July 20 marks seven years since the tragic, sudden death of Chester Bennington, the frontman of rock band Linkin Park. 

Bennington lived with a history of abuse and addiction, and had on many instances spoken openly about his depression. Many of Linkin Park’s songs were written by him, and allude to depressive thoughts and suicidal ideation. 

In this article from last year, Linkin Park rapper and Bennington's bandmate Mike Shinoda mentioned they were about his condition but "nobody knew the depths of it."

"I've never heard such a crazy upbringing, such a crazy childhood. Like, running wild in the streets and doing hard drugs on the roof of his high school, just like barely staying out of jail. That's what made our dynamic what it was... He was outside because he was scrawny, he was like picked on, he was bullied all the time," Shinoda said.

At the time of his death, reports also mentioned he had a hard time dealing with the suicide of his friend Chris Cornell, frontman of the band Soundgarden.

Listen to Bennington's heartwarming eulogy to Cornell below:

Bennington's difficult childhood experiences growing up, his parents' divorce, followed by rampant bullying in school caused him major emotional distress. He also grappled with substance abuse throughout his early adulthood and into his 20s, until he joined Linkin Park as lead vocalist and the band shot to fame with their 2000 album Hybrid Theory.

The rest, as they say, is history.

Bennington was found hanging in his CA home this day in 2017, survived by his wife Talinda and six children. 

A year after his passing, Talinda said in an interview about his depression: “I am now more educated about those signs, but they were definitely there: the hopelessness, the change of behaviour, isolation,” she told CNN during an interview with Anderson Cooper. 

On his seventh death anniversary, we spoke to some of our readers for whom Linkin Park and Chester’s music have been a constant companion through tough times. 

Swara Swami: 

As a kid, I was bullied heavily and it took a huge toll on me. And, listening to Linkin Park would help me channel all my aggression. Just listening to their music, their lyrics was a huge release. 

Pranav Sethi: 

I learned that poetry will make sense only when you start living those moments, those words will mean nothing to those who have not experienced any of it. That’s why poetry is so confusing for everyone. People don’t get it, they don’t understand because their experiences won’t allow them to grasp the meaning behind it. For many people around me they will never know the meaning of your songs nor will they understand the trauma I have lived through. I guess I connected with you so closely because I know we share a similar history.  This tribute is a few years late but I guess I was figuring out what to say and how to say it. I guess I am breaking the habit tonight. 

Venkat Baliga: 

Being always at odds with the world, not understanding the ways of the world as a teen, the sheer rage towards bullies and people who constantly brought me down - 'Numb' made me feel like I wasn't alone.  Now, after my autism and ADHD discovery, and understanding my mental health struggles, when I watch the music videos of Linkin Park and when I watch Chester Bennington sing (old videos), and observing the lyrics of most of their songs being so relatable - it all makes so much sense. 

Farhad Samiwalla: 

Hybrid Theory got me through some really tough times back when it came out. It was the first album that really hit me at the perfect time and every single song just spoke to where I was at mentally. Chester’s passionate screaming coupled with Mike’s poetic lyricism also blended so perfectly to express some really deep emotions. 

Allan D'souza: 

"Your friends all plead for you to stay  Sometimes beginnings aren't so simple  Sometimes goodbye's the only way"

What is your favourite Linkin Park song/ lyric? Tell us in the comments below.