JAY-Z’s Performance In Honor Of Chester Bennington Will Take You Back To 2004

It's only been a month since Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington passed away after committing suicide, but his memory lives on. During a performance at the UK's Virgin V Festival on Sunday night, JAY-Z dedicated his performance of "Numb/Encore" to Bennington, speaking out about his friend and former collaborator's death for the first time since the news broke on July 20. And although it must be a difficult time, it was a sweet way to pay tribute to the late musician.

JAY-Z and Bennington's history as pals goes all the way back to 2004, when he joined forces with Linkin Park for Collision Course, a collaboration that featured six of the rapper's biggest hits mashed up with Linkin Park's songs. The album was a huge success and even hit number one on the Billboard 200 when it was released.

"Can you guys light it up tonight for Chester?" JAY-Z said before starting the song. "Linkin Park, one time tonight? Please make some noise so he can hear you all the way in heaven tonight."

And it certainly seems like the fans at the concert took him seriously, because in videos that have surfaced already, the performance that followed was full of energy.

This dedication is the only time JAY-Z has talked about Bennington's death publicly. It's just one example of how much he's already missed, and after how many times he and his bandmates have toured over the years, it seems truly fitting to honor him during a live performance.

The week after Bennington's death, his wife, Talinda, released the following statement:

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 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. 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.

Bennington himself might be gone, but it's already clear that his legacy will continue to live on with his fans and his music.