First Chris Cornell, now Chester Bennington - it saddens me that such talented people couldn't bear to live anymore. Chris Cornell shocked me more as he was the first - and I'll admit I cried. I mourn them both.

I'm also a fan of Chester, but was a bit more into Chris Cornell. My husband shocked me awake around 4am the day he died and I felt such pain and sadness. I'm listening to his beautiful voice right now. I have various musical influences and lately they all seem to be dying. I know exactly how you feel. I've come up with a bit of a theory about fans who's much beloved musicians die. I went through this last year with Prince and George Michael as well. Their music speaks to us. There's happy songs, there's sad songs, songs to make you think, angry songs, funny songs ... you name it. A lot of us who suffer from mental illnesses seek refuge in music. It can take away a sting, ease your heartache, make you feel like you're a badass that could kick the butt of whoever has hurt you ... it's a safe place. And anyone in any band would be a tragedy, but when it's the lead singer? The front man? It effectively ends the chances of being moved by any new music or seeing an electrifying concert by that person again. The music that we really love becomes a part of us, and by extension so does the singer. I know all the words to Prince's music dating back to 1978 when I was 8 years old (yes, I'm dating myself!), I mean I know the tone, the inflection, the inside jokes and messages in the lyrics. I hadn't listened to some of those songs since I was a teenager but now at 47, they're still in me. The only thing that helps me get through the pain, sorrow and loss is the fact that they gave the best of themselves to all of us. We at least have their music and YouTube to ensure that they won't be forgotten. And the best part is ... I'm not sure if I'm allowed to say this here ... but I've tried to kill my self three times. Obviously I survived and got some great medicine and therapy to get me to where I am today. But I know what it feels to take that last, final action and peacefully wait for oblivion. I was in so much pain ... I just couldn't bear it anymore. I was ready. I'd accepted that it was time to go, to not be tortured anymore, to have just ... nothing. Peace. Chester was very ill, as I was when I felt that way. He was so overwhelmed with dark thoughts and being misunderstood by others (and possibly not taking his illness seriously enough) that he saw no other way out. He didn't get to realize that there IS a reason to go on. But it's ok. He's definitely in a better place. He's at peace. I'm sorry; I got carried away rambling on. I hope this made sense. Just remember him as a nice man (a few of my friends have met him and say he was extremely cool), a great father and husband, a kickass band mate and a good person. The illness got ahold of him; he hadn't yet fully took ahold of the illness. If you want to talk more, I'm here. I hope this helped.

Hi Kaye,
It's perfectly normal to grieve for someone who had such an important part to play in your life, whether our favourite band and it's members or a relative. It's usual to wonder about how their loved ones are coping.
I was absolutely devastated when David Bowie died, I know the circumstances were different, but the feelings are not dissimilar.
The things that were going on in his head, you're right, we'll never know, or how much pain he was in. I think you could concentrate on the wonderful, creative person he was. If he wrote the lyrics to the songs, then we could deduce some of his feelings from them. If not then we must appreciate him for his he's no doubt, helped others all over the world.
You have to go through a grieving process, which is very difficult and has no time limit, but it's something many people are going through now.
I hope some of my ramblings make a bit of sense, and I'm so sorry for how you're feeling. Your advice to stay strong is very sensible, but not always easy. You're head needs to be in a certain state to be able to think straight and begin to work out the complex nature of people.
Sending you lots of love,hugs and positive thoughts x. I'm also sending you strength and healing vibes to help you deal with your grief x. 😻😿

I have to say I have never really experienced grief but as I was sat watching tv last night my wife was on her laptop and said have you seen this and I looked and could not believe the headlines, I came across linkin park only a couple of years ago and immediately bought all their albums I found that the lyrics had an immediate impact on me unlike other music and it helped me through some very bad times so the news last night affected me like I have never been affected before and I have felt it all today and I hope it leaves me soon as I really feel lost and in pain like never before and I just don't understand why it has hit me so hard i hope you are feeling ok

greif is devastating i lost a friend of 30 years and my brother recently i was bevastating i was able to have time with my friend before he passed if possrble i recomend spending time with someone before you lose them loads of positive energy