Linkin Park’s music video for the title track on its latest album’s One More Light serves as a beautiful remembrance and celebration of the life of lead singer Chester Bennington. Bennington, 41, died of suicide by hanging and was found on the morning of July 20 in his home in Los Angeles County.
As the music community mourned and found ways to honor the life of Bennington, fans gravitated toward the song “One More Light”—a song about a loved one who passed away—from Linkin Park’s latest album of the same name. Though the song was not intended to be a single, the band decided to produce this video to remember and celebrate Bennington’s life and career.
The music video switches between footage of Bennington performing the song live and archival clips of him interacting with fans. The video opens up to a scene of Bennington reaching out to the outstretched arms of fans at the show, indicative of all the millions of people he touched and inspired with his music. Each subsequent clip shows the sincerity with which Bennington interacted with those around him, smiling the whole time.
Band member Joe Hahn was quoted in the description of the video explaining the forces at play throughout the years the video spans.
“It has been incredibly emotional to work on this, and especially to watch it,” he said. “I feel that by doing it, we not only faced some of our biggest fears, but it enabled us to use our talents to bring some light to people that need it.”
This sentiment evoked by the video is one of solidarity, sending love to all who have lost someone. In the wake of tragedy and loss we find solace in community, and what better way to come together than through music? In the song, Bennington sings, “Can I help you not to hurt anymore,” which echoes the music video’s attempts to help those distraught by Bennington’s own passing.
From the clip of the girl in tears after Bennington’s hug at the meet and greet to the clip of him goofing around and dancing backstage, this video does a great job of portraying the beautiful spirit of the artist we lost. It ends on a note to Chester from the band: “Chester, you ignited a flame of passion, laughter & courage in our hearts forever. We miss you, brother.”
Linkin Park has announced a special show to further honor and celebrate Bennington’s legacy and life on Oct. 27 at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. The profits from the show will be donated to Music for Relief’s One More Light Fund in memory of Bennington.
Featured Image By Warner Bros. Records
