At the Video Music Awards Sunday, Jared Leto gave a moving speech about his friend Chester Bennington, the Linkin Park singer who died of an apparent suicide earlier this year. Leto also spoke about Chris Cornell, the Soundgarden singer who also died of apparent suicide.
Leto began by talking about the close relationship he formed with Bennington when their bands toured together. He said: "When I think about Chester, I see his face, which was always smiling. I think about his heart, which he wore on his sleeve. I think how kindly he treated me, my brother, Tomo [Milicevic], our band. I think about his wife and his six incredible children. I think about his family; I think about his band, who were really his brothers. I think about his voice, which was, at once, ferocious and delicate. That voice will live forever."
Before introducing a clip of Linkin Park performing at a previous VMA ceremony, Leto spoke about mental health, saying: "If there is anyone out there who is watching this tonight who feels like there is no hope, hear me now: You are not alone. There is always a way forward. Reach out, share your thoughts. Do not give up, and I promise you this: The biggest breakthroughs in life lie just beyond the darkest days."
Here's the full tribute:
