Music can take us back to some unique places.
Whenever I hear the song, “A Place For My Head”, it takes me back to the Spring 2005 semester at the University of Louisville. I’m not sure why; I think it’s because that entire CD – Hybrid Theory – was at, or near, the top of my CD play set. I do remember that that song was played a lot on my portable CD player during my post-season Pep Band adventures.
There were some very good moments during that semester, many wrapped around Hybrid Theory. I didn’t get the CD until 2004; I didn’t have any of the “teen angst” associated with Linkin Park’s early music (I was 26 when I bought Hybrid Theory); I just liked their music. So did thousands of others, including a ton of friends and family.
It came as a little bit of a shock to hear that the lead singer of the group that made Hybrid Theory – Linkin Park – died earlier on Thursday. Chester Bennington died from an apparent suicide; he was 41 years old.
Rest in peace.
Depression and suicide claims yet another life. I nearly lost my best friend to it in 2008, twice; I’ve lost at least 6 friends to it (including my best friend’s dad) in the last 5-6 years. To those in Facebookland, I’ll say it again: if you are feeling suicidal, don’t be afraid to get help. Don’t be afraid to reach out to me – I may not say much, and I might not say everything you want to hear, but I will always have an ear for you. And a shoulder to lean on/cry on. Just don’t punch that shoulder too hard – I bruise easily. 😉
Some of my favorite Linkin Park/Chester Benningfield songs (I own none of these videos):
- “A Place For My Head”, from Hybrid Theory
- “Hit The Floor”, from Meteora
- “System”, from the ‘Queen of the Damned’ soundtrack
- “By Myself”, from Hybrid Theory
- “Cure For The Itch”, from Hybrid Theory
The Nexus 