Mike Shinoda says talking to Linkin Park fans after Chester Bennington’s death was "cathartic"

[Photos by: Linkin Park/Instagram, Ricky Swift/WENN]

Mike Shinoda says talking with Linkin Park fans after Chester Bennington's death was a “cathartic experience,” citing the benefit of group therapy, according to a new interview with the musician on ET Canada—watch it below.

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Ahead of his new solo album release, Post Traumatic, out June 15, and following January's Post Traumatic EP, Shinoda is opening up about his life following Bennington's unexpected death last year, saying he wants his new music to help those who've been listening to the band for years.

“The experience of this last year has been crazy,” Shinoda says of the time since July 2017, “and I wanted to put it into music, not only to just put, like, a stamp on it and say this happened, but also to allow the fans and the people who have been along for the ride, to guide them on that journey.”

And while the musician says he was “a little bit apprehensive” about meeting with large groups of fans immediately after Bennington's death, he adds that his eventual converations with Linkin Park supporters ended up being beneficial for both parties. “I was scared of that until I did it, and then I realized what a cathartic experience it was for them and myself.”

After Bennington's death, Linkin Park released the One More Light Live live album late last year, but Shinoda has previously noted “there is no answer” regarding any future recording or live performances by Linkin Park.

Check out the full ET interview here:

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