Linkin Park Wins AMA, Honors Late Frontman Chester Bennington in Speech: 'Take a Moment to Appreciate What You've Got'

Jeff Nelson
Updated

The members of Linkin Park paid tribute to frontman Chester Bennington Sunday night at the 2017 American Music Awards.

The band was honored with the favorite alternative rock artist award at the L.A. awards show, and Rob Bourdon, Mike Shinoda and Brad Delson took the stage to accept the award and honor their late friend.

“First of all, thank you so much to all the fans here and around the world who voted for the band, who have supported the band through thick and thin,” Shinoda, the band’s cofounder, said, next taking time to acknowledge his fellow nominees, Imagine Dragons and Twenty One Pilots.

“I got a chance to talk to those guys … who said really wonderful things about Chester. And they were similar to the things that our fans said all around the world about him, and we want to dedicate this award to him, to his memory, to his talent, to his sense of humor, to his joy,” Shinoda added.

“Remember, you guys — all of you, tonight — whether you’re a fan or an artist, I want you guys to take a moment to appreciate what you’ve got and make Chester proud. Thank you guys so much,” he concluded.

Linkin Park
Linkin Park

Check out PEOPLE’s full 2017 American Music Awards coverage.

Had an epic Instagram Story tonight—almost dodged security and made it through the show. Oh well. More importantly, thank you to the fans for this award. We love you too. #MakeChesterProud #TwoDudesWithNoSocialMedia @amas #amas2017

A post shared by Mike Shinoda (@m_shinoda) on Nov 19, 2017 at 7:59pm PST

Bennington was found dead in his home in July; the coroner later confirmed the “Numb” singer — who had previously struggled with substance abuse and depression — died of suicide by hanging. He was 41 years old.

In October, Bennington’s bandmates, friends, family and fans honored his memory in a special Hollywood Bowl concert.