Late singer Chester Bennington's refusal to become the sole star of Linkin Park helped save the band from disintegration, according to band member Mike Shinoda. From the group's debut to Bennington's passing, the singer played a significant role in maintaining Linkin Park's prominence, prompting the label to propose rebranding the band as Bennington's solo project.
During an interview with Apple Music's Zane Lowe, Linkin Park members Mike Shinoda, guitarist Brad Delson, and bassist Dave Farrell reflected on Bennington's legacy and the moment when the band's fate hung in the balance. Shinoda revealed that their label tried to change the group's "DNA" by suggesting that Linkin Park be portrayed as Bennington's solo project, believing that he would shine brighter on his own.
"They kept trying to meddle in our creative process and change the DNA of the band," Shinoda said. "And at one point, there was a suggestion, 'Well, maybe you just have the singer sing and you don't do any rapping,' which to all of us was an offensive suggestion."
The label also approached Bennington individually, attempting to convince him that he was the band's star and that Linkin Park should center around him. However, upon hearing the proposal, Bennington met with his bandmates and informed them of the label's offer.
Shinoda, who was listening to Bennington at the time, believed that it was the "beginning of the end" for Linkin Park. He acknowledged that Bennington was indeed exceptional and crucial to the band. However, they were all moved by Bennington's response, as he told the label to "go f**k" themselves and chose to stand by his bandmates.
Recalling that moment, Shinoda described it as a unifying experience. Instead of signaling the end of Linkin Park, the incident became the start of a united front for the band.
Tragically, Bennington passed away by suicide in July 2017 at the age of 41.