Jay-Z Closes V Festival Performance With Chester Bennington Tribute

Jay-Z closed his set at V Festival over the weekend with a special performance, dedicated to the late Chester Bennington.

The ‘Empire State Of Mind’ rapper collaborated with Chester’s group Linkin Park on the genre-crossing EP ‘Collision Course’ in 2004, spawning the Grammy-winning single ‘Numb/Encore’ .

During his performance at V Festival this weekend, Jay took a moment to pay tribute to the late singer, who died last month at the age of 41.

Before a performance of ‘Numb/Encore’, which closed his set, he told the crowd: “Can you guys light it up tonight for Chester?

“Please make some noise so he can hear you all the way in heaven tonight!”

Jay’s V Festival set marked the first time he’d performed ‘Numb/Encore’ live in six years, while he also gave new tracks like ‘The Story Of OJ’ and ‘Kill Jay Z’ their live debut at the festival.

Chester’s death was confirmed by a band spokesperson in July, with the group saying in an official statement: “We’re trying to remind ourselves that the demons who took you away from us were always part of the deal.

“After all, it was the way you sang about those demons that made everyone fall in love with you in the first place. You fearlessly put them on display, and in doing so, brought us together and taught us to be more human. You had the biggest heart, and managed to wear it on your sleeve.”

The band also set up a tribute website for their frontman, which gathers together many of the social media posts fans shared since his death.

It also included information on suicide prevention and links for those who would like to seek assistance, either for themselves or a loved one.

Useful websites and helplines:

• Mind, open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393
• Samaritans offers a listening service which is open 24 hours a day, on 116 123 (UK and ROI - this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill.)
• Get Connected is a free advice service for people under 25. Call 0808 808 4994 or email: help@getconnected.org.uk