Defy by Of Mice & Men closes the album with “If We Were Ghosts” inspired by Chester. Their first album without Austin Carlile changed the focus onto strong vocals and a heartbreaking song to finish.

“We were all together when we got the news that Chester Bennington had [died by suicide],” Aaron Pauley remembers. “We toured with Linkin Park, and his music affected my life. He was somebody I would text at one in the morning when I saw something funny or ask for advice about my voice or what to do when touring gets hard.

“We all broke down crying. It details missing somebody.”

Aaron continued, “If we were both ghosts, we could do so much together, but I have to wait until I get to the other side. I never did get to say goodbye.”

Of Mice & Men toured with Linkin Park late 2014 throughout Europe, the only support act opening each show. Returning to the United States early 2015, Rise Against joined the opening bill. The tour ended three shows in, Chester breaking his ankle and requiring surgery- after doing the show on crutches.

Watch below one of the recap videos Of Mice & Men had for their time on the road with Linkin Park.

Additional footage is, of course, captured in LPTV. Take a walk down some memories with these videos.

Don’t forget another song inspired and written for Chester- “Live On” by William Ryan Key of Yellowcard.