Linkin Park break silence on Chester Bennington's death: 'Our hearts are broken'

Linkin Park have spoken out collectively for the first time since the death of their frontman Chester Bennington.

Bennington took his own life on 20 July and was found at his home in Los Angeles, California just hours before he was due to attend a photo shoot with the nu-metal grandees.

In their first official statement, Linkin Park, now consisting of Mike Shinoda, Brad Delson, Dave Farrell, Joe Hahn and Rob Dourdan, wrote an open letter to Bennington.

The band said: "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 realised. In the past few days, we've seen an outpouring of love and support, both public and private, from around the world."

It continued: "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."

The Numb hitmakers then detail how Bennington was open about his struggles with drug and alcohol abuse, depression and being sexually abused throughout his childhood, stating that the singer's "demons were always a part of him". However they admitted Bennington's personal battles made the band "more human".

Linkin Park 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."

Hours before releasing the letter, Linkin Park launched a tribute website to Bennington offering suicide prevention information. The band have now cancelled their North American tour which had been due to kick-off later in July.