What Are My Thoughts About Chester Bennington And Linkin Park?

How's it going my gumdrops? Above is a gif of Soundgarden's Chris Cornell with Linkin Park/Stone Temple Pilots' Chester Bennington.

Before dying, both had performed Temple Of The Dog's "Hunger Strike." "Hunger Strike" was originally sung by Chris Cornell and Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder. 

After publishing last Thursday's blog, Jesse asked in the comments section:

"The lead singer of Linkin Park has been found dead. What are your thoughts of him and his band?"

I was going to publish my answer in the latest Song Saturday blog, but changed my mind. 

Even though Jesse's question is music related, I will answer it in today's Q&A blog. 

Personally speaking, I did enjoy listening to some of Linkin Park's songs, when the band debuted with their album Hybrid Theory. 

At the time, Linkin Park debuted, when I was on my way out of high school; I became of age in 2000.

If you were someone, who grew up and enjoyed listening to both Rock and Rap Music, you had a chance to enjoy "the best of both worlds" so to speak. Because I listen to more than 1 music genre and sub-genre, I was open-minded to Rap-Rock.

Most older Gen Xers (currently in their late 40's to mid 50's), Baby Boomers, and some Millennials despised "Nu Metal" because they were not fans of Rap, Hip-Hop, Alternative Rock, or Grunge Music.

Rock Music containing elements of Rap, Hip-Hop, Funk, Alternative Rock, and Grunge was like the late 1990's equivalent of Glam Rock. Glam Rock became labeled '80s Hair Metal.

The "Hair Metal" branding was a label used to mock Glam Rock much like "Nu Metal" is a label used to mock Alternative Metal bands such as KoRn, Limp Bizkit, Staind, Slipknot, Papa Roach, Linkin Park, etc. 

Both Glam Rock and Alternative Metal attracted fans from more than 1 music genre, sub-genre, and sub-culture.

They also attracted more female listeners, which led to some of us soon becoming their fans. In addition, Alternative Metal attracted some from the Goth Rock genre and sub-culture.

Alternative Metal is more aggressive and angsty much like Grunge Music. Alternative Metal is also considered to be "Aggro Metal." Most "Nu Metal" bands were condemned, demonized, and ostracized by narrow-minded critics, who really cannot accept change.

Looking back, KoRn, Limp Bizkit, and Linkin Park received the most vilification. Those that were Rap-Rock bands, during the late 1990's and early 21st Century began changing their music to sound more like Rock, later in the early 2000's and 2010's, including Linkin Park.

The "Nu Metal" sub-genre reached its pinnacle, when The Deftones, Coal Chamber, Slipknot, KoRn, Limp Bizkit, Kid Rock, and many others became more popular among younger Gen Xers, Millennials, and Xennials (those born on the cusp of Gen X and Y) in 1998.

Meanwhile, over the last 3 years or so, I have noticed the amount of hatred directed at Chester Bennington after The DeLeo Brothers from Stone Temple Pilots chose him as Scott Weiland's replacement. 

Nearly 3 years ago, I published a Song Saturday blog about Chester replacing Scott.

Song Saturday: Scott Weiland VS. Chester Bennington? You Decide! (2014)

Allow me to reiterate, I NEVER hated Linkin Park's Chester Bennington. As much as I liked listening to Linkin Park as a young adult in my late teens and early 20's nearly 2 decades ago, I was and still am a much bigger fan of the original Stone Temple Pilots. Chester had some HUGE shoes to fill, when it came to replacing Scott Weiland. The late Scott Weiland is irreplaceable as STP's former lead singer. 

Now, the same can be said about the late Chester Bennington from Linkin Park. It is so tragic that BOTH frontmen became friends with each other before dying.

After it was announced that Scott Weiland died from a drug overdose in December 2015, I remember reading how upset Chester was as a friend and fan of his.

Because Scott was an idol of Chester Bennington's and was even Scott's replacement for Stone Temple Pilots, Chester took his death really hard; Chester was really grief stricken over Scott Weiland's death. His grief echoed over social media.

Then, Soundgarden, Temple Of The Dog, and Audioslave's Chris Cornell died from a supposed suicide, 2 months ago. In case you missed last Song Saturday, I encourage you to read it.

Everything about Chris Cornell's "suicide" feels odd. The same can also be said about Chester Bennington's suicide. After reading Neon Nettle's article about Chris Cornell learning about an "elite" pedophile ring, that he was about to expose, it adds to my suspicions. I believe he and Chester Bennington were murdered.

Neon Nettle: Chester Bennington Was About To Expose The Truth Behind Chris Cornell's Death

The fact that both Chris and Chester were in the middle of trying to save abused children and had evidence, that reveals the truth about an "elite" pedophile ring, makes me believe that they were both murdered.

I believe someone was sent to permanently shut them up by killing them and setting their deaths up to look like suicides. 

A few skeptics are laughing, while rolling their eyes at yours truly about such claims, but anything is possible.

Why is everyone so quick to believe, that Chris and Chester's deaths were suicide? Ever have that needling feeling, that something doesn't feel right?

This is how I feel about Chris Cornell's death. His "suicide" has been needling me, since May.

What lead singer happens to be in the middle of working on and releasing a new album, going on tours, and SUDDENLY chooses to commit suicide?

These are questions more people should be asking themselves. 

Like I said last Song Saturday, this exact same incident happened with Michael Hutchence from INXS 20 years ago.

It has been claimed, that Chester's depression echoed through his songwriting, along with being grief stricken by Chris Cornell's death, since May. However, people cannot be "happy" and book tours, then suddenly hang themselves the next second.

Call me Nancy Drew, a crazy "conspiracy theorist," or delusional, but my intuition tells me that foul play is being hushed.

Whether or not you were a fan of Linkin Park or Chester Bennington, more people should show not only sympathy, but also empathy.

Family, friends, fans, and band members now must cope with a huge loss of someone very close to them. 

1 Godson, 6 children, and 2 widows are also in mourning over the loss of their father, Godfather, husband, and ex-husband.

Hopefully, this answers your question Jesse!

Cartoon Sunday: John R. Dilworth's The Dirdy Birdy

How's it going my gumdrops? Did you enjoy yesterday's Song Saturday Tribute to the late Chester Bennington of Linkin Park and Stone Temple Pilots? If so, let me know.

Meanwhile, I am sharing something a little different from the usual for this Cartoon Sunday. How many of you are familiar with John R. Dilworth? 

The actor, writer, director, animator, and producer is also known as "Dilly." "Dilly" is best known for the Animated Horror Comedy, Courage The Cowardly Dog. 

I find it is strange that no one credits the cable network, Nickelodeon. Several years before Courage The Cowardly Dog aired on Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon aired it.

In fact, I remember channel surfing and stumbling upon Courage The Cowardly Dog on Nickelodeon, when I was in 6th grade. That was more than 20 years ago. 

Quite a few shows meant for children, which started airing on Cartoon Network WERE originally from Nickelodeon.

The TV series based on R.L. Stine's anthologies for Goosebumps aired on Nickelodeon, before Cartoon Network acquired it, is another example.

I remember Courage The Cowardly Dog airing on Nickelodeon years before Cartoon Network acquired it. 

Even though I was never a fan of the cartoon during my adolescence, there will be some man-child 1 generation younger than yours truly, discrediting me about something they were not old enough to comprehend, much less watch.

Unlike younger Gen Y and Zers, Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, Disney, etc. were NOT  a part of my childhood or adolescence.

Watching Saturday Morning Cartoons and cartoons that aired on local channels everyday was how I grew up.

During the 1980's to mid-90's, cartoons used to air on local channels at least 5 days a week. 

On weekdays, cartoons aired on local channels in the mornings and afternoons. By 1992, I had already reached puberty and most cartoons meant for kids did not resonate with me as a pre-teen.

By 1994, I started watching the Liquid Television Animation block on MTV and Anime on The Sci Fi Channel. In '94, I stopped watching local channels for animation.

MTV and Sci Fi had more mature content in their animation that I wanted to watch. 

Cartoon Network and other networks aired more immature cartoons for pre-schoolers, kindergarteners, and elementary school children. 

Much like PBS's programming meant for kids, I found their content to be highly patronizing, especially as an adolescent. 

Some of you already know about me watching the Liquid Television Animation block. 

Beavis and Butt-Head, Daria, The Maxx, The Head, Celebrity Deathmatch, Aeon Flux, etc. were popular, during my adolescence.

The Cartoon Sushi block succeeded Liquid Television by 1997 on MTV. During the mid to late 1990's and early 21st Century, I was an adolescent, when MTV aired these cartoons. This was years before Adult Swim was ever launched.

By 1997, the local networks had replaced cartoons with Court TV and Daytime Talk Shows. These local networks assumed every household by that time had basic cable channels like Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, Disney, etc.

Truth be told, every household did NOT  have a basic cable package.

Because today's blog mostly focuses on MTV, the network's cartoon blocks, its cartoons from the 1990's, and briefly mentions John R. Dilworth's Courage The Cowardly Dog, it's only fair to share a cartoon, which briefly aired on MTV.

Have you ever watched John R. Dilworth's "The Dirdy Birdy"?

"The Dirdy Birdy" was a 7-minute animated short, which aired on MTV during the early 1990's. 

The short features a hostile cat (Fergurina) and the obnoxious bird (Purdy) sitting in a tree.

If you did NOT  know any better, you would swear that Purdy was the equivalent of an online troll sexually harassing Fergurina. 

Purdy is in love with Fergurina and expresses his affection for her. The bird's affections consists of MOONING her. The Grim Reaper also makes his cameo appearance.

Talk about an obnoxious creep! No wonder why the cat turns into a monster. 

Never in all my years have I ever seen a bird moon a cat in a tree or a cat transform into such a ferocious monster. This is surely a sight to behold!

Rather than explaining every detail of this abstract short, which used to air on MTV, it is much better for you to independently watch it, right now.

John R. Dilworth "The Dirdy Birdy" (1993)

Song Saturday: Chester Bennington Tribute Block

How's it going my gumdrops? On Thursday afternoon, I published a blog asking if you would like for me to publish more Q&A blogs.

While working on Thursday's blog, I clenched my chest in shock after reading the headline about Chester Bennington of both Linkin Park and Stone Temple Pilots.

TMZ: Linkin Park Singer Commits Suicide By Hanging

Supposedly, Chester hung himself on what would have been Chris Cornell's (Chester's close friend) 53rd birthday had he also NOT supposedly hung himself, 2 months ago.

Song Saturday: Chris Cornell Tribute Block (2017)

You may be wondering why I keep saying the word, "supposedly." Call me a crazy "conspiracy theorist," but both of their deaths were extremely sudden.

Chester Bennington and Chris Cornell's so-called suicides remind me of Michael Hutchence's death from 20 years ago. 

In case you are unfamiliar with Michael Hutchence, he was the lead singer of the Australian Rock band, INXS.

In April 1997, the band released their final 10th album with Hutchence, Elegantly Wasted. It was named after their song of the same name, "Elegantly Wasted." 

INXS had plenty of tours scheduled to celebrate their 20th anniversary that year. 

By November 22, 1997 INXS's homecoming tour was canceled after Michael Hutchence was found dead hanging outside his hotel window in Sydney, Australia. 

Reports claim that Michael hung himself.

On January 19, 2016, Soundgarden announced that they were working on their next studio album. 

Apparently, they had been working on their music for the last several years and were touring.

After Soundgarden performed on May 17, 2017 at The Fox Theatre, located in Downtown Detroit, MI, Chris Cornell was found dead by his bodyguard on May 18th around 12:15 am. 

According to the reports, Cornell's body was lying on the bathroom floor of his hotel room at the MGM Grand Hotel.

***An exercise band was wrapped around Chris Cornell's neck and blood was in his mouth.

By the Detroit Police reviewing a hotel surveillance video, they ruled out a homicide. 

Supposedly, there was no evidence showing anyone entering or exiting Cornell's hotel suite, after the frontman's bodyguard left around 11:35 pm.

By June 2, 2017 the coroner confirmed that Chris Cornell committed suicide.

Chester Bennington was not only a close friend of Chris Cornell's, but also the Godfather of Cornell's son, Christopher.

In an interview with Radio.com, Linkin Park's Mike Shinoda claimed that Chester was really aggrieved, as they performed "One More Light."

Radio.com: Linkin Park's Mike Shinoda Claims Chester Bennington Was Hit Hard By Chris Cornell’s Suicide (2017)

This interview with Linkin Park's Mike Shinoda was taped on May 19, 2017. This was the day after Soundgarden's Chris Cornell died of suicide. I'm still not believing this story. 

Chris' death sounds very suspicious; It sounds more like he was murdered.

Considering that Soundgarden was last seen in Detroit, MI, it would NOT surprise me if Cornell was murdered. 

Detroit is notorious for having a criminal element. I know this because I have relatives, who unfortunately live there.

As for Chester Bennington, he grew up troubled. At 7 years old, he was sexually abused by an older male friend and was scared to ask for help. He did not want everyone thinking he was gay or a liar. The abuse did not stop, until he was 13 years old. 

Here's the real kicker, Chester Bennington's father was a police detective, who worked with sexual abuse cases. 

Meanwhile, Chester's mother was a nurse. By the time he was 11, his parents got divorced and Chester's father gained custody of him. 

During the time of their divorce, Chester Bennington began using marijuana, alcohol, opium, cocaine, methamphetamine, and LSD. 

After turning 17, he moved in with his mother. When she discovered that he was using drugs, she banned him from leaving the house. By 2011, Chester Bennington supposedly quit using drugs.

In addition to Chester Bennington's dilemmas, he and his wife were harassed by the cyberstalker, Devon Townsend. The cyberstalking went on for almost a year.

Luckily, Townsend was found guilty of tampering with the couple's e-mails, sending threatening messages, and was later sentenced to 2 years in prison. 

Learning about Bennington's cyberstalker makes me even more suspicious than before.

What if Chester's cyberstalker, Devon Townsend murdered him on Thursday and made his death appear as a "suicide"?

You may assume that I am some crazy fan with conspiracy theories. Given the fact, that people were always attacking Chester, anything is possible. 

Regardless if Chris Cornell and Chester Bennington's deaths were murders or suicide, the news about both frontmen dying was and still is tragic.

Excluding the critics, trolls, AND haters, both frontmen are worldwide losses. 

Chester Bennington and Chris Cornell greatly touched the lives of many families, friends, fans, and celebrities. If you don't believe me, here are 2 videos from these people.

1) Death Of Chester Bennington: Celebrities Reaction [Dwayne Johnson, Mike Shinoda, and Others] (2017)

2) Loudwire: Rock World Reacts To Chester Bennington's Death (2017)

After publishing Thursday's blog about my Q&A, Jesse posted in the comments section:

"The lead singer of Linkin Park has been found dead. What are your thoughts of him and his band?"

Depending on my chaotic schedule, I plan on answering Jesse's question. Anyway, here are my favorite Linkin Park music videos for today's Song Saturday.

1) Linkin Park "One Step Closer" Hybrid Theory (2000)

2) Linkin Park "Papercut" Hybrid Theory (2000)

3) Linkin Park "Points Of Authority" Hybrid Theory (2000)

4) Linkin Park "In The End" Hybrid Theory (2000)

5) Linkin Park "Bleed It Out" Minutes To Midnight (2007) 

[BONUS]

1) Linkin Park [Chris Cornell Tribute] "One More Light" One More Light (2017)

2) Jonathan Davis [Featuring Chester Bennington] "System" Queen Of The Damned Soundtrack (2002)