Type O Negative ended its run in 2010 with the death of its vocalist, Peter Steele. About the decision, the late singer’s bandmate, Johnny Kelly, told Sweden’s TV4 that the band ‘died with Steele‘ and the members didn’t have any interest in replacing him. But what happened to the frontman, who was getting ready to work on the follow-up to 2007’s ‘Dead Again’ at the time of his death?
The Vocalist’s Death
Peter Steele passed away on April 14, 2010, at 48 years old after days of battling flu in bed. Initially thought to be heart failure, it was later revealed that he died from sepsis due to diverticulitis.
Following his passing, the band’s publicist, Maple Jam Music Group, shared that Steele was living a healthier, sober lifestyle and was getting ready to create new music in a public statement. Still, some believed the singer’s long-time substance addiction was the reason behind the health problems triggering his death.
The Substance Abuse
Steele started using cocaine at 35 and often turned to alcohol, both before and during shows, so that he could deal with stage fear. This habit had a clear impact on his health, as he once mentioned having heart problems because of his dependence on drugs and alcohol.
On the other hand, the singer’s bandmate, Josh Silver, pointed out that he had heart issues from a young age, suggesting that his death might not be solely because of substance use. Loudwire reported his words as follows:
“Who knows if he died from all the drugs over the years or something else? He was diagnosed with the condition years and years ago, but if you take care of yourself and do the right stuff, it’s something you can live with for quite a while. There are plenty of 90-year-olds running around with it.”
The Effect Of Addiction On His Mental Health
Drugs and alcohol did have an impact on Steele’s mental health, though. In 2007, the late singer talked about struggling with paranoia as a result of his addiction.
That’s why, according to an interview in ‘Symphony For The Devil,’ his family stepped in to make him get treatment in Rikers Island and ‘the psych ward at Kings County Hospital’ in 2005 when he disappeared from the public eye with no explanation.
Tributes That Followed Steele’s Passing
Jeff Wagner touched upon this period in Steele’s biography, ‘Soul on Fire – The Life and Music of Peter Steele,’ in 2013. Meanwhile, several tribute events took place for the singer in the years following his passing.
Necrophagia dedicated the song ‘Trick R’ Treat (The Last Halloween)’ to the late singer’s memory, while Lacuna Coil wrote a track called ‘My Spirit’ to honor him.
Type O Negative members occasionally mentioned wishes for a tribute show for the late frontman but made no official announcements on the matter.
