Linkin Park releases first statement after singer's death

The California rock band on Monday released its first statement in the form of a touching letter to the late singer who took his own life.

"Dear Chester," Linkin Park wrote in its tribute, "You touched so many lives, maybe even more than you realized. In the past few days, we've seen an outpouring of love and support, both public and private, from around the world," the statement said.

The group's remaining members - Mike Shinoda, Brad Delson, Dave "Phoenix" Farrell, Joe Hahnand and Rob Bourdo - mentioned in their statement how his "absence leaves a void that can never be filled - a boisterous, funny, ambitious, creative, kind, generous voice in the room is missing."

"We're trying to remind ourselves that the demons who took you away from us were always part of the deal. After all, it was the way you sang about those demons that made everyone fall in love with you in the first place," the statement continued.

Read more: Chester Bennington's death puts spotlight on suicide and mental health

Chester Bennington, 41, had openly talked about his history of being sexually abused as child and his struggles with alcohol, drug abuse and depression as his band Linkin Park became popular in 2000 with their best-selling debut album, "Hybrid Theory."

Linkin Park's latest album, "One More Light," was released in May and the band was due to go on tour this week. The concerts have been canceled.

In the aftermath of Bennington's death, many people have been buying Linkin Park's music. "One More Light" re-entered Billboard's Top 200 album charts at No. 17. Various previous albums, including their successful debut record, have also resurged in music charts.

Over the weekend, Linkin Park set up a website dedicated to Bennington with tributes by fans and resources to support people in crisis.

eg/kbm (AFP, AP)