Chester Bennington farewelled in private funeral

Chester Bennington has been laid to rest in a private funeral in California over the weekend.

Family and close friends gathered for the service in Parlo Verdes, California, and were given concert-like VIP passes and wrist bands, as they paid their respects to the 41-year-old who was found dead in his home nearly two weeks ago. His death was later confirmed a suicide.

Good friend and former Of Mice and Men frontman Austin Carlile took to Instagram to show off the passes, with the date of the memorial listed as July 29.

Despite Chester's family opting for a private funeral, fans still gathered outside the cemetery to pay their respects, with many fan clubs organising their own memorials around the world for the Linkin Park frontman.

A stage with a drum kit was also seen set-up for musical tributes during the service.

Last week Chester's widow Talinda Bennington spoke for the first time since losing her husband, saying her soul is "shattered".

"One week ago, I lost my soulmate and my children lost their hero-their Daddy. We had a fairytale life and now it has turned into some sick Shakespearean tragedy. How do I move on? How do I pick up my shattered soul?" The 40-year-old wrote.

The couple had three children together, Tyler, and twins Lila and Lily, with Chester also father to Jaime, Isaiah, and Draven from a previous marriage.

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"The only answer I know is to raise our babies with every ounce of love I have left. I want to let my community and the fans worldwide know that we feel your love. We feel your loss as well.

"My babies are so young to have lost their daddy. And I know that all of you will help keep his memory alive. He was a bright, loving soul with an angel’s voice," Talinda continued.

"And now he is pain free singing his songs in all of our hearts. May God Bless us all and help us turn to one another when we are in pain. Chester would’ve wanted us to do so. Rest In Peace, my love."

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