With the legacy of Type O Negative continuing to grow 15 years after the passing of frontman Peter Steele, fans have long speculated about whether a tribute concert — or even a short run of shows — might materialize. Which makes sense given the absolutely insane amount of nostalgia around the group these days.
In a new interview with Loaded Radio's Scott Penfold, Hickey revealed that there have indeed been discussions about a potential tribute to Steele featuring the surviving members of Type O Negative: "There has, yes. A lot of people are approaching us. There are a lot of agents [contacting us]. There's money in it, so the more the value goes up, the more they're gonna hound us."
However, not everyone is on board—at least not yet. Keyboardist Josh Silver, who has spent years working as a paramedic in New York City, remains hesitant: "Josh is really, at this point, he's very resistant," Hickey admitted. "But we'll see. We don't know what's gonna happen. Josh is about to retire soon, so 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]."
When asked whether he's considered who might take the mic for such a tribute, Hickey said the idea still feels too abstract to seriously plan around: "No, no. It's a very hard thing to get my head around," he said. "If something really gets concrete, then I'll really start thinking about it and painting over it, because there's [also] the issue of the bass playing. [Peter's] bass playing was more unique than his vocals. Deep, baritone vocals — a lot of people with a deep voice could do that shit and roll your Rs… But his bass playing was very, very unique."
Back in February, Hickey had floated the idea of a small tribute run while speaking with the Talk Toomey podcast, saying: "I would do something like that, absolutely. Because at this point, the band seemed to transcend into a whole new generation and stuff. And I think it would be really cool to get a couple of key singers, real guys, or maybe one guy or whatever, to come and do it as a tribute… Maybe four or five shows, something like that. If we can get Josh to do it, yeah, [I'd be up for it]."
When pressed on whether Silver was "the sticking point" at the time, Hickey didn't hesitate: "Josh is just, like, he's done with music. He feels like he's moved on, but I don't know. We'll see. You get nostalgic after a time, you know what I mean? So you never know. You can never say never."
Still, Hickey draws a hard line at any notion of a true reunion without Steele: "People have approached us to try and reform the band with a singer and go on the road. 'Cause everybody wants a money grab," he said. "We personally don't think Peter is replaceable by anybody, and it just wouldn't work."
A tribute, though? That's different. "A tribute I'd love to do. I'm sure Johnny [Kelly, drums] would love to do it. I know Josh wouldn't do it, because Josh is picking up body parts in East New York. He's not gonna stop that to start rehearsing. But yeah, we would do it with guest musicians and stuff. If somebody had the idea and got it together and got the logistics together, sure — I would be into it."
