MATT SORUM: Please Don't Blame CHESTER BENNINGTON

Matt Sorum has paid tribute to Chester Bennington, saying the LINKIN PARK frontman "bared his soul to the world and we received his gift."

Bennington died of an apparent suicide Thursday morning, the Los Angeles County coroner confirmed. He was 41.

The singer struggled with drugs and alcohol for years. He had said in the past he had considered committing suicide because he had been abused as a child by an older male.

Matt, who played a number of shows with Bennington as part of the Sorum-founded supergroup KINGS OF CHAOS, addressed the singer's death in a Facebook post. He wrote: "Devastated and heartbroken today on hearing of dear friend and bandmate Chester Bennington's passing. We were only speaking yesterday and planning future gigs together.

"I am in shock. He was always upbeat and made everyone around him feel special. Not just fellow musicians but fans as well. Giving himself openly.

"As people that live in the spotlight, this can be daunting and take its toll behind closed doors after the lights go down. As another recovering addict, I related this to Chester on many occasions.

"It's hard to understand when from the outside our job seems easy and that we have everything. As we know now with the loss of so many greats to drugs, alcohol and the depression that sets in... even in sobriety. The feelings are raw and my brother Chester struggled like so many of my other friends that have lost the battle to the overwhelming fear that comes with this disease. The only thing we can do is try and communicate our feelings through interacting and communicating through self-help groups and loved ones.'

The former GUNS N' ROSES and THE CULT drummer continued: "Please don't blame him. The disease wants us dead. Depression and anxiety is the after-effect of years of hard living and running from these demons and feelings.

"I loved Chester... He was kind and always professional in every situation. He would take any challenge. I threw songs at him last minute and he would rise to the occasion. Being the great showman and the voice he had, he was capable of so much. The talent was boundless and he was a perfectionist.

"For us performers, the rest of real life is the hardest part.

"Six kids and a family was his lifeblood and responsibility. People will ask... How could he leave them??

"The pain must have been so deep.

"I pray for his wife and children and that they can find peace through this terrible tragedy.

"He bared his soul to the world and we received his gift. His gift will live on because the music remains.

"I love you, Chester, and will always miss you. The world will miss you... but your presence here will never be forgotten. You touched me as you touched so many… and for that I am eternally grateful.

"Rest now sweet soul. Your brother, Matt."

Chester's body was found at his home in the upscale Palos Verdes neighborhood of Los Angeles Thursday around 9 a.m. TMZ reported that he hanged himself. Police confirmed that they responded to a report about a suicide from a residence in the neighborhood around that time.

Chester is survived by wife Talinda Bennington, their son Tyler and twin daughters Lilly and Lila and his three children from previous relationships.