Sir Elton John has expressed his heartache at the recent suicide of young rock stars Chris Cornell and Chester Bennington.
Talking to the Sunday People, the music icon said, “It has been a sad few weeks. We lost Chris (Cornell) and then we lost Chester (Bennington). They were two lovely guys.” He also hinted at the mental issues that a lot of artistic people in different fields, have to cope with. “You know artists are prone to being a little destructive, whether you are an actor or singer or visual artist.” he said.
He then went on, citing Academy Award winner Philip Seymour Hoffman as another example. “Sometimes, as Jim Carrey said when Philip Seymour Hoffman committed suicide, ‘the noise just gets too much’.”
“It is so awful for someone to be so depressed that they commit suicide, especially when they have families. I just wanted to pay tribute to them, as there by the grace of God go all of us.”
And as a parting word he asked that people honor the departed musicians for the art that they have produced. “Just remember them fondly and the music they left. It is totally different music to the one I create, but still wonderful music that has entertained millions, including me.” he said.
Elton John’s words comes after Chester’s band mate in Linkin Park, bassist, Dave Phoenix Farrel took to Twitter to thank their fans for their support.
It goes without saying, this last week has been extremely difficult. The outpouring of love and kindness I’ve received from friends and (1)
— Dave Phoenix Farrell (@phoenixlp) July 29, 2017
Fans from all over the world has been incredible. I wish I could personally thank every one of you for your love and support… (2)
— Dave Phoenix Farrell (@phoenixlp) July 29, 2017
He then paid tribute to his friend.
A huge part of Chester’s legacy will be the memories we hold of him in our hearts. He was an enthusiastic, playful father… (3)
— Dave Phoenix Farrell (@phoenixlp) July 29, 2017
An honest, and passionate musician, and a loyal friend. I’ve been touched to see memorials that have been held worldwide. (4)
— Dave Phoenix Farrell (@phoenixlp) July 29, 2017
In 2012, Elton John suffered the loss of his former bassist Bob Birch due to suicide, so the loss of other recording artists from such an act strikes closer to home for him. He may be on to something when he says that artists can be a “little destructive”. With that in mind, let us hope that support for mental health can be given more attention for the sake of those who suffer from it, within and outside the entertainment industry.
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