Linkin Park's Chester Bennington and Soundgarden's Chris Cornell untimely deaths were honored at the 2017 MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday night (August 27) with a touching speech led by Jared Leto.
"In 1976, in Phoenix, Arizona, a child was born," the 30 Seconds to Mars frontman told The Forum audience. "He was precocious, full of life, and determined. He grew up to become the singer of one of the biggest rock bands in the history of music. His name was Chester Bennington. . . His voice at once furious and delicate, that voice will live forever."
"MTV asked me to come here to say a few words about Chester and the late, great, Chris Cornell, two artists I had the absolute pleasure of touring with," he said. "They were close friends with one another. Chester even singing the cover of the classic 'Hallelujah' at Chris' funeral. Chester said of Chris, 'Your voice was joy and pain and anger and forgiveness, love and heartache, all wrapped up into one.' Just weeks later, Chester himself was gone. Chester was my friend. As he was to so many. Witnessing his life taught me important things. Especially about working relentlessly, pursuing dreams, and being kind and caring while doing it."
"If there is anyone out there who is watching this and feels like there is no hope, hear me now. You are not alone," he continued. Mid-speech, cameras appropriately panned to Logicfor his recent smash, "1-800-273-8255," which raises awareness for mental health and the nationwide suicide crisis.
After urging attendees to get out of their seats, Leto introduced a brief snippet of LP's performance from the 2010 VMAs when the group performed "The Catalyst" from the Griffith Observatory. Take a look at a snippet of Leto's speech below!
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