We saw a horrible tragedy this year, in the loss of Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington. Tonight, his memory was honored at the 2017 Loudwire Awards where he won the Best Vocalist award, in a well-deserved victory. Halestorm's Lzzy Hale accepted the award on his behalf, and left us with a very emotional, powerful speech about the power of words.

"This is for Chester fucking Bennington," Hale said. "A voice of a generation, and I’d like to take this moment in front of all of you to remind you that you are not alone. Life is fucking hard. It is. And all of us, we have terrible beasts and demons and vices that we battle daily. And as humans we have a responsibility to everybody, to each other to lift each other up. We are in this fight together."

"So stop the cyberbullying," implored Hale. "And stop hating people for stupid fucking reasons. It’s 2017, we end this sh-t now. And instead of spewing hateful and ignorant comments, we leave comments of encouragement, of hope, of empowerment, of rock and roll. I’ve seen it first hand, the power of words one kind comment can change the course of someone's life, change what they want to do and what they live for. Before you start saying stupid shit on Facebook, know that what you say has the power to heal or hurt somebody. So choose wisely."

She continued, "Chester, we loved you, you will be missed, and I’m so sorry you felt you had to leave this way. But all of the men and women you healed with your music, you reminded us we are not alone. Your music and message will live on. Thank you for your time, Chester we love you."

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