I have such a heavy heart today. I have been a part of this community for so long, but my LP story goes back even further. I was pregnant with my first baby when I discovered LP, and I remember so clearly how much she would kick me whenever they were playing on the radio or tv. She will be 16 in less than 2 weeks, and they formed the soundtrack of her life. I didn't get to see them live until Summer Sanitarium in 2003, and Chester, with one statement, made me appreciate them so much more than I already did. He said that women have as much right as men to be in the pit without being violated. From that first show to my last show, in 2014, when things came full circle for us, and I brought my daughter to see them for the first time.
Yesterday my phone blew up while her and I were out running errands, and I wanted to wait til we were home before I told her. We were in Verizon getting a new phone for my sister, and I felt this tap on my shoulder. I turned around to find my daughter, with this look on her face, and her phone held up. She said "Mom, I need you to look something up for me.... I just saw something that said Chester died." My heart dropped, I had just read Derek's (from LPA) message that confirmed the stories were true. I just nodded and told her Derek had confirmed it. I have never seen my child look so distraught. LP was something that has been a constant in our home her entire life, and she knows the band as well as I do, and appreciates them just as much. We were looking so forward to seeing them again and again together, and now that is just gone.
I am beyond saddened. I only hope that Chester is at peace now, and that he has escaped his demons. Mental illness is something that is so overlooked and stigmatized, and it costs so many lives because there isn't enough help for those that most desperately need it.
Rest in Peace Chester.