Vocalist and bassist of Type O Negative, Peter Steele, passed away yesterday at the age of 48. The cause of death is still unknown.

Steele was born Petrus T. Ratajczyk on January 4, 1962 in Brooklyn, New York. He was frontman of Type O Negative since it’s beginning in 1990, and has since released seven studio albums with the band. He was also a member of the metal group Fallout and another group Carnivore.

Steele suffered from depression and drug abuse in the ’90s, which was only made worse by his rise to fame. Steele was incarcerated in Riker’s Island and King’s County Hospital, apparently due to his substance abuse. In 1995, Steele notoriously posed nude for Playgirl magazine, which he described as a “naive publicity stunt.”

Steele always identified himself as an Atheist, but in 2007 he began identifying himself as Roman Catholic. Going through a mid-life crisis made him realize his mortality and he began hoping that there really was a God. Back in 2005, there were rumors of Steele’s death, however this time the reports are said to be true due to a confirmation by Steele’s band mate, Kenny Hickey.

Steele was best known for his immense height of 6’7 and bass-heavy voice. Our condolences to Steele’s family, friends, and fans.

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