A night dominated by the legendary Brooklyn doom/goth metal band Type O Negative that has its members venture off into party rock territory with Seventh Void and flocked with upstart bands (Dead Men Dreaming and Destrophy) who favor looks and flexing sweaty muscles over talent and creating mood.


DEAD MEN DREAMING - Pretty decent openers actually make the most of their extended time by singing randomly cheesy cover songs and actually making them work. They're onstage a bit too long, but the crowd doesn't seem to mind. A little more finesse and execution is needed for band and they may actually develop a following.... maybe! Set Grade: B-

SEVENTH VOID - the second-tier members of Type O Negative break away from the iron grip of frontman Pete Steele to produce a more rocking affair than the usual doom and gloom o the former band. Kenny Hickey does his best Chris Cornell impression at the mic while the rest of the band seem to follow along to a beat that is all their own. But there is no evidence to suggest that this venture is nothing more than just side project and will probably not be around once Type O eventually dissolves. They're typical for a rock band, but the change of pace away from Type O is a welcome one. Set Grade: B-

DESTROPHY - As good as these guys are, I can't help but wish for their set to end quickly so that Type O Negative can finally take the stage. From what I see, the band is pretty tight and the song aren't bad, but I just want to see the final act and go home already. No doubt the girls are digging the frontman, who plays like an amped-up James Hetfield but with sweaty muscled arms and none of the horrid tattoos. But in metal, looks don't matter much or make your band any better. Set Grade: B-

TYPE O NEGATIVE - Despite former Playgirl centerfold Pete Steele's shockingly overweight frame - complete with man-boobs! - members involved with other projects, and the absence of band keyboardist Josh Silver, the "Drab Four" (minus Silver) are still at the top of their game this evening. Even when the set tends to meander now and then, and quite often, they steer it back on course with some favorite cuts from albums past. The presentation is massive enough, decked out in green curtains and green lighting with the "circle around the minus" symbol that represents the band's moniker, and frontman/bassist Steele engages in some witty banter with the crowd and the briefly missing Kenny Hickey, who steps offstage to retrieve a new guitar but seems to be gone for minutes. Great moments come with show opener "Dead Again," the midway point of "Profits of Doom" and the epic encore of the 11-minute "Black No. 1". Set Grade: B+

AFTER THE SHOW

I personally got into some banter with Type O Negative/Seventh Void drummer Johnny Kelly about Facebook, and his reasoning behind it is simply retarded. He is not what you would call a bright guy. Hank Hell and Matt Brown of Seventh Void are gentlemen, and Pete Steele, aka Lurch, is.... quite a character! His sense of humor and wit is sharp and he seems to have answer for every question, no matter how ridiculous it may be. At one point, I ask him if there are plans for another Playgirl spread, to which he quickly replies: "Once is enough." And truthfully, at this point in his life, who would want to see an out-of-shape, fat and old Pete Steele naked?

Show Grade: B

So, you got the opportunity to meet Peter Steele and the best question you have for him is "Are there plans for another Playgirl spread?".

Sorry but I don't even know how to respond to that.

LOL! It was actually meant to be a joke question in keeping with Steele's fucked-up, out-to-lunch, sense of humor. Personally, I'm indifferent to it. I think my best question for him was: "Why aren't you banging those whores on the bus?" And he told me he's on the phone with his girlfriend! OUCH!

did silver leave the band?

Nope. Pete told me he's training to be a paramedic, which is why he's not a part of this tour. As far as he knows, Silver is still in the band.

You ask the best questions.