Career Timeline of Chester Bennington: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Chester Bennington, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Chester Bennington was an American singer best known as the lead vocalist of the iconic rock band Linkin Park. His powerful and emotive vocals, coupled with the band's unique blend of rock, hip-hop, and electronic elements, propelled them to international fame. Beyond Linkin Park, Bennington also fronted bands like Grey Daze, Dead by Sunrise, and Stone Temple Pilots, showcasing his versatility as a vocalist. His struggles with mental health and substance abuse were well-documented, and he tragically passed away in 2017, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the music world.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1993: Start with Sean Dowdell and His Friends? and Formation of Grey Daze

In 1993, Chester Bennington began singing with Sean Dowdell and His Friends?, releasing a cassette. Later, Dowdell and Bennington formed the post-grunge band Grey Daze.

1994: Wake Me Album Release by Grey Daze

In 1994, Chester Bennington's band Grey Daze released the album Wake Me.

1997: ...No Sun Today Album Release by Grey Daze

In 1997, Chester Bennington's band Grey Daze released the album ...No Sun Today.

1998: Departure from Grey Daze

In 1998, Chester Bennington left the band Grey Daze.

October 24, 2000: Release of Hybrid Theory

On October 24, 2000, Linkin Park released their debut album, Hybrid Theory, through Warner Records. Bennington and Shinoda co-wrote the lyrics, focusing on universal feelings and experiences.

2000: Release of Hybrid Theory

In 2000, Linkin Park released their debut album, Hybrid Theory, marking a breakthrough for Chester Bennington as a vocalist. It achieved worldwide commercial success.

2002: Bennington Discusses Songwriting

In early 2002, Chester Bennington discussed the songwriting experience for Hybrid Theory with Rolling Stone magazine, highlighting the personal responsibility reflected in songs like "Crawling".

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2003: Release of Meteora

In 2003, Linkin Park released their album Meteora, which charted within the top three spots of the Billboard 200.

2005: Co-founding Dead by Sunrise

In 2005, Chester Bennington co-founded Dead by Sunrise, an electronic rock band from Los Angeles, California.

2005: Collaborations and Performances in 2005

In 2005, Chester Bennington collaborated on "Walking Dead" with Z-Trip, made a surprise appearance at Coachella, and re-recorded "Home Sweet Home" with Mötley Crüe for Hurricane Katrina victims.

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2005: Hybrid Theory Certified Diamond

In 2005, Hybrid Theory was certified Diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America. It became the bestselling debut album of the decade.

2006: Appearance in Crank

In 2006, Chester Bennington appeared as an actor in the film Crank.

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2006: Performance with Alice in Chains

In 2006, Chester Bennington joined Alice in Chains to perform "Man in the Box" at KROQ's Inland Invasion Festival.

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2007: Feature on Young Buck's 'Slow Ya Roll'

In 2007, Chester Bennington was featured on Young Buck's song "Slow Ya Roll" from the album Buck The World.

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2007: Release of Minutes to Midnight

In 2007, Linkin Park released their third album, Minutes to Midnight, which reached number one on the Billboard 200 album chart.

May 2008: Live Debut of Dead by Sunrise

In May 2008, Dead by Sunrise made their live debut at the 13th anniversary party for Club Tattoo in Tempe, Arizona.

October 13, 2009: Release of Out of Ashes

On October 13, 2009, Dead by Sunrise released their debut album, Out of Ashes.

2010: Appearance in Saw 3D

In 2010, Chester Bennington appeared as an actor in the film Saw 3D.

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2010: Recording 'Crazy' with Slash (Unreleased)

In 2010, Chester Bennington recorded a track titled "Crazy" for Slash's debut solo album, but it was blocked from release due to commitments with Linkin Park.

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January 2011: Response to Tucson Shooting

In a January 2011 interview, Chester Bennington responded to the 2011 Tucson shooting by emphasizing non-violence and respect for life.

February 2013: Stone Temple Pilots Part Ways With Scott Weiland

In February 2013, Stone Temple Pilots parted ways with their long-time lead singer, Scott Weiland.

May 2013: Bennington Joins Stone Temple Pilots

In May 2013, Stone Temple Pilots recruited Chester Bennington to replace Scott Weiland as their lead singer.

May 18, 2013: Performance at KROQ's Weenie Roast

On May 18, 2013, Chester Bennington performed at KROQ's Weenie Roast with Stone Temple Pilots, including original songs and their first single with Bennington, "Out of Time".

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2013: Joining Stone Temple Pilots and High Rise EP Release

In 2013, Chester Bennington became the lead singer of Stone Temple Pilots and on October 8, 2013, they released the extended play record High Rise through Play Pen.

2015: Departure from Stone Temple Pilots

In 2015, Chester Bennington left Stone Temple Pilots due to his commitments with Linkin Park.

2016: Tour with Kings of Chaos

In 2016, Chester Bennington performed with Kings of Chaos during their six-show concert tour.

2017: Release of One More Light

In 2017, Linkin Park released their album One More Light, which charted within the top three spots of the Billboard 200.

May 2021: Snippet of 'Crazy' Released

In May 2021, a snippet of the original track "Crazy" featuring Chester Bennington recorded with Slash was finally released.

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September 5, 2024: Linkin Park Announces Reunion and New Album

On September 5, 2024, Linkin Park announced they would reunite after a seven-year hiatus and release a new album, From Zero. The reunion also includes a six-date international tour and the introduction of two new members: Emily Armstrong as co-lead vocalist and Colin Brittain as drummer.