Linkin Park multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Mike Shinoda recently paid tribute to deceased vocalist Chester Bennington in the form of a star-studded tribute show. Shinoda even premiered a new song he wrote right after Bennington's passing in July, and now he's opening up about his relationship with the frontman in a new interview with Kerrang.
Shinoda says he and Bennington spent tons of together, and even though they were bandmates who could pretty much just up and call it quits whenever, they never really felt the need to.
"I spent more time with Chester than anyone else in my adult life, except for my wife. We were always around each other. People would say we were like brothers, but we were different because brothers are bound by blood. Technically we were dudes in a band who could break up and walk away from each other if we wanted to. I think it's more exceptional that we never did that."
He also discusses Bennington's dedication to his family, his vocals, and his sobriety. Basically, Shinoda just paints Bennington as a hard-working and loving, caring guy overall.
"I know he worked really hard to do what he did. He woke up in the morning and spent time with his family. He worked out for two hours. He went to AA meetings, or therapy, or whatever worked that part of his brain. He warmed up his voice. He did all of those things just to exist in everyday life… I know he worked so hard to be the guy that everybody saw. It didn't come easily for him at all."
Linkin Park has not officially made the decision to either move on without Bennington or call it quits just yet.