Thursday, April 15, 2010

RIP PETER STEELE (TYPE O NEGATIVE) 1962-2010




HEARTBREAK: Today, the metal world lost one of it's most charming, sweetest, charismatic, and funniest people, PETER STEELE. With heartbreak, all of us in the NYDM, NYHC scene send condolences. Josh Silver, keyboardist of Brooklyn, NY Gothic metal band TYPE O NEGATIVE has CONFIRMED the death of (bassist/vocalist) PETER STEELE. PETER STEELE died of heart failure at 48. TYPE O NEGATIVE vocalist/bassist PETER STEELE battled legal issues, cocaine and alcohol addiction during the last 10 years.
EDITORS NOTE (TEE FROM ITP):All of us in the extreme metal scene are saddened and shocked at the news of Peter Steele's (TYPE O NEGATIVE) passing, the world won't be the same without Peter, his dead pan humor, and baritone voice. There is an empty void in this dark world and morbid metal scene without PETER STEELE's humor, chivalry and charm, as PETER STEELE was undoubtedly a New Yorker with an unmistakable Brooklyn accent. The New York metal, hardcore and death metal scene has lost one of it's own today as PETER STEELE made us proud. Brooklyn, New York's TYPE O NEGATIVE were a very unique metal band for their time, with a Black Sabbath influence and a campy tongue in cheek, morbid humor. TYPE O NEGATIVE's music invoked beautiful, dark melodic, atmospheric, melancholic bliss played "slow, deep and hard". From a New York Sanitation worker (PETER STEELE worked for the New York City Parks Department) to the legendary vocalist of the great New York metal band TYPE O NEGATIVE, PETER STEELE, will be missed.
PETER STEELE's death ends an illustrious era of Brooklyn/New York Hard Core/New York Death Metal dominance topped with PETER STEELE's dead pan sense of humor.
The last band to have played with TYPE O NEGATIVE in the Hudson Valley Area of New York was LUGOSIS NEEDLE (disbanded in 2006) as I shrugged my shoulders and went on a limb (networking for gigs for LUGOSIS NEEDLE) and suggested a pairing of the two bands for November of 2003 at The Chance in Poughkeepsie, NY. After a year of premeditation, for TYPE O NEGATIVE's legendary "HALOWEENIE MINI TOURS", I found the gig, e mailed LUGOSIS NEEDLE's vocalist and prodded him to go to the Chance and get the show, as he did, and the show turned out great. Big break for LUGOSIS NEEDLE on a sold out show, as TYPE O NEGATIVE's Halloween tours were legendary and down right hilarious. Thank you to everyone in the TYPE O NEGATIVE camp for helping out local bands, and of course THANK YOU TYPE O NEGATIVE for all the amazing music over the years. Condolences to all friends, family, bandmates, crew of PETER STEELE and TYPE O NEGATIVE, all of whom are very grounded, wonderful people as PETER STEELE will be missed.
I'm sad, and somewhat angry, as PETER STEELE passed allegedly on ITP authors birthday. Thank you TYPE O NEGATIVE for the toilet paper (PETER STEELE has the greatest toilet paper throwing arm in metal) and great Halloween memories.
RIP JOLLY GREEN GIANT and man of STEELE, PETER STEELE, loved you to DEATH. I can't imagine this world without PETER STEELE as his humor made it far more tolerable.
FROM BLABBERMOUTH.NET: TYPE O NEGATIVE keyboardist Josh Silver has confirmed to BLABBERMOUTH.NET that the band's front man, Peter Steele, passed away yesterday (Wednesday, April 14) at the age of 48. No official cause of death has yet been released, but it is believed that Steele died of heart failure.

According to unconfirmed reports, Steele had been ill for days leading up to his death.
As previously reported, TYPE O NEGATIVE keyboardist Josh Silver confirmed to BLABBERMOUTH.NET that Peter Steele passed away yesterday (Wednesday, April 14) at the age of 48. No official cause of death has yet been released, but it is believed that Steele died of heart failure.

Steele was born Petrus T. Ratajczyk on January 4, 1962 in Brooklyn, New York. He stood 6' 7" (201 cm) tall, and had a low, bass-heavy voice, which was one of the most recognizable features in TYPE O NEGATIVE's music.

Mistress Juliya (a.k.a. Juliya Chernetsky) of Fuse TV broke the news on her Twitter page last night, stating that she spoke to TYPE O NEGATIVE guitarist Kenny Hickey just before midnight New York time, and that Kenny confirmed that the rumors were true.

Back in 2005, many people were shocked when they logged on to the TYPE O NEGATIVE web site and saw a gravestone with the words "[P]eter Steele - 1962 - 2005 .... Free At Last" carved on it. According to Epinions.com, there were rumors at the time that Steele was sick (with anything from cancer to AIDS), was on his deathbed, attempted suicide ... and the list goes on. Needless to say, it turned out that Steele was very much alive and the gravestone was merely a joke, albeit one the wasn't viewed as being in particularly good taste.

Steele was born Petrus T. Ratajczyk on January 4, 1962 in Brooklyn, New York. He stood 6' 7" (201 cm) tall, and had a low, bass-heavy voice, which was one of the most recognizable features in TYPE O NEGATIVE's music.

Before forming TYPE O NEGATIVE, Steele played for the metal group FALLOUT and the thrash band CARNIVORE.
FROM TYPE O NEGATIVE's MANAGEMENT MIKE RENAULT:
TYPE O NEGATIVE manager Mike Renault has confirmed to CBS News that the band's frontman, Peter Steele, has died.

In an email, Renault said, "Peter passed away last night. As of now it appears to have been heart failure. That's all the details we have right now."

According to unconfirmed reports, Steele had been ill for days leading up to his death.

TYPE O NEGATIVE's web site left a message to their fans this morning around 5:15 a.m. It read, "The forums have been re-opened. Please play nice and expect statements from the band and family later today. Thank you for your understanding and support."
FROM SPV RECORDS:
Germany's SPV/Steamhammer Records has released the following statement:

It's with great sadness that we give our condolences to the family and friends of Peter Steele. He died on April 14th, 2010.

"With his bands CARNIVORE and TYPE O NEGATIVE he achieved cult status and was loved by fans around the world. The last releases he did with TYPE O NEGATIVE were the DVD 'Symphony For The Devil' and the studio album 'Dead Again'.

"SPV/Steamhammer proudly released both products worldwide, which will now — very unfortunately — be the end of his recording legacy.

"The world has lost a charismatic frontman and a very talented person.

"Our condolences go to Peter's family, friends and the members of his bands."
FROM PAUL STENNING METAL JOURNALIST:
"I am very upset at the death of TYPE O NEGATIVE's Peter Steele.

"I must say that I interviewed Peter about five years ago and it was the longest interview I've ever had, almost three hours! He was very engaging and I think I got more out of him than anyone ever had, certainly more than I'd ever read. He told me some awesome things. [The interview] definitely ranks as one of my favorites and better ones. That's certainly down to him.

"The band had gone off a bit the past few years but I will always have a soft spot for them and for him.

"If this is definitely true then it's very sad. I know he wanted to move to Iceland and settle down with his perfect woman and build a house. As far as I know he didn't manage it, all of which makes you think about mortality and not wasting ANY time.

"RIP, Peter, music will be lesser without your impact."
FROM HATEBREED:
"HATEBREED would like to extend our condolences to the family, friends and fans of Peter Steele. He is one of the best guys we've ever toured with and a true legend! There will NEVER be anyone else like him. May he rest in peace."

FROM EVAN SEINFELD OF BIOHAZARD:
"[Rest in peace], my friend, brother, and mentor, Peter Steele, TYPE O NEGATIVE, CARNIVORE... my single biggest musical influence... who named BIOHAZARD.

"I fucking miss you so much already... I love you, brother. I hope you are in a better place."
Next I'm working with the BIOHAZARD guys on the new BIOHAZARD album. We will be dedicating the album to our fallen brother, Peter Steele of TYPE O NEGATIVE.
Pete, our brother… he was my single biggest musical influence. I want us to make him proud. He named BIOHAZARD. I was a roadie for CARNIVORE and they were my favorite band in those days. Their music still stands the test of time and TYPE O NEGATIVE was simply sheer genius. Peter was a musical genius. While he is not here anymore, his spirit lives in all of us, and his music lives forever. I listened to "World Coming Down" today and was absolutely gutted. Peter represents true Brooklyn characters, with a sense of responsibility, hard-working, blue-collar, family-oriented, part of the neighborhood. He was a great friend to me and named BIOHAZARD for us. CARNIVORE was so influential and ahead of their time. I can't express how important Pete was to me. We used to hang out a lot in the late '80s, early '90s… then both our bands were always on tour and we would rarely [saw] each other besides backstage at festivals in Europe, where the jokes would flow. He used to lend me his basses and amps to play because I didn't have any decent equipment. He was like a big brother to me, we used to hang out a lot, play demolition derby in the streets, go to shows, jam in his basement, go to bars, you name it. I miss him immensely.
FROM INHUMAN:
"As a fan of his for over 20 years, [the news of Peter Steele's passing] is hitting me pretty hard.

"Literally one hour before I got the text message from my bassist Hank that he had died, I was in a diner in Brooklyn with a friend and were talking about CARNIVORE and TYPE O NEGATIVE. My friend and I were talking about how glad we were that Pete had got sober and that a new TYPE O record and tour were on the horizon.

"I used to keep a record of all of the shows I went to starting from the very first in May of 1988 to around late 2000 and I had recently noticed that the 20-year anniversary of TYPE O's first show had passed, March 23rd 1990 at L'Amour in Brooklyn and that the ICEMEN and AMERICAN EAGLE were the openers. I was there and I was 16 years old, checking out Pete from CARNIVORE's new band and I loved them from that day on. They were called REPULSION then and were selling the green colored demo that I bought that night and still own to this day. They went from NEW MINORITY, to REPULSION, to SUB ZERO to finally TYPE O NEGATIVE.

"Pete meant a lot to me, and he meant a lot to Brooklyn. I would say that he was without a doubt the most successful Brooklynite to ever come out of the hardcore/metal scene and a true 'Brooklyn Bastard' if there ever was one.

"CARNIVORE and TYPE O NEGATIVE have had a tremendous impact on my life and I am really beside myself right now.

"Rest in peace, my brother. You will be forever missed."
FROM METAL JOURNALIST JOEL GAUSTEN:
"I met Peter Steele back in 1995, when Jerry and Doyle from the MISFITS brought me along to a show in New York, where they joined TYPE O onstage during an encore. This was the first time those guys has appeared onstage in MISFITS gear in 12 years.

"Backstage, Jerry introduced me to Peter, who looked up at me, handed me a bottle of whiskey and said in his classic deep voice, 'Drink!' Being an 18-year-old wiseass at the time, I immediately started chugging it like it was ice tea! 'WHOA!!' shouted Peter as he snatched the booze away from me. He then pointed to the stack of unspeakably disgusting porno mags piled up beside him. 'Um, might I interest you in some fine pornographic material?'

"Quite a nice host, if you ask me.

"A few years ago, I was approached by a member of CARNIVORE about doing a book on the band. I passed. Unfortunately, I kinda knew the tale was already coming to a close by that point. As Ozzy once sang: 'The race is run/The book is read/The end begins to show.'

"What a shame.

"Farewell to a deeply talented — and deeply troubled — man."
FROM MILLE OF KREATOR:
Peter Steele was one of my all-time favourite musicians ever! I`ve only met him once briefly and he was just the nicest guy! Carnivore`s "Retalliation" and all Type O Negative albums have been a huge influence on my creativity. This is a black day for music! Rest in peace, Peter.

~Mille Petrozza, vocalist/guitarist of Kreator
FROM METAL CHURCH:
All of us here in the Metal Church camp would like to send our condolences to the family , friends and fans of Peter Steele. The world has lost another truly great musician.

R.I.P
FROM DEZ OF DEVILDRIVER:
Vocalist Dez Fafara of Santa Barbara, California metallers DEVIDRIVER has released the following statement:

"We have all lost a legend — Peter Steele.

"Peter Steele was one of the nicest guys in music. He was always kind to me through the years.

"I toured many times with TYPE O and was always taken care of! Big guy with a huge heart.

"My heart goes out to his band, his family, and his many friends around the world...

"We have all lost a legend, a voice that will never be duplicated!"
FROM THE MONOLITH DEATH CULT:
"Peter Steele passed away and I felt very sad about it.

"[TYPE O NEGATIVE's albums] 'Bloody Kisses' [and] 'October Rust' [were] the soundtrack of my teenage years and laid the foundation for my songwriting.

"When we started THE MONOLITH DEATHCULT back in 2003, almost more important than the music was the image of irony, sarcasm and black humor which was the trademark of Peter Steele. Later, when we deepened our sound TYPE O NEGATIVE became more and more a big influence on THE MONOLITH DEATHCULT. We honoured Peter and TYPE O NEGATIVE already with 'The White Crematorium' title track.

"Peter Steele and TYPE O NEGATIVE were unique and his death is a great loss."
FROM HADES:

"HADES played with CARNIVORE a couple of times and NON-FICTION played with TYPE O [NEGATIVE] a bunch. I only got to know Pete [Steele] a bit back then. Years later I interviewed him for Steppin' Out magazine and after I mailed him the issue, Pete started calling me pretty regularly. First he called to thank me for 'making him sound intelligent.' We started speaking more often and he even expressed some interest in putting some dance beats to some acoustic songs Alan [Tecchio, HADES/NON-FICTION singer] and I had written.

"For the most part I prefer songs under four minutes long, but TYPE O NEGATIVE were an exception.

"All of us band guys think we write great songs, but when I listen to TYPE O, I know that they, and Pete in particular, wrote a bunch of songs that were on another level from the rest of us mortals musically.

"I don't use the words 'musical genius' together often, but in Pete's case it fits. And it's true.

"Today is a very sad day for me.

"Rest in peace, big guy."
FROM LACUNA COIL:
Singer Cristina Scabbia of the Italian rock/metal band LACUNA COIL has released the following statement regarding the passing of TYPE O NEGATIVE frontman Peter Steele:

"I haven't heard such bad news in a long time.

"I am apalled, speechless.

"Silence is more respectful in these circumstances, I know. But everyone who knows me knows that Peter and TYPE O were (and are) an IMMENSE influence in my musical taste and beside that Pete was a charismatic, intense, funny, fantastic person.

"I treasure the moments we spent together on this road and I know he's rockin' out both heaven and hell right now.
Singer Andrea Ferro of the Italian rock/metal band LACUNA COIL has released the following statement regarding the passing of TYPE O NEGATIVE frontman Peter Steele:

"These are a few words from a comic book that I'd like to use to remember Pete Steele.

"Thanks a lot for the great journey I had (and will always have) with your music. Thanks a lot for the inspiration and friendship, R.I.P.

"He saw the true face of the 20th century and chose to become a reflection, a parody of it. No one else saw the joke, that's why he was lonely. Heard joke once: Man goes to doctor. Says he's depressed. Says life seems harsh and cruel. Says he feels all alone in a threatening world where what lies ahead is vague and uncertain. Doctor says, 'Treatment is simple. Great clown Pagliacci is in town tonight. Go and see him. That should pick you up.' Man bursts into tears. Says 'But, doctor...I am Pagliacci.' Good joke. Everybody laugh. Roll on snare drum. Curtains Fade to black. (Rorschach)"

"My deepest condolences to Johnny, Kenny, Josh and Peter's family.

"I will miss you, brother, my influence and adorable giant.

"We'll meet again somewhere, someday."
FROM ROADRUNNER RECORDS:
With a sense of humor blacker than the clothing he wore, the sarcastic messages in songs like "Set Me on Fire", "I Don't Want to Be Me" and an album entitled "Life is Killing Me" once viewed as darkly tongue-in-cheek now take on a more gloomy meaning as we remember the man who wrote them. Roadrunner Senior VP of A&R Monte Conner, who originally signed TYPE O NEGATIVE to Roadrunner Records in 1989, puts it best, saying, "We have lost several Roadrunner artists over the years but this is a biggie — this one hurts the most, not just because Peter was a great, great guy, but he figures so prominently in the history of this company (our first gold album, our first radio success). He was a tortured soul for most of his life and certainly for the entire time we all knew him. Let's hope he is in a better place."

Peter Steele was surely a man who towered over everyone he met, not just in his physical stature but in his personality riddled with humor and heartache. His dramatic baritone voice carried foreboding lyrics about death and despair over electronic chaos and bottom-heavy guitars, proving to become not only the band's signature, but a sound unmatched ever since TYPE O's inception. With profound distaste and disgust for both humanity and political correctness, TYPE O NEGATIVE never changed with the times — the times changed with them. Marked by sharp wit and bouts of gloom 'n depression, Peter Steele and the Drab Four rewarded their listeners with what can only be expected from the Brooklyn doom squad: A nihilistic world view, anthems of sex and death, and a blinding torch of well-placed fury.

Roadrunner VP of Promotions Mark Abramson recalls his time spent working with Peter and TYPE O, saying, "I remember getting the demo tape of REPULSION (soon to be renamed TYPE O NEGATIVE) and feeling this visceral outpouring of rage in a way that very few records hit me. We went on to be friends in addition to my being one of their biggest fans, and I worked the records with a passion. Hell, I even sold shirts for them in some early shows when they needed help!

"When we were going to take TYPE O to commercial radio, I felt it like a life mission and for the two years of the 'Bloody Kisses' campaign we changed so much — we helped take this label to a new level, gave them and us first gold records, helped expand boundaries at the soon-to-be-named format of Active Rock radio and introduced the world to a truly unique band. I remember being ridiculed at the gold plaque presentation picture that I 'could breathe now' as I was puffed-chest proud, and responding that I actually couldn't!

"Traveling with Peter to radio stations was always an adventure and fun; Peter was a rock star, but he didn't know it, which made it so much better!

"I have so many great stories and memories of traveling the road with them but most would only mean something to me. Cities and shows flood back to me now: Ft Myers… Lubbock… Toledo… crazy nights, for sure! We were an important part of each other's lives.

"Peter was a unique person with his own issues but they were part of what made him Peter Steele and the later years were not his best years but he was a good person, with a good heart. The only person I have ever known him to hurt was himself.

"There are so few bands like TYPE O and very few personalities like Peter.

"I will forever love his music and his art, and cherish the time we had together.

"Farewell, my friend — be well and be happy."

Kathie Reed Merritt, Roadrunner's Sr. Director of Digital/Physical Sales - West Coast, comments, "The news of Peter Steele's passing is very sad and my heart goes out to the men of TYPE O and all the fans who loved and idolized Peter. He was truly and quite literally larger than life. He was everything you would ever want in a rock star: a great, off-color sense of humor, a fabulous persona and deep voice that would just melt you heart. And a musical talent beyond words. His loss is so tragic, and I will always be grateful for the education that he and his band gave to some of us at the label . They really helped mold who we are as people in this crazy music business. I spent the better part of three years on and off the road with TYPE O NEGATIVE in the '90s and love those four men like family. Unlike many bands, these guys let us be part of their world, a very unique thing in this day and age.

"Peter, rest in peace, a part of me will forever be 'Your Druidess.'
FROM OPETH:
"Well, I have to say I am shocked by these horrible news....

"Basically, I just want to express my condolences on behalf of OPETH.

"Peter and company took us out for a little spin in Germany a few years ago and we became mates with 'em, I guess.

"Peter was always very kind to us. From the get-go he went up to [Martin] Mendez [OPETH bassist] and offered him his bass guitar if he wanted to borrow it. I mean, things like that simply don't happen in the rock business anymore, but I think he had a different view on things.

"Last time I saw him was a few years ago when he and Johnny [Kelly, drums] and Kenny [Hickey, guitar] came to see us playing the Irving Plaza in New York City. There was a knock on the door, I opened, and there was Peter towering over me. I said, 'Hey, Pete, come in....' and he said, 'You again, I thought you was fired!' Went straight passed me, grabbed a bottle of red from our rider and started guzzling away in the corner, leaving funny remarks at whatever conversations that was going on in the dressing room.

"The dude was funny, intense, intimidating and overall, a good guy. That was my impression. Can't say I knew him too well, but we did develop some type of 'heya' friendship with Johnny and Kenny. I also did a song with Josh [Silver, keyboards] a few years ago even though I've never talked to him in person.

"Anyways, I just wanted to write something... I am in a bit of a shock, I guess...

"Thoughts goes out to Johnny, Kenny and Josh as well as to Peter's families and friends. His and their music lives on, or as they say, echoes in eternity."
FROM NIGHTRAGE:
"Peter Steele and TYPE O NEGATIVE have always been a huge influence on me. Not really musically as more as they were emotionally.

"I remember buying 'Bloody Kisses' on a vacation in America in 1992. It was like a new world opened up to me. I realized then that music was to show no limits. No compromise and no trends exist. Only what you really feel inside. I think Peter Steele was one of the only musicians I ever heard truly do this.

"To the rest of the band: We all feel for you. And we drink to all of you and the Wolf Moon.

"R.I.P. Peter."
CBS NEWS:http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/04/15/entertainment/main6399206.shtml
FROM KEITH CAPUTO (LIFE OF AGONY):
"R.I.P. Peter Steele. Thank you for creating the ultimate & most influential New York bands ever. Love to his family & close friends."
FROM EX TYPE O NEGATIVE LIFE OF AGONY DRUMMER SAL ABRUSCATO:
"There are not many words that can describe how you affected my life Peter. From the times of hanging in your basement as a kid, the first meetings we had about TYPE O NEGATIVE, to getting chased all over Europe by radical left wing groups with bomb threats and eventually creating one of the most influential albums of all time.

"You affected me and influenced me as an artist and as a person, you were one of the funniest and most generous friends I ever knew. It is an honor to have been there with you through the rough times we call the beginning and now the end. I am the musician I am today because of you and I thank you with all my heart my friend.

"I will miss you and I love you.
FROM EXCITER: "Kenny Winter and EXCITER would like to extend our condolences to the family, friends and fans of Peter Steele. I had the opportunity to meet him back in '93 at the famed Limelight in New York City. I don't have to elaborate how intimidated I was by his height but he had such calm demeanor and a soft spoken way about him that immediately put me at ease. Our conversation was short but he made such an impression that I became a fan. I saw his CARNIVORE reunion show at the Limelight as well, one of the most primal performances I have ever witnessed. Fan reaction was enviable. But, funny as it may seem, one of the things I remember the most is his car [see picture below]… it scared the hell out me.

"From CARNIVORE to TYPE O NEGATIVE, Pete Steele was an ass-kickin' performer.

"Forever immortal."
FROM WEDNESDAY THE 13th OF THE MURDERDOLLS:
"[TYPE O NEGATIVE was a] killer band, [and Peter was a] killer guy altogether. I luckily got to know those guys and I did some tours with them. It kind of bummed me out this morning getting the full confirmation on it and taking a look at pictures and stuff. It's a shitty day, but that guy was fucking killer — a huge influence on me, a great great band, an underrated artist. [He will be] truly missed."
FROM ALAN ROBERT LIFE OF AGONY:
"Woke up to the news that Pete Steele died. Horrible. Seemed like he was finally getting himself together, too. It's a real shame. RIP brotha", and that "It's a sad, sad day. Damn."

FROM ROADRUNNER EXEC DOUG KEOGH:
"Of all the great artists that I've been blessed to work with, Peter Steele may have been the most important of them all.

"While Peter was brilliant before TYPE O NEGATIVE, it should be noted that his partnership with Josh Silver brought out his best, and while Josh brings prodigious talent to the table himself, he should be considered a hero of our times if only for birthing the glory of Peter Steele.

"These are lofty words for two of the most obstinate and negative men I've ever met in my life.

"When I sided with director Parris Mayhew, and would not allow Josh and Peter to make the 'Black No. 1' video green and white instead of black and white, Josh would not talk to me for seven years. Peter, on the other hand, never stopped being the most gentle man I've ever known. I can only judge them together though — so Josh gets credit for Peter, and Peter is responsible for Josh. I've never witnessed a more fully realized collaboration between two great artists.

"Labelling Peter Steele as a heavy metal musician, or even as a musician, belittles his contribution. His work transcended any genres, or the medium of music. His palette as an artist included wisdom, humor, manhood, respect, and a volcanic creativity that just happened to be unleashed in the context of a rock band. If not that, the natural resource that was Peter Steele would have erupted in some other way, believe me. In the end, though, we who work with music should feel blessed that it was this channel that was chosen.

"Peter was the most unlikely of artists, at least in light of all the stereotypes we've created for what artists are supposed to be. He was gifted with a superhuman body, and he respected his gift by lifting weights, perhaps becoming the most physically impressive artist ever. He came from an immigrant family and the cultural backwater of deepest darkest Brooklyn. He filed his teeth into fangs. He read science textbooks to relax while on tour. He was completely committed to the color green. He drove the scariest muscle car you've ever seen.

"Before his music career made it impossible to continue, he insisted on working for the NYC Parks Department. Not for the money, but because the man knew he needed to work.

"He wrote the best menstruation song ever ('Wolf Moon'). He would speak the unspeakable, and he would do the unthinkable. He angered the entire country of Germany, and then made those who could think for themselves fall in love with him. He bared his asshole for the front cover of an album. He signed his recording contract with a mixture of his blood and semen, drawn from his body right in our tiny office. He scared people, but he always treated people with the utmost respect. He defied our expectations, and he changed our lives, for the better. We are thankful for the sacrifices he made to do so.

"Please continue to talk about the great shows and the great albums, but please also understand that Peter Steele was first and foremost a great man."
JON WEIDERHORN MTV.COM:
"I can't pretend I really knew TYPE O NEGATIVE frontman Peter Steele, who died Wednesday, reportedly of heart failure, although I'd met and interviewed him several times.

"I knew his music, from the early days of his lurid mid-'80s thrash band CARNIVORE to the sophisticated melange of BLACK SABBATH, SISTERS OF MERCY, PINK FLOYD and THE BEATLES that he and his bandmates conjured with TYPE O NEGATIVE. I knew that he was an amazing performer, haunting and charismatic, commanding yet never pompous.

"I knew that every time I interviewed him we'd end up talking about how dismal the music industry — and life itself — can be, how our greatest weaknesses can obliterate our most powerful strengths. And I knew that whenever we talked, whether it was casual conversation at an industry event or at a confessional sit-down interview about the personal and professional struggles he experienced during the creation of whatever album he was working on, that the conversation would be filled with laughter and I would leave feeling more positive about life."
FROM MACHINEHEAD:
"Our sincerest condolences go out to the family, friends and bandmates of Peter Steele.

"MACHINE HEAD shared many a stage with Peter and TYPE O NEGATIVE over the last 15 years, including the Dynamo '95, Ozzfest '97, Dynamo '97, Le Zenith in '99, and a number of festivals in 2007 and 2008. He was an incredible musician and an extremely funny person, with one of the dryest senses of humor of anyone we've ever met.

"You will be sorely missed, Pete.
FROM BLACK SABBATH's BILL WARD:
"The flamboyant ambassador of metal's substratum is dead.

"I am diverted from my next indicated thing to do. I am compelled to pause and digress and re-listen to one of my all-time favorite bands, TYPE O NEGATIVE. I fall into memorable moments, to enhance my first discoveries of Peter Steele.

"I don't want to believe he's died. I've felt in shock since the early morning sad news of today arrived.

"Peter Steele — a brilliant musician, songwriter, singer has died. His death is a tragedy and heartbreaking. His passing is an enormous loss to the metal community and to music, period.

"In music, he challenged life itself in a poetic, prophetic, charismatic and extraordinarily insightful way. A world observer, a teller of tales, a renaissance man, a man from the future, a powerful force in today's maladies and life challenges.

"This man will not be forgotten. I raise my goblet of water and praise him. I thank him, and I burn candles and desire incense aromas to fill our house, now illuminated in his honour. Candles burning outside flicker, and the sea crashes onto the shore. We are still. We are in memory.

"Peter, you will be celebrated forever."
FROM BLACK SABBATH's GEEZER BUTLER:
"I was so saddened to hear of Pete Steele passing away. He truly was one of the nicest blokes I've ever met. He came to the first G//Z/R gig, in New York, showing his support for us.

"I last saw him in Copenhagen, on the HEAVEN & HELL tour, where he interviewed me for a bassist-to-bassist piece. We had lots of fun talking together.

"I always maintained that the best SABBATH cover was TYPE O's version of 'Black Sabbath' on the 'Nativity In Black' album.

"I always looked forward to hearing what he'd come out with — he was always surprising, musically, and such a very special person.

"One of the truly great ones has now left the stage.

"R.I. P., Pete — Bog Blast yea."
FROM GEEZER's PEDRO HOWSE:
"Last night I got an email from Geezer with the very, very sad news of the death of Pete Steele.

"I met Pete a few times along the way and without a shadow of a doubt he was one of the nicest blokes I have met. He was intelligent, charming, extremely funny & well mannered.

"The last time I saw him was in 2007 in Copenhagen on the HEAVEN & HELL tour. He interviewed Geezer. He was his usual self, he had us all in stitches laughing and the interview he conducted was fantastic.

"I'll never forget the first time I met him. It was G//Z/R's debut gig at the Limelight in New York City. I was so fucking nervous I could have thrown up for days. We were standing on the stairway to go on stage and I told him I was shitting myself. He put his hand on my shoulder and handed me his glass of wine and said, 'Drink,' to which I did.

"How could I have possibly refused, ha!!!! I also think that TYPE O NEGATIVE's version of 'Black Sabbath' was the best on the 'Nativity In Black' album.

I'm glad I met Pete Steele and I am very sad to hear of his passing. Another good one gone.

"God bless you, Pete, I raise a glass to you."
FROM THE NJ STAR LEDGER:
So maybe I was expecting to speak with a morose soul when I got Steele on the phone in 2007, to talk about Type O’s then-new album titled — wait for it — "Dead Again." But there was a pleasant surprise in store. Steele had me in stitches throughout the interview. (In fact, I laughed harder and more often during the Steele Q&A than I had with any other interview subject, and that includes George Carlin, Don Rickles, Pat Cooper, Bob Newhart, Tommy Chong, Lily Tomlin, Eric Idle, Joan Rivers, Charlie Callas, Tim Conway and Howard Stern.
FROM TRENT REZNOR:
“RIP Pete Steele – a nice (and very funny) man,I’m smiling recalling a funny story involving Pete, a microphone, an all-girl lipstick-lesbian band and a can of tuna. Ahh, the good old days…”
FROM JULIUS SPIEGEL (Commissioner of Brooklyn Parks Department-where PETER STEELE used to work): "I remember Pete Ratajczyk [Steele's real name] not at all like the dark character some of the blogs have portrayed, but as a very hard-working, sweet and respectful guy, always eager to please. Even after he had achieved notoriety, he would visit us, occasionally even coming to our hokey dinner-dances, just to reminisce. He often joked (at least I thought he was joking) about coming back to work at the Parks Dept."
FROM EX MOONSPELL BASSIST/WITCHFINDER ARES:
"These are sad and shocking news.

"I had the chance to tour with TYPE O NEGATIVE as a support band for their 'October Rust' European tour, meet Peter Steele and every single night I would watch TYPE O NEGATIVE take the stage and play; it was never enough. The impression he left was that of a gentle giant, kind, polite and down to earth.

"I was a CARNIVORE fan before and his voice and music deeply marked my youth and imagination as a musician.

"In my bass rig there's this Swedish Octave pedal that was offered to me by Peter himself and after 13 years or so I'm still using it reminding me of those glorious days.

"The reason why I felt I should dedicate some words on Pete is because during [WITCHBREED's] meetings as a band, TYPE O NEGATIVE is a regular mention as a source of inspiration and admiration for their music and Pete's unique vocal style and tone.

"Life sucks and your existence will be missed."
FROM DAYLIGHT MISERY:
FOR PETE STEELE...
It's like losing a friend... Losing the inspiration. Many years have passed since the first time we took in our hands the true masterpiece "Bloody Kisses"
So dark, so depressive, so black, so melancholic, so charismatic, so influential, so unique. This time Peter Steele is dead and this is not a bad "joke"
as 5 years ago. This time we have to keep in our minds that we will not listen his recognizable voice in new songs again. Sad but true, like Type O Negative's music.

Daylight Misery played a show in Athens on April 11th, 3 days before Pete's death and My Girlfriend's Girlfriend was the cover song of the setlist.
We are proud about it, even though we are not talents (Don't mistake lack of talent for genius) and this song is dedicated in Pete's memory.

We are not as talented as you man, we are just the vandals...

RIP
FROM PRONG:
Pete Steele R.I.P.
FROM PAUL BENTO (CARNIVORE):
"I consider myself one of the luckiest musicians in New York City to have known and worked with Pete Steele.

"From the early days when we both worked in downtown Brooklyn, being asked to play sitar on 'Bloody Kisses', to working with him in the latest incarnation of CARNIVORE, Pete Steele gave me life.

"As big in stature as he was, his heart and brain were bigger. Peter could cover the full gamut from being a major cat lover to discussing physics over the phone at 3:00 a.m. He was brilliant.

"The musical world as we know it will never be the same without him.

"One of my favorite phrases of his is 'no balls, no glory.' It sums up the way he lived.

"Loved by so many, he will be seriously missed.

"God's speed, Peter."
FROM DUFF's (BROOKLYN, NY):

Peter
Since Josh has publicly confirmed the passing of Peter, it's now appropriate to comment on this very sad loss.
First of all, my sincere condolences go out to Peter's family, as well as Johnny, Kenny and Josh, Paul, Steve and Joey. I extend the same to all of Peter's friends and fans worldwide at this very difficult time.
Peter was an amazing artist, a true friend, and one hilarious character. He was a tortured soul as well, but that's part of what ultimately made his art so compelling. He's at peace now so that's the one consolation. That and the music and memories of good times that will always live on. Thanks for all the music and laughs Peter, you will never be forgotten, and always missed.
J. DUFF
FROM LORDI:

"[The] sad news [of Peter Steele's passing] reached us couple of days ago.

"LORDI were honoured to tour with TYPE O NEGATIVE in 2007.

"Our condolences go to everybody who knew Peter, to his family and friends, and to the members of his bands."

"I met him on that 2007 tour," says guitarist Amen (real name: Jussi Sydänmaa), "and the first time he came to our backstage it was like a solar eclipse! He was a huge guy and let me tell you, I was scared! But he had a heart of gold, he was a real gentleman.. at least toward us. He asked if he could walk through our backstage to his since TYPE O's backstage was behind ours. Polite man. Truly."

"One night, in Chicago, David [Draiman] from DISTURBED was performing with TYPE O. After the show I really wanted to meet David and somehow I found enough courage to knock on TYPE O's bus door as I knew there was an aftershow party going on. So, a half-naked girl opened the door, I walked in, and Peter asked me to sit down and offered me whiskey. I took a swig and handed the bottle back, then he took a swig and handed the bottle to me and so on. David was there, too, and they seemed to be really good friends. Peter was telling jokes all the time, and talking really fast, so the more whiskey I had the less I understood, but we laughed a lot! What I do know is that he was a nice guy and really talented. He will be missed..."
FROM DESTROPHY:
"We were lucky enough to be part of Type O Negative's last tour, along with Kenny and Johnny's side project, Seventh Void," Mihalopoulos said. "The memories of that short run in late October of 2009 are heartwarming and joyous, and for me, that includes getting the opportunity to work alongside and befriend an icon of mine, Mr. Peter Steele."

He continued, "The most important thing that I want people to know about Pete is how humble and kind he was. Although his 6' 7" frame took up most of whatever room he was in, he seemed more comfortable being in the background and supplying choice, witty commentary, most often self-deprecating and always hilarious. My manager became friends with Pete early on in the tour, and arranged for me to come onto their tour bus to meet him for the first time after a show in Hartford.

"His gentle handshake belied his massive frame and he offered me a slice of pizza and tried to make me as comfortable as possible, amid the bedlam of a tour bus crowded with bands and supporters. I told him what a fan I was of his work and our talk ranged from music to his physique of old, which he was anxious to return to. He would intersperse between jokes, over and over, with a serious voice and deadly serious tone, 'If you guys need anything -- if you're sick, if you need any help -- come over I'll take care of you.' I walked out of the tour bus with my manager excited to have met the legend and come away even more impressed with his kindness."

Mihalopoulos also said that the next night's show at Cleveland's House Of Blues afforded him his fondest memory: working out with Peter Steele. "After sound check, Peter popped his head in our dressing room bearing a gift of red wine. The wine had been given to him, but he was to be completely sober and drug-free during this tour and offered it to us," he said. Steele then offered the use of his free weights and he had 50-pound dumbbells.

"I was overjoyed at the opportunity to talk fitness with one of the people who inspired me to be a frontman with an intimidating physique," the singer said. "We picked up the dumbbell for a bit and spoke about his physical ailments: his knees and back, and how he always wanted to develop his shoulders more. I brought up my infamous kettlebells, which, like Pete, had a Russian heritage. He was very interested in them and I could tell he had a great respect for traditional strongmen and the proven techniques of old."

In the meantime, Destrophy guitarist Bruce [Swink] and their manager had gotten one of the kettlebells from the van, and started shooting some video while Mihalopoulos showed Pete how to properly swing and press it. "He picked it up and exclaimed just how heavy and 'dead' the weight was and lifted it a few times, very reverential toward it as a true strongman's tool. I never had a chance to really train him and he was timid to go all out with any of the weights, but afterward we all sat down and he told stories about working out in the back of his bus on the Danzig tour," he revealed.

Steele also told a story of doing bench presses when the Type O tour bus was clipped by the Danzig bus, causing it to tip slightly. Mihalopoulos continued, "Mid rep, he watched helplessly as the room tilted, causing the weight to shift to one side and fall off the bar. This caused the heavy side to fall through the floor of his room, nearly destroying the engine!"

Ari also said that Steele liked to poke fun at their haircuts, saying, "When asked about us on the radio, he said: 'Destrophy. Great guys with bad haircuts.' He also spoke of immense pride at having Steele watch the band perform from the side of the stage on what was one of their best nights on tour, in front of an initially hostile crowd in Clifton Park, N.Y. Mihalopoulos recalled, "Everyone had arms crossed and could have cared less for an unknown band that was getting in the way of them watching their boys in Type O. But we did our thing with as much intensity as we could muster, and I remember looking over at the side of the stage and seeing my hero right there, watching us do our best."

One of the last days on tour, at the Rave in Milwaukee, Steele hung out in Destrophy's dressing room, "just to get away from the noise and the smoke and the drinking. He was outfitted with a sensor on his leg that would detect any alcohol in his body, even to the point of certain perfumes, and this would have violated the terms of his parole," he said. "He seemed to enjoy the relative calm of our dressing room, content to tell a few stories and jokes, always making fun of himself. He talked about how he used to drink a bottle or two of wine to get himself ready for stage to deal with his nerves, and how now he understood as a sober person what it's like to deal with people that are drinking."

Manager Damon Moreno had become quite close to Steele during the tour; he was a rabid fan, having seen them 12 times prior. "He wanted people to see the new Peter Steele -- the newly sober man, fighting to get his life back on track- and offered to shoot a question and answer session with him so that Pete's fans could see where his head was at and to talk about his plans for the future," Mihalopoulos admitted. "Pete was very excited about this idea and did the video, and the footage is wonderful and gives great insight into Pete as a recovering alcoholic, his thoughts on religion, and in general, gives an endearing profile of a very penitent man."

Another memory from the tour circles around the H1N1 epidemic. "Phil [Tschechaniuk] had become very sick, in fact having to leave the stage during our Chicago performance on October 30 several times to throw up into a trash can, while still playing the bass parts," he said. "Noticing that Phil was ill, Pete snuck in our dressing room with a pile of Pepto and allergy meds and said that Phil could ride in the tour bus if he needed. Pete repeatedly asked us to all come onstage and 'help them' with the chorus to their finale, 'Black No.1.' It took me until that Chicago date, the second to last show, to finally have the courage to get up there with Joe and the other guys from Seventh Void and gang vocal it, but I always appreciated how emphatic he was and how gracious he was to share the stage with us."

The final show Harpo's in Detroit found everyone in Destrophy suffering from a nasty cold, complete with coughing and nausea. "I decided to head home as quickly as possible, so I never got to say a proper goodbye to Peter," Mihalopoulos recalled. "I saw Johnny Kelly on the way out and told him 'thank you' for the opportunity and what a pleasure it was to meet everyone. Johnny lamented that I never hung out enough, and this was very true, as I'm actually a very shy person and have difficulty mingling with the partying alphas and adapting to their world. But I am thankful that I was able to spend a great deal of quality time with a fellow shy guy: a humble, respectful, and wonderful human being; our friend, Peter Steele."
FROM DAVE MUSTAINE (MEGADETH):
"I'd like to say a very sentimental goodbye to a dear friend, Peter Steele from TYPE O NEGATIVE," Mustaine said. "Peter passed away [Wednesday] night [April 14] from a heart attack, although we don't know what's going on, how he passed away and what any of the causes were. I do know that a heart attack from Peter must have been an extremely big explosion because that guy had one of the biggest hearts of anybody that I know.

"Anyways, you'll be missed, brother. God bless you, and we'll see you in heavy metal heaven soon."
FROM QUEENSRYCHE:
" RIP Peter Steele and condolences to his family and friends. Type O Negative opened for Queensryche on the Promised Land tour.
FROM OTTOS DAUGHTER:
Saddened by the news on April 14th 2010, and hoping for someone to say "just another prank" this time it's for real and very surreal. We lost a great friend and extremely talented musician. You will be missed Peter. You made me laugh like no one else did, had the funniest and coolest stories to tell; we'd talk for hours and hours. You always left me inspired. I loved your dark sense of humor. One of the most cynical, opinionated, creative and intelligent people I’ve ever known. A big man with a big heart. Pure genius. A true Rock Star. A Legend. An era has come to an end. No one can take your place.
I’m grateful and feel honored to have shared the stage with Type O Negative and Celtic Frost; singing Black#1 with Peter and Tom at the Marquee Theatre in Phoenix. I will never ever forget that. It was an honor to have known you as a friend. And the thought of you will always make me smile. You might be gone in physical form but you’re your spirit and all my memories will last forever.
Love Always,
JVB
FROM CROWBAR:


May he rest in peace!




FROM BLABBERMOUTH.NET WRITERS KEITH BERGMAN AND RYAN OGLE:
Metal journalists and BLABBERMOUTH.NET staffers Keith Bergman and Ryan Ogle have released the following comments eulogizing TYPE O NEGATIVE frontman Peter Steele, who passed away yesterday of suspected heart failure:

Keith Bergman:

"My first exposure to Peter Steele was as a college radio DJ, playing edited tracks from 'Slow, Deep and Hard' in 1991 and 1992. TYPE O NEGATIVE were one of a small handful of bands to completely unscrew my head and rearrange the brain matter within, taking a musical path I didn't even know existed and making it the most important thing ever. Their songwriting, their unconventional production choices (you can identify a recorded squeal of TYPE O feedback in 0.5 seconds, tops), even Peter's is-he-kidding-or-not caveman-offensive lyrical stances at the time — twisted genius. In a fit of adolescent pique, I played the unedited 'Unsuccessfully Coping With the Natural Beauty of Infidelity' (a/k/a 'I Know You're Fucking Someone Else') as my last song before my metal show was booted from the station's lineup.

"Later, I went backwards, exploring the hugely-underrated CARNIVORE albums, and caught TYPE O several times on tour. A bunch of us met Peter after a lackluster Detroit show reluctantly opening for THE EXPLOITED and BIOHAZARD ('I'm sick and I got a bunch of smelly fuckin' pissed-off punks staring up my nose' was his assessment of the gig), and his hulking presence and sandblasted dry humor were charismatic. A couple years later, when 'Black No. 1' became a hit and the band got relatively big, I might have been the fifth-most-surprised person alive (behind Steele and his bandmates, of course).

"They changed a lot from 'Slow, Deep and Hard' to 'Bloody Kisses', and made some less-drastic twists and turns after that, but I remained a fan, even if that meant standing in sweltering rooms full of Rubenesque goth chicks who cracked their gum and milled around confusedly until 'Christian Woman' started. I interviewed Peter a few times over the years, and no matter where his head or the band's fortunes were at, he was droll, blunt, sarcastic and considerate every time. I don't know much about what he was doing with his life outside of the band, and I don't wanna know — all of us are imperfect slobs, but only a few get to leave a mark on the world as massive as he did.

"In the musical overload of post-Internet 2010 life, TYPE O had faded into the background a little bit for me, but all it took was one teeth-grinding blast through 'Slow, Deep and Hard' this morning to rekindle that green-tinted haze and tap into that mad-at-the-world primal yowl and flint-eyed gallows humor. And that damn bass guitar tone! I don't think it's overstating the point to say TYPE O NEGATIVE permanently changed heavy music, or that they put Roadrunner Records on the map (pour out a little liquor, SLIPKNOT and NICKELBACK). It's gonna take years for most of us to realize how big his impact really was, and how much we've lost with his passing.

"Rest in peace, Peter, ya bastard, and thanks for giving us a soundtrack with which to rage against the gravitational constant."

Ryan Ogle:

"I first heard Peter's voice in '93 when 'Bloody Kisses' came out. Being one of 'those kids' (hair in my face, always dressed in black, etc.) in high school, TYPE O's brooding sound made them an instant favorite of mine. I had never heard anything that managed to blend darkness, beauty and comedy so well you couldn't tell one from the other. 'We Hate Everyone' and 'Kill All The White People' became tongue-in-cheek anthems of my teenage angst, while 'Bloody Kisses (A Death In The Family)' struck an entirely different nerve altogether (you can only imagine how the album's cover and the 40-second long female orgasm at the beginning affected me at that age…). A budding guitar player at the time, my focus naturally gravitated towards said instrument when diving into an album, but TYPE O NEGATIVE had an irresistible force that demanded your attention. That force was the 6'8'', vampirish baritone, Peter Steele. The dude had a voice like no other. His croon could scare small children and moisten crotches from miles away. Read his lyrics. Peter Steele was a poet, a comedian, a historian and one goddamned gifted lyricist. He was truly one of a kind.

"I never got the chance to meet Peter, but did know a few people who were close to him.

"During an interview for his band SEVENTH VOID, TYPE O guitarist Kenny Hickey was hardly at a loss for stories about his front man. Though not the focal point of the conversation, I remember the laughter that would follow any anecdote Kenny shared about Peter. The same rang true for many other people I've talked to that have encountered Mr. Steele. Be it fan, friend, musician or industry type, anyone that ever came across him seemed to take something from the experience. Whether his behavior erratic, comedic or anything in between, I got a laugh from every tale told.

"Like I said, I may not have known the man, but I loved his music and his passing will weigh on my heart; a sentiment which is surely echoed by the rest of fans.

"To Kenny, Johnny and Josh — I'm sorry for the loss of your friend and bandmate. May the music you created together live on as a tribute to him. We can only wonder what was coming next. To Peter's friends and family — I've lost enough people to know how annoying long, drawn out condolences can get, so I'll simply extend my deepest sympathies. And to Peter — thank you for sharing your music with us. You were a great songwriter and one hell of an entertaining performer. Wherever you are now, I hope it's a hell of a lot better then the place you left. Come back and see us sometime. You will be missed. You truly were one of a kind."
FROM SOILWORK:
We here in SOILWORK are all really big fans of DIO and were saddened by the tragic loss of this metal great earlier this year…we wanted to see what SMN fans though of DIO and of 2010, where so many other metal greats have passed on (like Peter Steele of Type O Negative).
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bombingcooper/sets/72157623264269526/show/with/4296594624/
VIDEO BELOW: TYPE O NEGATIVE: "EVERYTHING DIES" (COURTESY OF ROADRUNNER RECORDS):




Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal, RIP PETER STEELE-LOVE YOU TO DEATH-\m/ -l-
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