Jared Leto paid tribute to the late Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington during the MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday night.
Bennington was found hanged at his home in the city in July. He was 41 years of age.
Leto, an Oscar-winning actor for his role in Dallas Buyers Club, had known Bennington well. In 2014, his own band, Thirty Seconds To Mars, had toured alongside Linkin Park.
“Witnessing his life taught me important things, especially about working relentlessly, pursuing dreams and being kind and caring while doing it,” the 45-year-old said.
“When I think about him, Chester, I see his face, which was always smiling, and I think about his heart, which he wore on his sleeve, and I think how kindly he treated me.
“I think about his wife and his six incredible children. I think about his family, I think about his band, who were really his brothers, and I remember his voice – at once ferocious and delicate – that voice will live forever.”
Leto also urged anyone considering suicide to speak out and share their thoughts.
“I promise you this – the absolute biggest breakthroughs in life lie just beyond the darkest days,” he added.
Ending his speech, Leto asked those present at The Forum to stand and watch a Linkin Park performance, recorded at the 2010 VMAs.
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
