Imagine the roar of Type O Negative's iconic sound shaking arenas again, but with their legendary bassist and vocalist Peter Steele gone forever – could a tribute show bring that magic back? Fans of the gothic metal pioneers have been buzzing with hope and skepticism, and now guitarist Kenny Hickey is spilling the details in a heart-to-heart chat. But here's where it gets controversial: is cash the real driving force behind honoring a rock legend? Let's dive into the full scoop from a recent interview, unpacking every twist and turn while keeping things straightforward for newcomers to the band's gritty world.
In a candid sit-down with Scott Penfold from Loaded Radio, Hickey opened up about whispers of a tribute concert dedicated to Steele, the towering figure who defined the band's deep, brooding vibe. As reported by Blabbermouth.net (check out the full transcription here: https://blabbermouth.net/news/ex-type-o-negative-guitarist-kenny-hickey-confirms-there-have-been-talks-about-staging-peter-steele-tribute-concert), Hickey admitted that yes, conversations have indeed taken place. A flood of folks – from eager fans to slick promoters – are reaching out, driven by the allure of profit. 'There's money in it,' he explained bluntly, 'so the more the value goes up, the more they're gonna hound us.' It's a raw reminder that in the music biz, tributes aren't just about passion; they're big business, potentially turning grief into greenbacks.
Yet, not everything is lining up neatly. Keyboardist Josh Silver, a key part of the band's sonic tapestry, faces a major roadblock: his demanding full-time gig as a paramedic in bustling New York City. For those unfamiliar, paramedics are frontline heroes saving lives in emergencies, and Silver's commitment means he can't drop everything for a tour. But don't count it out just yet – Hickey shared a glimmer of optimism, noting that Silver is on the verge of retiring from his heroic day job. 'We'll see,' he mused. 'We don't know what's gonna happen. It all depends on how much money it's worth and how much is waved [in front of us].' This uncertainty adds layers to the story, highlighting how real-life obligations clash with rock 'n' roll dreams. And this is the part most people miss: even if schedules align, is it ethical to hinge a memorial on financial incentives? Some might argue it's a savvy way to celebrate Steele's legacy, while others could see it as exploiting tragedy for a payday.
When Penfold probed deeper, asking if Hickey had any singers in mind to step into Steele's massive shoes for this potential event, the guitarist revealed the challenge is daunting. 'No, no,' he replied. 'It's a very hard thing to get my head around.' He explained that if ideas start solidifying into real plans, he'd begin fleshing them out carefully. But here's the kicker: the real hurdle isn't just the vocals. Steele's bass work was a one-of-a-kind masterpiece – those thunderous, intricate grooves defined Type O Negative's sound more than his deep, rumbling voice. For beginners curious about metal history, think of Steele's bass as the heartbeat of the band, blending heavy riffs with melodic depth that few could replicate. Hickey pointed out that deep, baritone vocals are easier to mimic – plenty of vocalists can hit those low notes and roll their Rs with flair – but mastering Steele's bass style? That's the true unicorn. In past chats, Hickey has daydreamed about stars like Axl Rose from Guns N' Roses or Ann Wilson from Heart taking the mic, painting them as ultimate fantasy picks to channel Steele's powerhouse presence.
So, what's next for this tribute dream? The full interview is embedded below for your listening pleasure, packed with more insights into the band's enduring spirit.
[Listen to the full interview here – imagine the possibilities!]
As you ponder this, what do you think? Is a money-fueled tribute the best way to honor Peter Steele, or should it be purely about love for the music? And who'd you cast as the next Steele – Axl or Ann, or someone totally unexpected? Drop your thoughts in the comments; I'd love to hear agreements, disagreements, or wild ideas. Let's keep the conversation rocking!
