Linkin Park vocalist Chester Bennington recently conducted a Q&A with New Times, and amidst the usual tour and band information took the time to share his thoughts on the tragic shooting that recently occured in Arizona, where Chester was born & spent the majority of his life. Albeit not necessarily news, we felt Chester's comments were of interest and something we can all reflect on. See what Chester said below. New Times: Did you want to say something about the situation in Arizona, with the tragic shooting? Chester Bennington: "I admit I don't watch the news very often. I knew she got shot, but I don't know the reasons why behind it. We live in a crazy world. There's no explanation for it. I personally feel that violence and war and murder are primitive, and I think that we've evolved as a species beyond that. Unfortunately some people still feel that's a means to an end." "Peace and love and communication are the way that we all resolve our issues with each other. There's a non-violent way to express yourself and get your point across -- regardless of what you're saying or what your point is. In a free society, people have a right to believe whatever they want to believe. That's their business and they can speak their mind." "But nobody, even in a free society, has the right to take another person's life. Ever. That's something that we really need to move beyond." Source: New Times via Mike Shinoda Clan
I don't really go into talking about the members too much, but I just want to say that my view on Chester has changed drastically over the years. Not only because of this, but as time has gone on, he's definitely grown with the band, matured as a person and in the past couple years has come across a lot warmer, down to earth and one of the most positive people around. This could be due to overcoming drug abuse, his family... I don't know, but from the outside, he seems like a really great guy to be around, a great sense of humour and all round thoughtful person who I respect a lot.
Well said, Chester the messenger. Surely Chester has become more mature as a person over the years (not that I know him that much but from all I've known).
Good Response by Chester. Its great that he has a solid opinion on stuff like this, lol and im the one thats enlisted in the army.
Well, nice how he found something good to bypass the question because he knew hardly anything about the incident. On the other hand it's easy to express a radical love and peace attitude without really living this way. The difficult thing is to find out HOW to establish this love and peace. Don't blame Chester, but blame the journalists who ask you questions on any subject just because your famous on whatever area.
I love his set of opinions he delivered. For real, excellent choice of words when he said "primitive"...wow.