Rumors surfaced last night that Type O Negative front man, Peter Steele, born Petrus T. Ratajczyk in 1962, had died of heart-failure, but fans and media weren’t ready to jump on the news, considering that Steele faked rumors of his own death a few years ago as part of a publicity stunt. Steele was 48-years-old.

The band’s manager, Mike Renault, confirmed the rumors this morning in an email, stating: “Peter passed away last night. As of now it appears to have been heart failure.”

Since the news was confirmed, the band re-opened the forum on their official website so fans and friends could gather to share their thoughts and memories. Hundreds of fans have also been leaving comments on the band’s MySpace page, in loving memory of Steele.

Well known for his deep voice, dark sense of humor and intense appearance, Steele was often referred to as a ladies man during the height of the band’s success in the 1990s. He also appeared on an old episode of Jerry Springer titled “Sexy Groupie Girls,” where he talked about his experience with groupie fan girls and his decision to appear naked in Playgirl magazine.

It is a dark day for music fans all over the world, as Peter Steele will be greatly missed by all who knew and knew of him. Personally, I am heartbroken.