received.
They wrote: "Dear Chester,
"Our hearts are broken. The shockwaves of grief and denial are still sweeping through our family as we come to grips with what has happened.
"You touched so many lives, maybe even more than you realized. In the past few days, we've seen an outpouring of love and support, both public and private, from around the world. Talinda and the family appreciate it, and want the world to know that you were the best husband, son, and father; the family will never be whole without you.
"Talking with you about the years ahead together, your excitement was infectious. Your absence leaves a void that can never be filled--a boisterous, funny, ambitious, creative, kind, generous voice in the room is missing."
Prior to his death, Chester had spoken openly about his struggles with drug and alcohol abuse, depression, and being abused as a child, and his bandmates understood his "demons" were always a part of him and something that made the group more "human".
They continued: "We're trying to remind ourselves that the demons who took you away from us were always part of the deal. After all, it was the way you sang about those demons that made everyone fall in love with you in the first place.
"You fearlessly put them on display, and in doing so, brought us together and taught us to be more human. You had the biggest heart, and managed to wear it on your sleeve."
The 'Crawling' rockers have recently cancelled their upcoming tour dates in the wake of the singer's death but hinted they may not be splitting for good.
They wrote: "Our love for making and performing music is inextinguishable. While we don't know what path our future may take, we know that each of our lives was made better by you. Thank you for that gift. We love you, and miss you so much.
"Until we see you again, LP"
The message ended with a link directing fans to the website they have set up in honour of Chester, http://chester.linkinpark.com/, where they can leave their memories and tributes for the singer.
Tagged in Linkin Park