JOHNNY KELLY Talks TYPE O NEGATIVE, PETER STEELE, And More On The Loaded Radio Podcast

Johnny Kelly From Sun Don't Shine, Quiet Riot, Silvertomb and Type O Negative on the Loaded Radio Podcast

Johnny Kelly has been a staple in the heavy music world for decades. Best known for his tenure as the drummer for Type O Negative, Kelly has kept himself incredibly busy over the years, working with Danzig, Quiet Riot, Kill Devil Hill, and more. On this week’s edition of The Loaded Radio Podcast, Johnny joins us to discuss everything from his time in Type O Negative to his thoughts on a potential Peter Steele tribute concert and what it would take to pull off such an event the right way.

🎧 Listen to the full episode at the bottom of this article! 🎧

A Drummer with a Legendary Resume

Johnny Kelly’s journey in the world of heavy music began in the early ‘90s when he took over drumming duties for Type O Negative following the departure of Sal Abruscato. From that point forward, Kelly remained behind the kit as the band rose to global fame with albums like Bloody Kisses (1993), October Rust (1996), and World Coming Down (1999).

With Peter Steele’s haunting vocals, gothic aesthetic, and darkly humorous lyricism, Type O Negative carved out a unique and irreplaceable space in the metal world. Their music blended elements of doom metal, gothic rock, and alternative metal, delivering some of the most memorable and genre-defying records of the era.

However, when Peter Steele tragically passed away in 2010, it marked the end of Type O Negative, with the surviving members making it clear that the band could not continue without their charismatic frontman.

But for Johnny, music was never something he could walk away from.

Since Type O Negative’s dissolution, Kelly has continued to be an in-demand drummer, performing with Danzig as his longtime touring drummer, stepping into the lineup of Quiet Riot, and working with Kill Devil Hill, Sun Don't Shine and Silvertomb (both of which feature Type O Negative guitarist Kenny Hickey).

Could a Peter Steele Tribute Concert Happen?

One of the biggest questions Type O Negative fans have asked over the years is whether a Peter Steele tribute concert could ever happen.

Would the remaining Type O Negative members reunite to honor their late frontman? Could we see special guests and legendary musicians take the stage to pay tribute to one of the most unique voices in metal?

When asked about the possibility of such an event, Johnny Kelly doesn’t rule it out—but makes it clear that it would have to be done right.

"It’s something that has come up before in conversations," he admits, noting that a tribute show would have to meet the incredibly high expectations of Type O Negative’s dedicated fanbase.

"You can't just throw something together. If it were to happen, it would have to be special. It would have to be something that really honors Peter’s legacy the way it deserves to be honored," Kelly explains.

It’s a topic that continues to stir excitement and specu