Linkin Park wins AMA, dedicates it to Bennington

The members of American Rock Band, Linkin Park paid tribute to their late frontman Chester Bennington after winning the favourite alternative rock artist title at the 2017 American Music Awards on Sunday night. Band members Mike Shinoda, Rob Bourdon and Brad Delson accepted the award on stage and honoured their late friend at the LA awards show. “First of all, thank you so much to all the fans here and around the world who voted for the band, who have supported the band through thick and thin,” Shinoda, the band’s cofounder, said. Next he took time to acknowledge his fellow nominees, Imagine Dragons and Twenty One Pilots. “I got a chance to talk to those guys … who said really wonderful things about Chester. And they were similar to the things that our fans said all around the world about him, and we want to dedicate this award to him, to his memory, to his talent, to his sense of humour, to his joy,” Shinoda added. “Remember, you guys — all of you, tonight — whether you’re a fan or an artist, I want you guys to take a moment to appreciate what you’ve got and make Chester proud. Thank you guys so much,” he concluded. Chester Bennington was found dead in his home in late July. Autopsy report later confirmed the singer, who had previously struggled with substance abuse and depression, committed suicide. The 41-years-old vocal’s death had shocked the music world. Millions of fans later organised public memorials all around the world. In late October, Linking Park held a concert at the Hollywood Bowl in Bennington’s memory. The band launched the Give to the One More Light Fund to support Bennington’s favourite Music for Relief programme called Solar Suitcases, as well as individuals and families coping with mental and emotional struggles.