Sir Elton John laments 'destructive' nature of artists after Chester Bennington's death

30 July 2017

Sir Elton John has lamented the "destructive" nature of artists following the deaths of Chester Bennington and Chris Cornell.

Linkin Park's Chester Bennington

The Linkin Park frontman committed suicide on July 20, just two months after the Soundgarden singer hanged himself and the British music legend has paid an emotional tribute to the stars.

He told the Sunday People: "It has been a sad few weeks. We lost Chris [Cornell] and then we lost Chester. They were two lovely guys.

"You know artists are prone to being a little destructive, whether you are an actor or singer or visual artist.

"Sometimes, as Jim Carrey said when Philip Seymour Hoffman committed suicide, 'the noise just gets too much'.

"It is so awful for someone to be so depressed that they commit suicide, especially when they have families. I just wanted to pay tribute to them, as there by the grace of God go all of us.

"Just remember them fondly and the music they left. It is totally different music to the one I create but still wonderful music that has entertained millions, including me."

Last night (29.07.17) Linkin Park's Dave Phoenix took to Twitter and thanked fans for their kindness following the death of his "loyal friend".

The group's bassist wrote: "It goes without saying, this last week has been extremely difficult. The outpouring of love and kindness I've received from friends and fans from all over the world has been incredible. I wish I could personally thank every one of you for your love and support.

"A huge part of Chester's legacy will be the memories we hold of him in our hearts. He was an enthusiastic, playful father. An honest, and passionate musician, and a loyal friend. I've been touched to see memorials that have been held worldwide."

It comes after Chester Bennington's wife Talinda explained how her life has been turned into a "sick Shakespearean tragedy" following his death.

She wrote: "One week ago, I lost my soulmate and my children lost their hero - their Daddy. We had a fairytale life and now it has turned into some sick Shakespearean tragedy. How do I move on? How do I pick up my shattered soul? The only answer I know is to raise our babies with every ounce of love I have left. I want to let my community and the fans worldwide know that we feel your love. We feel your loss as well.

"My babies are so young to have lost their daddy. And I know that all of you will help keep his memory alive. He was a bright, loving soul with an angel's voice. And now he is pain free singing his songs in all of our hearts. May God Bless us all and help us turn to one another when we are in pain. Chester would've wanted us to do so. Rest In Peace, my love."