Friday, April 1, 2011

Peter Steele 1962 – 2010


April 15th, 2010 | Metal News
“I want to stay away from politics, or else I’ll probably end up putting my size fifteen foot into my mouth.” – Peter Steele
peter-steele
Rest in Peace, Gentle Giant
The rumors I saw on Twitter were true (because, it seems, Twitter never lies). Peter Steele, monolithic, charismatic frontman of gothic metal band Type O Negative has died. The band’s German label SPV/Steamhammer records released this 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.”
I am absolutly blown away by this news. I’d dug out some old Type O Negative records just last week, because I had reached a point in my novel where I needed to hear Pete’s voice. The languid dark beauty of Pete’s vocals has been a profound influence on my own work, and it saddens me the world has lost such a talented individual.
pete-steele-car
My husband, CDH, was the first person to introduce me to Type O Negative, which is odd considering I spent some time in the goth “scene” before I discovered metal. We made each other mixtapes of our favorite bands and he’s stuck “My Girlfriend’s Girlfriend” and “Be My Druidess” on there, and I fell in love.
Pete stood 6.7 feet tall, played the double bass like a guitar, and had a voice that shook the floor you walked on. He will be sorely missed.
Tributes are already making their way online:
“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 … I will miss you, brother, my influence and adorable giant. We’ll meet again somewhere, someday.” – Christina Scabbia, Lacuna Coil
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.” – Mille Petrozza, Kreator
“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 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 and Kenny 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 … I just wanted to write something… I am in a bit of a shock, I guess…” – Mikael Akerfeldt, Opeth
“Peter Steele, a true icon, enigma, musical genius and hell of a nice man …” – Jason Myers, Icarus Witch
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an early Type O Negative photo shoot

To remember Pete

Sling the double bass over your shoulder and play like a guitar.
Make love on the full moon.
Wear platform shoes and talk in a baratone.
“I like to put on hardcore when I have to clean my apartment, which I hate to do, but it’s motivational. I like old heavy metal when I’m outside working on my car. Music has definite functions for me.” – Peter Steele.
Only speak when you have something witty and intelligent to add.
Hunt warewolves
Have a threesome
And listen to Type O Negative. That’s what I’m doing all day.
RIP Pete \m/
Steff Metal