Dead By Sunrise guitarist Ryan Shuck reflected on the late Chester Bennington’s character during an interview with Linkin Park Live Archive, marking the 15th anniversary of the band’s debut album, ‘Out of Ashes.’
Shuck discussed their ongoing efforts to honor Bennington’s legacy, stating, “Like I said in the beginning, Chester — I think this is what he would want, and I say that not because I’m guessing. I say it because we’ve spoken to him a million times about all of this kind of stuff. Of course, the context has changed, but has it?”
“This music deserves energy in life, and Chester was a positive person when he wasn’t struggling with the issues that he had. He, as a human being, wanted the best for us, for people. I think anyone who trusts their gut knows that.”
“He was not a force for negativity,” he emphasized. “He was a force for positivity. I mean, sure, he had a dark side. So do I, and so do most people, but he was not an evil person. He was a good person who wanted us all to be happy and to kick-a**.”
Chester Bennington died by suicide in 2017 after a long battle with depression and substance abuse. Following his passing, Dead By Sunrise disbanded, and Linkin Park went on a long hiatus before returning this summer.
The band introduced new vocalist Emily Armstrong and drummer Colin Brittain for their comeback. While many supported the change, Bennington’s mother, Susan, and son, Jamie, criticized it, accusing the members of trying to erase Chester’s legacy.
Shuck responded to these criticisms in the interview: “I saw a lot of polarizing stuff about them trying to replace Chester, and yes, I heard Jamie Bennington and Chester’s mother say a lot of really, really misguided and super nasty and completely untrue sh*t. I can say that those people don’t have any inside track or knowledge about anything. I considered making a full-on video to deal with this stuff because the stuff they’re doing and saying and people they’re appealing to, it’s not good.”
Linkin Park is now promoting their first album without Bennington, ‘From Zero,’ on an ongoing tour. The record will arrive on November 15.
