Los Angeles Daily News (Oct. 4th 2018)
Talinda Bennington and No Doubt’s Adrian Young speak candidly about mental illness ahead of Strange 80s 2 benefit in L.A.
[edited version]
She’s proud of the collection of musicians and celebrities that have volunteered their time for the Strange 80s 2 benefit, which includes people that Chester was friends with or worked with at some point during his career. On top of the live performances there will also be a pop-up ’80s arcade, special meet-and-greet opportunities and an auction that includes a variety of experiences, ’80s film props, guitars and a Ducati motorcycle.
Being a teenager of the ’80s, Young said he’s excited to drum on numerous songs featuring a variety of different artists. He didn’t say exactly what they’d been working out, but did note that it’s a lot of ’80s rock and much of the material he’s never played before.
“There will be some people playing together that have definitely never played together before,” he said during a phone interview. “One would not think they would play well together, but I think we will play well together. All of these songs are part of that growing up experience and to play them with a bunch of other musicians of note is pretty fun and I’m definitely looking forward to that part of it. My 16-year-old son, Mason, who plays guitar, I think he’s going to make an appearance that night, too.”
Young said that his perception of mental illness has certainly changed over the last couple of years.
“I think there’s so much that’s not known and so much that is yet to be understood and admittedly I don’t understand mental health challenges and depression,” he said. “I think there are a lot of people that don’t really understand it and it’s a challenge in our society at large that definitely needs more attention and conversation.”
Since the high profile suicides of both Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell and Bennington — and even more recently with celebrity designer Kate Spade and chef and television personality Anthony Bourdain — many more in the spotlight as well as everyday people have come forward to talk about their struggle with mental illness and addiction.
“That’s a good thing,” Young said. “When people don’t talk about it, that’s an unhealthy thing because maybe some people don’t want to come forward because they’re embarrassed, ashamed or confused and it’s definitely a step in the positive or the right direction when people are talking about it more. I think in the history of how people look at mental illness, it’s thought of as a taboo and it’s becoming more apparent that it’s not and we need to really look deeper and take on that challenge with more empathy.”
As happy as he is to share the stage with his son at the benefit to play music together, he said he’s also glad that his son is growing up in a time when speaking out about mental illness is socially acceptable and in fact encouraged.
“He’s going to learn and understand that depression and mental illness isn’t something to be ashamed of,” he said. “It’s important that his generation understands that.”
While Bennington won’t be able to attend the benefit in L.A. since she’ll be in London for the Change Direction Global Health Summit, learning from and speaking on a number of panels, she said her eldest son will be at the show and felt like Chester will be there, too, in spirit.
“If these conversations were going years ago, Chester would still be here,” she said. “I believe that, but I think he’s smiling down now on all of this.”