Man, talk about people that I hate to see leave the music world. Peter Steele, the lead vocalist and bassist of the heavy metal band Type O Negative, has passed away at age 58. Steele was the tall, burly and intense leader of the band who had formed them during the early 1990s, after having flitted from band to band before then. The band, known for their heavy, intense and somewhat haunting sound and their heavily neo-pagan lyrics with songs such as “Be My Druidess,” and the lyrics in “Everyone I Love Is Dead”, won’t be the same without Steele as the backing force.

Sadly, it was Kenny Hickey and Johnny Kelly’s major spokesperson who had to confirm the news to the media world that he had passed away. From what they know so far, it seems that heart failure was the cause, and he slipped away last night. As a major symbol and role model to metal bands out there, this was a big loss, and has rocked the music world. Mistress Juliya, a major hostess for Fuse, and their record label, SPV/Steamhammer Records, have both expressed condolences. It’s doubtful that that’s all the condolences we’ll see.

Steele passed on April 14th, but initially it was difficult to get confirmation of his death.  In 2005, a leaked promotional picture featuring a tombstone with Steele’s name and the dates 1962-2005’ printed on it as part of a publicity stunt to promote Type O Negative’s latest album lead fans to believe that Steele had died.    Both Steele and the band were known for having a macabe and morbid sense of humor, making it hard to verify if this was just another publicity stunt.

Unfortunately for all of us, this time it is no stunt.  We have all lost a great rocker.  May he rock forever with the Metal Gods.