A powerful and emotional live performance shows the unbreakable bond between a band and its fans. Linkin Park’s Mike Shinoda stood on stage at a huge festival leading the crowd in singing their classic hit “In The End.” But this time was different; he let the thousands of fans sing the parts that belonged to his late best friend Chester Bennington.
The video is from the Reading Festival in 2018. Mike performs the song with a quiet strength pouring his heart into every word. When it is time for Chester’s iconic verses he steps back and holds the microphone out to the crowd. A massive wave of voices rises to sing every word creating a beautiful and heartbreaking tribute that echoes through the night.
Mike Shinoda – In The End [Live at Reading Festival 2018]
The moment brings fans to tears every time they watch it. One person commented, “I just realised Mike sang his lyrics & he let their fans sing Chester’s lyrics. He was performing with his best friend through their loving fans.” Another wrote, “2024, still heartbroken.” Many say it feels like a prayer and gives them chills.
This raw display of love and loss was not a one time event. Mike has often used these live moments to honor Chester turning concerts into a shared space for healing and remembrance for everyone who loved the band’s music.
Mike Shinoda and Crowd Pay Emotional Tribute to Chester Bennington (In The End)
In another clip from the tribute the connection is just as strong. Mike tells the crowd, “I want you to sing so loud Chester can hear you,” which becomes an incredibly moving moment. Fans describe it as a brave act of love showing how much Mike and the fans still miss their friend. The shared singing feels like a message sent straight to heaven.
For all the Linkin Park fans who carry Chester’s memory in their hearts the best place to feel connected is on the band’s official pages. That is where the community comes together. To experience the full power of Chester’s voice and the band’s legacy there is a touching collection of their greatest live performances and songs.