Metal, Hardcore, Indie, Rock
Former Type O Negative guitarist Kenny Hickey has revealed that the surviving members of the gothic metal band were offered a substantial amount of money to reunite for a single concert honoring late frontman Peter Steele. However, he believes the work required to put together a proper tribute would make a one-off show unrealistic.
Speaking on the HardLore podcast, Hickey confirmed that offers have continued to arrive since the band ended following Steele’s death in April 2010. Although the financial incentive was considerable, he explained that preparing the music and production would be too demanding for just one performance.
Hickey said the musicians would have to relearn the songs, design a suitable visual presentation and find performers capable of respectfully recreating Steele’s unique contributions. In his view, that effort would only make sense across multiple shows rather than a single date.
Finding the right musician to handle Steele’s parts would be a particularly difficult challenge. While Hickey acknowledged that there are singers who can imitate his former bandmate’s deep voice, he emphasized that Steele’s distinctive bass playing would be much harder to reproduce.
The guitarist therefore does not expect a reunion or tribute tour to happen in the immediate future. He nevertheless stopped short of ruling out a carefully organized memorial performance at some point, provided the circumstances and logistics made sense.
Another complication is the availability of former Type O Negative keyboardist Josh Silver. Hickey has previously said Silver has been reluctant to return to music after spending years working as a paramedic in New York City.
Hickey explained that Silver has always been someone who needs to be completely committed to a project before taking part. He suggested that Silver would have to speak for himself about his current position and said the situation might change in the future.
Previous conversations about a tribute have also involved drummer Johnny Kelly and the possibility of guest musicians taking on Steele’s vocal duties. No concert, lineup or dates have been confirmed.
Type O Negative became one of gothic metal’s most influential acts during the 1990s, blending doom-laden riffs, dark humor and atmospheric arrangements with Steele’s unmistakable voice. Albums such as “Bloody Kisses”, “October Rust” and “World Coming Down” helped establish the band’s enduring following.
The group’s music has also reached a new generation of listeners through social media and streaming platforms. Hickey recently said the band’s popularity has continued to grow long after its final studio album, “Dead Again”, was released in 2007.
While a live tribute remains uncertain, a previously recorded full-length Type O Negative concert is being prepared for an official release. Hickey has discussed a potential early-2027 release window, although no final date has been announced.
