UPDATE 4/15/10: Blabbermouth is now confirming the death of Peter Steele, after contacting Type-O keyboardist Josh Silver, who validated online speculation about his death. The band has also posted a statement on their official site that an official statement from the band and Peter's family will come later today.
UPDATE #2 4/15/10: SPV, Type-O's official label just 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.
Here is our original report, with some tributes added below it:
While nothing official has been released by the band, we are getting word that Type O Negative frontman Peter Steele died earlier today. Mistress Juliya confirmed the speculation by tweeting that she spoke to Type-O guitarist Kenny Hickey who confirmed it was of heart failure. He was 48 years old. Here are Juliya's two tweets:
Hatebreed frontman posted this tribute earlier today:
"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."
Biohazard frontman and fellow Brooklynite, Evan Seinfeld posted this on Twitter:
[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.
Inhuman frontman Mike Scondotto posted a lengthy tribute, here is an expert:
"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."
UPDATE 4/16/10: The remaining members of Type O Negative and Peter's family have released an official statement.
As soon as we have any more info, we will report on it. This is truly a bummer, as Peter Steele was somebody all of us here at Metal Injection were a fan of. Whether it's Type O or his previous band Carnivore, Steele always brought something unique to the table. Here is one of Type O's biggest hits, Black No. 1:
