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Hipsters Out Of Metal!, This Sucks

PETER STEELE, 1962 – 2010

 Thursday, April 15th, 2010 at 8:33am by

Last night, it only took a second to figure out that Peter Steele was really important to me. That much was evident once KNAC confirmed rumors of Steele’s death of heart failure. The next ten minutes must’ve been alarming to my neighbors as I stomped around, loudly cursing the fact that I’ve never spoken to Steele about his music. I’ve never even fucking seen Type O Negative in concert. I love that goddamn band. And Steele was its soul and voice.

After the tantrum, resignation set in and I stared at a wall, trying to figure out where I went wrong. In no mood for self-deception, I explained to um myself that being a lazy cheapskate is an easy lifestyle, but not one that leads to rewarding experiences. I should’ve been at those shows. I realize this now. But it’s too late and now Type O Negative as we know it is over. Peter’s parting gift to me is the knowledge that I suck.

It shames me to admit this, but he was a joke to me for years. It’s kinda justified. This woman-hating muscle guy who’s actually really sensitive and writes songs about a nun wanting to bang Jesus? The metal guy who did Playgirl? And Jerry Springer?! All that shit kept me from his music.

And of course, we all agree that his sense of humor could be, um, problematic? I’m now armed with a better grasp of Steele’s sensibilities, but at a glance, some statements were eminently misunderstandable. Or maybe he gave us too much credit. Either way, I wrote him off.

Even when I accidentally heard “Christian Woman” — and LOVED it — I never bothered to seek out Type O records. Real smart.

Finally, in 2005, I had a good feeling about Life Is Killing Me and copied it from a friend. Suddenly, in my mind, Peter Steele the character was nut-kicked by Peter Steele the musician. How could I have doubted this guy? With him as leader, Type O Negative extracted the best parts of Black Sabbath and stapled on truly Beatle-esque melodies and harmonies. Even with somewhat indifferent production, and the occasional wanton lyric, Type O’s records never failed to deliver a singular experience — despite such recognizable influences as the aforementioned. It’s as though the band not only drew from those bands but, miraculously, also matched their skill level. And that is the goddamn gospel truth.

In the blink of an eye, Type O changed in my estimation from an enduring, cartoonish cult band to Sunday headliner at the music festival of my heart. Judging from the reception to LIKM‘s tardy follow-up, Dead Again, I wasn’t alone in my awe for their awesomeness. This is why Steele’s shenanigans, gaffes, and incarceration did nothing to curb interest in the band. And this is why it is horrible that he is gone.

-ADF

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  • Blaz

    This is truly sad news. RIP Peter Steele.

  • slice two

    I used to go see Type O in Philly every Halloween. They’re some of my favorite memories of Halloween. Steele was always a hilarious frontman on stage, occasionally throwing fruit and milk at the crowd. T.O.N.’s music has always been a great time. It’s sad to see Steele go, especially from something as uncontrollable as a heart failure. Type O will always be remembered and will always be on my playlist.

    • Mike

      Well you know, that heart failure was most likely due to his reckless and constant drinking and drug use.

      • slice two

        good point. haha. although i do remember hearing that he quit a lot of that and was gettin’ all healthy and catholic!

        • King Cheezit

          Getting healthy doesn’t mean the damage hasn’t been done though, I hope a lot more of these guys realize this so more bands will be around longer. RIP Peter, Type O Negative will always be more than a blood type to me.

  • Reznik

    Compeltely shock and sadden,I’m such a huge type O fan!” rest in peace pete

  • Lordassenfroth

    This destroys any shred of happiness i had reserved today, he was one of my biggest influences since bloody kisses came out. I cant believe this shit. REST IN MOTHER FUCKING PIECE PETER STEELE YOU FUCKING RULE!

    • Ares

      I just can’t believe this either. The band that combined my two favorite genres, Metal and goth, lost their absolutely irreplaceable singer. Well, he recently became a christian, so if there really is an invisible kingdom in the sky, that’s where he is. This has been a horrible day.

  • nolavann

    Seen ‘em twice, in Georgia, He used to say he was from the South- South Brooklyn. Type O’ pulled me through some hard times. Pete battled himself, He knew it. I miss you much already Brother. Your Musicianship was second to none. Fuck he was the reason I started playing Bass Guitar Period. What a Fucking Day. Youre in my Prayers Pete, and again always on my playlist. Love you Brother!!!!

  • Ziv F

    Peter Steele dying of heart failure is pretty ironic and i’m sure he would’ve approved.
    I vividly remember sun drenched days, listening to Bloody Kisses and later to the epic October Rust on the Walkman on the way to school, Type-O have always been the doomiest of the gothsters, yet was somehow perfect to listen to in the summer. I think it’s due time that i’ll finally start listening to their more recent discography, but first thing’s first – it’s a good time to listen to ‘Love You to Death’ for a few hours in repeat.
    Goodbye Steele.

    P.S. even here, Anso’s writing style manages to be annoying as hell. we get it, you never really write about other people, in truth you’re only really comfortable writing random anecdotes about yourself. but don’t you think this should have been an exception?

    • Kuranes

      Agreed: if this is a eulogy for Peter Steele it’s not a very good one. (Or did you think I’d be to stupid to know what a eugoogly was?)

  • http://www.omimetal.wordpress.com The Greys

    This is sad news. I got into TON when they released the awesome “October Rust.” I’ve been a fan ever since and have seen the band three times. They were terrific each time, even when Steele was sick and had to do half of one show sitting down. He always seemed like a really nice guy to me, at least from the stage: He ended every show I attended by telling the crowd, “without you, we’re nothing.”

    I thought they were done after “Life is Killing Me,” but they completely blew me away with “Dead Again,” which I think it their best album.

    Damnit, this is terrible. RIP, Peter.

  • http://iheartguitarblog.com Peter Hodgson

    Great post, well said. I had the pleasure of interviewing him in 1999 and he was even cooler and nicer than I could have hoped. He will be missed.

  • BetterThanEzra

    LOVING YOU IS LIKE LOVING THE DEAD!!! R.I.P.

    • michelle

      Those very lyrics came to my head when I heard this horrible news. I also never got the chance to see TON, mostly due to not finding out they were in town ’till it was too late for me to buy tickets and also being broke.

  • VLAD

    This is a very sad day for metal, back when I was 16, I was so captivated by Peter vocals and Type Of became Negative was one of my first and favorite metal bands, thanks for all those years of metal, may your soul rest in peace.

  • nick

    I got to see the band 15 times since 1996 till last year and I got to meet Peter. For anyone that followed the band all those years it was not shock that he died. They went from one of the best live bands I ever saw to a band in which the singer could barely stand and mumbled through all the words. He went from a muscle bound maniac to a fat man in such a short period of time. Its sad what happened to him, but I guess all those depressed lyrics weren’t just a show, he really was the man he was singing about.

    • Matt K

      Agreed. They were absolutely amazing back in the day. The Halloween shows in Philly were simply mind blowing. The last time I saw Type O was maybe 2 years ago at Irving Plaza and it was a sad sight. Pete was clearly not healthy. It’s a damn shame because I absolutely loved that band. Pete was a great personality and I will truly miss him.

  • Driven9

    sad news. but it doesn’t hide the fact that Type-O sucked balls

    • http://www.omimetal.wordpress.com The Greys

      Classy. Thanks for your worthless input. Now why don’t you go find something tall and jump off?

    • nolavann

      The second sentence you typed doesnt hide the fact YOU suck balls.

    • http://www.facebook.com/people/Richard-Dopey-Donahue/1364170889 Richard Dopey Donahue

      Wow. You really are a cocksucker, aren’t you. No respect man.

      • stu1

        No respect and no taste

    • happysam

      There’s ALWAYS someone who says this whenever anyone dies. Asshole.

      • thedynasty

        you guys are probably just getting pissy over him saying that because you probably liked Type O. If someone from some band that no one liked died, everyone would be like “oh yeah fuck that guy, no care ever, van flip, derp derp.”

        • nolavann

          I wouldnt talk any of the guys from SOAD if any of those they died.. and i completely hate their fucking music.. Same goes for Fred Durst. But aside from that you can go fuck yourself too r5dfuck.

          • thedynasty

            no u

          • nolavann

            punk ass bitch

  • Dr schwine-hoot

    Sad new indeed. I couldnt believe it, searched for an hr this morning just to make sure it was real. Glad i got to see em live twice. And just last October for their Halloween show. Type o Does not get enough credit for how Fucking good of songs they write. They are truly masters of melody, when listening with friends i always say they have the best bridges ever, make u cripple in the knees( if u like the melody thing) And their recent records even brought a prog vibe in, just the way they structure their songs. Peete u are the “Man” of Frontmen, RIP brother…. HALLOWEEN IN HEAVEN!

    • http://www.last.fm/user/opeth027 Kyle

      My vehicle was stolen at that Harpos Halloween show in Detroit last October… But totally (well, kinda…) worth it for me to finally see Type O live (and the vehicle was recovered eventually, so just temporary suckiness)! I think I actually got all of that show on video but haven’t had a chance to watch it since then; I’ll definitely have to look into that now!

      R.I.P. Peter
      “OH GOD I’M DEAD AGAIN!”

  • yetzer hara

    this is awful news. as someone who’s been a fan since the “bloody kisses” days, and someone who was at the record store waiting for it to open the day that “october rust” came out, this is really shocking to me. RIP pete. i’m glad i got to listen to your music and glad i got to see TON play a bunch of times.

  • Chimp 0 Neg

    I knew this name would have meaning one day

  • Fufkin

    R.I.P – a true original

  • ferris

    Fly the flag for Pete by donating blood. Type O negative is a universal donor., can be used by anybody. Giving blood is metal as F**k.

    • malwar

      it’s a good sentiment and i’m sure Peter would approve, but type-o negative is also the only blood type that doesn’t show up in sperm samples, making rape all the easier. guess which one he chose it for?

  • yetzer hara

    another thing i just thought of is the massive amounts of tail type o negative got me from the mid 90′s through early aughts. i can’t think of any other metal band that was quite the panty-dropper that type o negative was.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/William-Morley/618112437 William Morley

    RIP

  • bassmcqueen

    Definitely need to rock out to some Type O and Carnivore today

  • Hammer_Smashed_Hurtt

    This sucks.

    R.I.P Pete.

    To Stacey…”Fucking you was LIKE FUCKING THE DEAD!”

  • Aaron R A

    This is perhaps the worst news EVER. This really, really fucking sucks.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Rob-Kurkjian/1238131077 Rob Kurkjian

    Damn I loved Perter Steele. He seemed like a wicked chill dude RIP

  • Pescarojo

    The first Carnivore was one of the key records of my youth. RIP Peter Steele

  • Mr. Censored

    What a drag. There was nobody else like Peter and the world will never be the same without Type O Negative. Bloody Kisses and October Rust are two classics that I will forever spin until the end of time.

    “Everything Dies.” R.I.P. Pete

  • canea

    live fast, die young. RIP

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Tim-Ledin/1234800512 Tim Ledin

    I’m in the same boat as Anso…. I didn’t really start to like Type O until maybe 2005-06 and never went to go see them. I am deeply saddened by the loss of another great metal musician today. Rest in Peace Peter, we will all see you soon.

  • Metalguy

    I heard the rumors at 12:30 on metal injection and didn’t get to sleep till nearly 3 listening to old type0 and carnivore. He will be missed

  • http://myspace.com/stixnstond666 StixnStoned in L.A.(Now In O.C.)

    wow…. what a blow! My condolences to the Steele Family & all at the TON camp. I with you in saying i fucked up & never got to see them. So many opportunites to do so, & didnt take the chance. Hard to say Im a big fan without having gone to a show but I really loved thier music & the themes they portrayed. Their darkness will always have special place in my mind.

    CHEERZ TO YOU MY FRIEND – NONE MORE NEGATIVE @ )-`,—-

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/EastCoast-Steffie/617554438 EastCoast Steffie

    Lay your head down, for the last time Pete. I’m so grateful I saw them in Worcester last fall. RIP.

  • John

    This is horrible news

  • Skullkrusher

    This was horrible news to wake up to! I always wanted to see Type O live, but never had the opportunity. RIP Pete. I’m definitely gonna jam to some TON through school today.

  • Kuranes

    That is really sad. I was a HUGE Type O fan back in the nineties and still love them to this day. They had a great sense of humor and a totally unique style. I got to seem them a few times – first in Toronto and then in San Diego and they did not disappoint live. Rest in peace.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Nordic-Frost/1604862322 Nordic Frost

    man..this sucks..when i was in high school i was given october rust and a lil green bag. that day changed my life

  • Phil Anshlomo

    Wow, what a huge loss for metal. May the good dude watch over you, Pete.

  • mahkiavelli

    Shit, and “Dead Again” was such a return to form for them. RIP Peter…

  • DD

    RIP Peter. I like you regret not seeing them when I had the chance. It really is a shame that we only realize that someone was important only when we lose them.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Mika-W/713920226 Mika W

    And yet fucking keith richards is still alive and shooting up as I type this…….. Fuck you kevin federine

    • http://www.facebook.com/people/Mark-James-Irwin/612231572 Mark James Irwin

      It’s common knowledge that all the shitty people in the world are allowed to go on and all the great people have to be taken from us. That’s why you see assholes like Brokencyde or Justin Bieber still making music.

      RIP Peter Steele, I never really listened to much of Type O Negative but this is still tragic regardless.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Richard-Dopey-Donahue/1364170889 Richard Dopey Donahue

    This is more than the loss of a great musician, but a personality as well. It’s ironic how he quit drinking, drugs, etc and was trying to clean his life up and he dies. I’ve been a TON fan for years and finally saw them on Jagermeister Tour in New Orleans back in 2008 with Hatebreed and 3 Inches of Blood. Needless to say, They stole the show and I was hoping for new record, tours, etc. but unfortunately, that will not happen now. That period of my life was the happiest of my entire life and Mr. Steele and Company helped that alot. R.I.P. brother, your music will live in forever.

  • SouthFL Infidel

    This sucks beyond suck. I was about 13 when I heard Christian Woman on the radio and have been a fan ever since. One of probably my top 3 metal bands and one of my fav. bands in general ever (according to my Zune profile, I listen to TON more than anything else). I was really hoping to see them live, especially after seeing the interview that was posted here a little while ago about him finding religion and kicking the booze/drugs and finally being able to actually perform well on stage again. At least it seemed like he was beginning to find some sort of peace before he left, so there’s that to be thankful for. I was feverishly awaiting a new album and it sucks that we won’t get it…but that’s just me being selfish. RIP Peter Steele and God bless his family and friends. One of the most original bands I’ve ever heard and one of the most unique musicians/songwriters/composers/characters I’d ever seen. Nobody is like Type O Negative, and there will never be another guy like Pete.

  • SouthFL Infidel

    I’d also like to say that it’s fortunate Johnny and Kenny have the Seventh Void thing going, and Josh did the smart thing a while back and starting training to be an emt/paramedic (and is a killer musician in his own right). Good to know these guys have something else to support their families.

    • Ares

      This is just so unnecessary, like, why did HE have to die? And Fred Durst and Marilyn Manson get to live? I kind of feel like Anso right now, in that I never got to see them live or anything. It makes no sense, but their pioneering Black Sabbath meets Sisters of Mercy sound will always be important to me as a musician. R.I.P. you metal soldier.

  • http://www.philistineonthesidewalk.net Kodiak

    Sorry to hear this – Bloody Kisses was a favorite of mine growing up and watching them live when they opened for Pantera back in ’95 was a trip, especially with Peter’s metal chain bass strap and the way they played that night (great). It was one of their birthdays too (either Josh or Kenny) and they plowed the guy with cake on stage. Good times.

    RIP Peter, you were something else and definitely an influence on my own music.

  • http://myspace.com/theswampzombiecult Blake

    In my junior year of high school, I played Type O Negative’s cover of “Summer Breeze” on the tape deck in class. My teacher, who was a huge Seals & Crofts fan, complained that she couldn’t even tell it was the same song. I didn’t care.

    Later on, my (now-defunct) band had the privilege of opening for Type O Negative on the Jagermeister MusicTour in Portland in 2008. Peter was a genuinely nice guy to everyone he met, even though I heard they pissed off Hatebreed for partying backstage. To be that close to the band as they ripped through classics I grew up with was an awesome experience.

    RIP, Peter. I’ve declared today Type O Negative day in the office.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Keith-Brown/537636633 Keith Brown

    I’m not as religious as most, but I’m still going to pray for him. God Bless Peter Steele

  • Steph

    I love that his beard up there looks just like the Type O logo. And obviously this is horrible, I know I’ll probably burst into tears the next time I hear one of his songs. He was an incredible songwriter and hopefully more people will now realise that. Rest in Peace.

  • wtfhax

    Absolutely one of the worst losses the metal community has suffered in the last 10 years. I’d put this above Quorthon and Dimebag, probably even above Chuck Schuldiner.

    It’s hard to measure the impact Pete and his lyrics had on the metal/rock community, but I have a feeling it’ll be known in the months to come.

    I remember back in 2007, I missed Celtic Frost on a tour here in KS and it made me really upset because that was their last US tour. Now it’s makes me even more upset, because they were opening for Type O Negative. What a monstrous show that must’ve been.

    RIP Pete, you got me through a lot of shit, and you helped a lot of people.

    Please don’t dress in black
    When you’re at his wake
    Don’t go there to mourn
    But to celebrate

  • Will

    NO!!!!!!! no no no…….I never got to see Type O Negative in concert either….. :’-(
    oh this is so sad….

    RIP Peter….May the Summer Breeze carry you home….

  • hugo

    R .I . P. , i got the luck to saw type o negative on concert open for pantera , was an amazing joy ,

  • Kazz

    This is really awful news.

    Type O was one of the first metal bands I got into, and one of my favorite bands to this day. A huge loss for music and it seems like the loss of a really cool dude as well. Despite how he lived in the past, it’s still surprising, considering how he’d apparently cleaned himself up more recently.

    R.I.P. Pete

  • Grymmbear

    I never got to see TON live (my sister did, and I hate her for it MORE now), but they were a fave of mine.

    Listening to “September Sun” now, and it takes on a whole new meaning.

    RIP and thank you, Pete.

  • GayHateMachine

    Awful news.

  • Tacoloft

    RIP Peter. Thanks for the music – you will be missed.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Sean-Anderson/100000003403096 Sean Anderson

    Type O Negative and Carnivore- probably the singlemost important musical influences of my life. 1994 I believe, saw them at the El-N-Gee club in New London, CT on Halloween (Christian Death opened and were laughed off the stage). Most of my personal tragedies and crisis framed in the sound of October Rust.

    So for Peter Steele, play a track and tick the volume up a few.

  • missy

    All the things that kept you from the music,are the things that made Pete who he was.
    Everyone says their an old fan,but I saw him in Carnivore at CBGBs ,before Type O ever formed. I saw them with Sal on the drums.
    I saw all those old shows at L’Amours in Brooklyn,that were so amazing,you would not believe it.
    I have pictures of him from those shows too.
    Before the weight lifting ,before jail,before any of it.
    I can tell you,Petes posing for Playgirl got their songs pulled from stations like K Rock,who alleged to be so hip…..
    Pete,and all of Type O ,cowtoed to no one.They remained true to themselves,as close a brothers,and loyal to their own.
    That says A LOT,for any band,that can make it,let alone a band that did it on their own terms,and never peed on anyone for a break…..as some very famous bands,are only famous because of a few chords,and a few golden showers.
    No one is sin free or perfect,but as far as truely being worthy of keeping their fans,being cool with everyone,never forgetting the little people,depite any fame or success….Type O ,Pete,Johnny,Kenny,Josh……are those guys.
    I will miss Pete and Type O,desperately.
    Xxoo
    Love,Missy

  • brian roach

    Ok Missy in above comment has me beat but I saw them at a small club in Staten Island, probably before ‘Bloody Kisses’ came out, and they were amazing, and even then, Pete’s charisma was undeniable. Also saw them with Overkill and Biohazard. Haven’t kept up with the new stuff, and sad to hear that Pete had let his demons get the best of him, but he was a wonderful man and Type O was an incredible band, very, very, very sad…

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Mike-Bishop/571220161 Mike Bishop

    this sucks if ever there was good depression music it would be this and early NIN but i always spun TON over all i feel honored to have seen them back in the atlanta

    R.I.P Steele

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Jger-Wolf/1416679109 Jäger Wolf

    Fuck. Not only that, I guess I wont be seeing Carnivore either. :{

  • Tim P.

    awful news.

    the guy was one-of-a-kind, and for better or worse, people like him are the most valuable things in our world.

    thank you Peter for everything.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Stacey-Hager/100000884817623 Stacey Hager

    Have listened to them since 1998. Have every record since Bloody Kisses. Got to meet them and see them play. A piece of my youth is gone. Rest easy Pete..you are missed.

  • thelump

    Are his eyes really that color? Man that is awesome

  • Phil Anshlomo

    this is the song that got me hooked on Type O. an oft-forgotten classic.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXILmM_mCeg

  • RIP

    I hate to be insensitive, I did enjoy ToN

    but you gotta say it

    “I Can’t believe i died last night”

    RIP Peter

  • nihil

    I truly hope he was at peace…

    To quote another gone genius:

    “We live in a world where great men are murdered in their prime while mediocre hacks thrive and proliferate.” -Bill Hicks

  • WowWee!

    Damn he wasn’t even that old RIP Peter Steele you left us with some great music and memories.

  • SourDeez

    This fucking sucks.
    (His death, not the article)

  • tall_ted

    This is a bummer. I saw these guys many times in college and enjoyed every fucking show. Pete was cool to me the one time I met him, even though I was some annoying stoned kid bugging him during an opening band’s set.

  • Ross

    Dammit! It was a dream of mine to see Type O on a Halloween show sometime in my life. I’m thankful for the one time I DID get to see them live…they related and spoke to the crowd so much that night. An amazing experience, an amazing band, and an amazing frontman. He will very much be missed.

  • Aaron

    You never know when your idols are going to pass. That’s why you have to go see live music while you can! I’ve missed too many show because I have work the next day or I’d rather spend the money on something dumb. See bands live while you can!!!

  • Metal Fuckin’ Dave

    This really fucking bums me out. I remember listening to Christian Woman in high school and thinking “now what the fuck is THIS!?”. I’ve been a fan ever since. No way they can go on without Steele. No way they SHOULD go on without him.

  • http://www.gravatar.com/avatar/62449cbe5ea8d22bcc2e76890fceaa37.png Lord Bling

    October Rust is still my favorite of theirs. It helped me through some tough times, and listening to it even now is a little painful because of the connections I’ve made to it. But I still do bust it out from time to time.

    The more I think about Peter being gone, the more it bums me out. So I’m gonna try not to think about it.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Andrew-Sterner/1335958279 Andrew Sterner

    In regards to the him being in Playgirl, Peter was a bit naive, and thought playgirls was mainly read by women, not gay men. See “I like Goils” for his reaction to learning the truth.

    RIP Brother, you’ll be missed on this little sphere.

  • Gus

    I still cant believe Peter is gone. Just a week ago to the day, i was searching the web in hope of ” new album ” news. What a blow ! This band is one of my top 5 favorite bands, and without peter, Type O is no more. I am pissed off that a man with such talent has left us so early. Their unique style and sound compare to none. To me, all their albums are masterpieces in their own rite. I do consider myself to be a HUGE fan and feel very lucky to have seen them 3 times here in los angeles. First Dimebag and now you ! Guys, lets not make this a habbit . Hey Peter, where ever you find yourself, i do hope you find what your looking for. The hard part is over my friend. . . .R.I.P. PETER STEELE. . .we will always love you man.