Justin

I'm not saying it's impossible, but it would be extremely hard to find someone with Chester's range. Someone who can go back and forth between extremely soft singing, belting it out, singing aggressively and screaming, every time the set calls for it night after night. I know that we (hardcore fans) and the band have always appreciated Chester's range, but in my opinion he was definitely underrated by the general public as far as what he was able to do. Side note to Legend: I don't know about joining LP, that's another conversation entirely, but that dude from Seraphim has an amazing voice!!

Yes, definitely.

That's a good point, but remember there's also Corey Taylor in Stone Sour and Slipknot and that's working out. Also LP said a while ago that they already wanted to tour way less since the members all have their own families now and wanted to spend more time with them. So it's possible, if this is a route they ever consider taking.

His voice sounds great even if Hallelujah will forever be painful and beautiful at the same time to me now. I can hear that aggression in his voice at some parts that makes me feel like he could theoretically do it. I just wonder how it would work in the future. If they do choose to find a lead vocalist they need to be alright with bringing him in to the studio, weighing his ideas equally with their's, meeting families, being friends, etc. There's a lot that goes to joining a band beyond anything to do with music, and LP to me has never seemed like the kind of band that would replace a member and keep going. Of course they could just hire a singer to sing what they come up with on their own but that would feel awkward. I'm torn, honestly. I want them to keep going because I love this band's music and I always will. I just don't know how it will be without Chester.

I mean if you define a "very very long time" as 3 months then I agree. They still have to announce what's happening with Japan. They didn't cancel those shows and they're still on LP's official website to purchase tickets. If they were absolutely sure that they wanted to put everything to do with LP aside for a while they would have canceled those shows as well when they canceled the North America tour.

A few days ago I was extremely against even entertaining the idea of a new band member at this stage in LP's career... but now I can see how that could be made to work. Not a replacement, never a replacement. No one can ever simply "replace" Chester. There could be someone to carry on the mantle though. Someone who brings their own style and uniqueness to the table. Similarly, a few days ago I was convinced that the LP name would be retired... now? I don't think that will happen. I'm just a fan, and my opinions and views are changing as the shock of what happened wears off. I see why LP themselves are taking time before announcing any kind of solid decisions about their future. They need to take time to grieve, process, and then wait until they're in a proper head space to think about this stuff. We'll see, though. It's been pointed out multiple times that Mike is more than capable of being a lead vocalist on his own, and that may be the route they choose to take.

Same here. All of this love from everyone, and artists across every genre. It's very bittersweet.

I agree with all of this, especially the part about stopping touring. Even before this happened they were already slowing way down in terms of touring because they already didn't like being away from their families and didn't want to tour as extensively as they used to.

I was just saying that to a friend. In the past even his darker lyrics inspired me, because I looked up to him as someone who went through that and came out alright on the other side. Right now, with the pain still fresh, all of those songs now feel like pieces to a puzzle that when completed, overwhelmed him. It hurts me to even think about it. I played Leave Out All The Rest and cried my eyes out. I used to see that song as a hypothetical...as a song that wouldn't become literal for another 50 years. Now it feels like the note he didn't leave and it tore me up to listen to it again.

I think he had in mind something like Prophets of Rage have been doing, where the singer leaves the stage, and the surviving members of Audioslave play Like a Stone instrumentally, shine a spotlight on an empty mic, and let the crowd sing. What he suggested is a little different but there is precedent for it. Just not for an entire show I think maybe in the future if the band does decide to go on, they may do that for a song or two, but I don't think they would be able to get through an entire show. For 17 years these guys have played together and you're right Kilmer. Even a song like Breaking the Habit or another emotionally charged song... Imagine Brad looking up out of reflex for certain parts to be met with an empty space. That would destroy them every night. Chester had so much energy on stage, I can't imagine it any other way.

It will take them time to heal and get to a place where they can even think about what's going to happen... but if they continue, I feel it will be to honor their friend Chester and keep his name alive through all of the future music they create.

I wanted to say this the other day... before everything happened, but some songs were missing right? Wouldn't Iridescent be considered a Mike lead vocals song? I guess it could be more 50/50.. but Mike sings the verses with Chester taking the choruses. Similar to Nobody's Listening or Wretches and Kings both of which were on the list

There is also the possibility that they continue to make music together, but under a different name. Audioslave = the members of Rage Against the Machine starting over with a new vocalist. Alter Bridge = the members of Creed starting over with a new vocalist. Granted, Zack De La Rocha and Scott Stapp are both alive and well, but my point is that there is a precedent for a band staying together while embarking on something completely new with a new vocalist. The question is at this stage in their careers, do the guys really want to do that? Do they even want to be in a band that Chester isn't the singer of? Mike is the only member of the band that I feel will absolutely continue making music either way. I know Joe has interests outside of music that he may wish to pursue now that he's lost Chester. I'm not sure about the other guys. Whatever happens, we won't know until the band has had sufficient time to grieve and gather themselves to the point where thinking about this is something they can handle. These guys were ready to go out on tour next week, then suddenly their best friend and vocalist is gone and the future of their careers in music is in question. I can't imagine what they're feeling right now.

Thank you...this is beautiful.

Thank you for this!

You said it all, man. I couldn't sleep at all last night... not many people in my life understand the pain that I've been in since I got the news. With that being said, having this site to come to where we can all share our feelings with people who truly understand them... through this tragedy that has been a very beautiful and very helpful thing. The Linkin Park Live community is truly a family, and seeing everyone being so understanding and supportive of one another is just another example that illustrates that. I love all of you guys.

My thoughts is that this question will be answered in the statement the band puts out, which I think will be today.

Amazing and thoughtful post.

This is a beautiful post, Dylan. This literally brought tears to my eyes. You're right, we will always be here for each other. We will all get through this, together. Chester may be gone, but he will always live on through his music and the lives he's touched.

Linkinpedia says "Stick And Move" on the LPU 9 page, actually. Just to add another variation of that title in the mix lol

Well now I'm even happier that I decided to stick with Apple Music past the free trial lol. Linkin Park doing Carpool Karaoke is worth the $10 alone.

Is this even a Corden thing? Was he even there?

That's awesome, Smarky! I like how you said it wasn't NRL, because odds are he immediately thought it would be that, or some obscure song they haven't played in years lol. I also like how their response to the request worked exactly how I would have imagined. Mike saying they need to think it over and be careful, and Chester just immediately saying "Yes I'll do it".

Dude...

I would hope that as a fellow musician, Corey respects Chester enough to give an honest opinion. If he said he likes it, he likes it.