Jay-Z Pays Tribute to Late Linkin Park Singer Chester Bennington

2017-08-23

Story by Cat Badra

Jay-Z breaks his silence about the death of Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington

Linkin Park as a band had the ability to cross genres, and that’s exactly what happened when the rap-rockers teamed up with Jay-Z back in 2004 to release the mashup EP “Collision Course.” The set brought the two blockbuster acts together for a very unique and celebrated release.

Now, Jay-Z – who has been pretty quiet about Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington’s recent death – is paying tribute to his late collaborator.

During a concert at the V Festival in Staffordshire, England, on Saturday (Aug. 19) Jay-Z took some time out to honor Bennington.

At the show, Jay-Z asked the audience to “light it up tonight for Chester.” He added, “Please make some noise so he can hear you all the way in heaven tonight.”

Then, Jay-Z switched gears and thrust into a version of the “Collision Course” mashup of “Encore” with beats from Jay-Z’s “The Black Album” and Linkin Park’s “Numb.”

Footage from Jay-Z’s tribute to Bennington is available to watch thanks to an audience member posting a clip on YouTube.

Bennington passed away on July 20, and his death was ruled a suicide. He was 41.

Photo credit: Anne Erickson