Many celebrate Chester Bennington’s life at Sundowners
"Chester will forever be missed and never forgotten.”
A MEMORIAL concert for Chester Bennington, former lead singer of Linkin Park, was held at Sundowners on July 21. Chester apparently committed suicide on July 20, 2017.
The concert was called You Matter: A Tribute to Chester Bennington. It was held a day after his one year death anniversary. As well as being a tribute to Chester, it was also a fund-raising event in aid of the South African Depression and Anxiety Group.
Eight local bands played at the event for free and Spencer Martin, the owner of Sundowners, made the venue and sound equipment available for the event, free of charge. The event started at 3pm and carried on until midnight.
There were raffles where people could buy a ticket and stand a chance to win a R1 000 tattoo voucher, courtesy of Franken Voltage Ink, and a framed T-shirt signed by all Linkin Park members, including the late Chester.
The venue was packed with an estimated 200 people, including families with young children.
“It was so good to see Sundowners full, and such a diverse crowd, too,” said Danni Lombard, one of the event organisers and vocalist for one of the bands that performed, The Band That Doesn’t Exist.
“It was so much fun!”
Danni said one of the things that made the event extra special was the souvenirs of the event that was later to be sent to Linkin Park themselves. These included a South African flag, a notebook that fans at Sundowners got to sign and a video of the event and performances that took place.
After the event, R10 000 was raised for the South African Depression and Anxiety Group. It was a wonderful celebration of Chester Bennington’s life, during which he also struggled with depression, anxiety and drug abuse.
“This will definitely be happening again next year,” said Danni. “It’s very important to us and many other people. Linkin Park had a big influence on many people’s lives across many generations. Chester will forever be missed and never forgotten.”
Dannie would like to thank everyone who attended and helped to make the event possible, especially Shaun Muthaya, the South African Linkin Park ambassador.
*Photos supplied.
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