This Friday night, five local musicians will come together as a band to pay tribute to Chester Bennington and the rest of Linkin Park, after the beloved frontman tragically took his own life over the summer.

The benefit, titled “Hybrid Theory: An Evening Dedicated to Chester Bennington and Linkin Park,” will take place at Easton’s One Centre Square, and will feature selections from every album throughout Linkin Park’s career.

The evening, curated by Lehigh Valley native and musician Jake Lare (formerly of Sandlot Heroes), is designed to raise funds for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, while also raising awareness for all mental health conditions.

“I don’t think enough people listen to people who have mental health problems, compared to physical problems. I think that’s where a lot of things go unnoticed, and that’s what I’m advocating for, is the awareness of mental health and how serious it is,” Lare said. “As tragic as Chester’s death was, it brought light to the topic. That is a good thing, even though his death was horrible and should have never happened. It has brought a lot of support from people who are ready to listen and take this seriously, rather than saying that it’s just an excuse.”

Lare, who himself has a condition called “Pure O” Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, noted the many forms of mental health disorders, and how they are often stigmatized or discredited in society.

“There’s a huge difference between anxiety, depression, and obsession,” Lare said. “I’m trying to bring light to mental health. That’s the core of it. People just write it off, and that’s a serious thing.”

Like minds coming together
Lare noted that support from the community for the benefit has “been there since the beginning.” As far as assembling a band for this one-time event, Lare pulled from a few different sources, filling out the lineup with singer John Corsale (Chester’s vocals), guitarist Ryan Shin, and Alex Jacobs (bass) and Foli Creppy (drums) from post-hardcore band I Am King.

“John can really scream, sing, and do it all. He’s one of the best guitarists I’ve ever heard, but he’s just fronting this show,” Lare noted. “It’s been eye-opening to piece all of the parts together. It’s a lot of work, and I think we have a really kickass show. People might think it’s just going to be a cover band thing, but it’s going to be hardcore.”

These five individuals have come together with varying backgrounds and influences, which is crucial to pay tribute to the genre-busting sounds of Linkin Park.

“The reason they were so successful, and that their original name was Hybrid Theory, was because they were combining so many genres together. That’s crucial,” Lare said. “Mike complemented Chester the same way Chester complemented Mike’s hip hop vibe. Chester came in with pop, punk, hardcore, and grindcore.”

Expect the unexpected
While “Hybrid Theory” and “Meteora” are perhaps the band’s most popular works, Lare promises a setlist that touches on every shade of Linkin Park. This will be done out of respect to the band’s versatility and constant willingness to experiment.

“Whenever you’re expecting something from them, they go in the opposite direction. That’s why I have such respect for them,” Lare said. “With most rock bands, you can pick out the formulas of how you went about writing the tracks. Just from practicing (Linkin Park’s) songs, you can tell where they held things out an extra eight beats. It’s very unpredictable.”

Why now?
Lare told LVU that he feels now is “the right time to pay tribute” to Bennington and Linkin Park, noting that Linkin Park will be livestreaming their national tribute show in remembrance of their frontman on the same night.

Moreover, Lare re-emphasized the importance of bringing awareness to mental health issues, and to bringing all those who have suffered – and those who have supported them – together.

“This show really is about bringing people who don’t have an outlet, a therapist, or anything together, and showing that we’re not alone,” Lare said. “We can really take comfort in knowing that there are people who will listen. I will listen to anyone who just comes up and has anything to say, and nothing would scare me.”

This “come as you are” mentality is important to carry into the evening. Lare noted that all people – and emotional states – are welcome at One Centre Square on Friday night.

“I think too many people in this day and age are so upbeat and positive, and sometimes it’s really important to let the negativity spill out of you,” Lare said. “You don’t always have to be on, and I think that’s an illusion in this day and age, that you have to be on and show the best version of yourself. It doesn’t have to be that way.”

The details
One Centre Square’s doors will open at 8 p.m. for “Hybrid Theory: An Evening Dedicated to Chester Bennington and Linkin Park.” Music will start at 9 p.m. with an opening set from singer-songwriter Kara Hartzell before the Linkin Park tribute takes the stage. Tickets are $10, with all proceeds going to benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Prepare yourself for Friday night with Linkin Park on Spotify.