Prior to performing in concerts held all over the world, Peter started out a regular guy doing what regular guys do when they love to play music -- he and his childhood friends got together and formed Northern Lights and Hot Ice. Along with neighborhood friends, Josh, John and Dennis, the quad recreated cover songs of their favorite bands -- playing at neighborhood block parties and festivals -- attracting a following of friends, family and local fans.
For several years, the band played at the street fair, but one year, the electric was accidently turned off just before the guys were supposed to play. There was a crowd filled with friends like Lauren, Billy, Susan, Gary, Nancy and many other friends from East 15th & East 18th Streets. More than 100 people were chanting and screaming because they waited all day in the sun to see their friends play.
One of Peter's brothers in law, Johnny, decided that he could wire the band's equipment into the street lamp next to the stage. It saved the day and the band played their song list before the local area politicians decided to unplug and shut off the power to the band. I was young, but I remember my sister, cousins, aunts, uncles and Pete's parents sitting by the stage, singing along and clapping for Pete and the guys. I had a secret crush on two band members, but ultimately I was there to cheer on my favorite ... Peter.
This picture is from the 18th Street block party down the street from his home
sugar pink candy lips... sigh
ReplyDeleteWhat a great memory.
ReplyDeleteGreat story! Thank you for starting the blog and sharing your great photos and memories!
ReplyDeleteAmanda
He Really loved making music!! Which truly shows! Such Talent. <3
ReplyDeleteThat's innovation there! Great story.
ReplyDeleteWhat bands did they cover? Do you remember?
ReplyDeleteI'm going to take a shot in the dark and go with The Beatles, Pink Floyd, and Black Sabbath.
I remember in an interview, Peter said something along the lines of "Type O Negative is kind of like a mix between Black Sabbath and Pink Floyd.... Stink Floyd.".
I'm not sure if those were the exact words used but I remember that Floyd, Sabbath, and especially The Beatles were always cited at major influences.
Hi:
ReplyDeleteI am a fan of Type O Negative and was shocked, saddened, and hurt by the loss of Peter. I was fortunate enough to see him play his last concert with the band on October 31, 2009. Little did I know this would be the last time I saw him perform live. He looked so good onstage; and sounded better than ever. His music and lyrics touched me in so many ways and changed my life for the better. Peter, through his music, taught me that it is okay as a man to show my emotions; its okay to express myself. I still can't believe he is gone; and can not imagine the loss that you, his family, is experiencing. I'm not sure if you believe in God; but I do. And I believe God always takes his favorites first. Peter was a special person who touch thousands of lives throughout the world; his job here was done and he was called home. I'm thankful that I got to see him perform so many times and also for the great memories and music I will always have!
Mike
Very cool story ! thanks for sharing the memories and pictures of a star-to-be !
ReplyDeleteBrent asked what songs Hot Ice and Northern Lights played? My sister and I talked about this last night. Peter's life long influences were Beatles, Sabbath, Zepplin, Deep Purple. We remember hearing them play Smoke on the Water, Iron Man, Eleanor Rigby and other songs of that 70s era.
ReplyDeleteIs that Josh on the keyboards in bottom photo?
ReplyDeleteHe was beautiful even with "highschool hair"... sigh.
ReplyDeleteTo the Ratajczky family,
ReplyDeleteI have currently been going through a rough time trying get a house for my family. Listening to Peter's music even now makes me feel better. He sings his soul out and it helps my soul let it all out to. I love all the family pictures you have posted. It is so interesting to so where such an amazing artist like Peter got his roots from (family and musical) and my husband enjoys reading this as well. Thank you again for sharing all of this about Peter. God bless all of you and Peter.
----Jessica (Black Number 1)
thanks again for this story :)
ReplyDeleteTo the eagle-eyed commentator - Yes, that's Josh by the keyboards with the orange shirt. He's standing with either Billy or Gary - two friends from the neighborhood.
ReplyDeleteThanks again for reading and commenting.
It's amazing reading all your wonderful memories of the man we all loved so much : ) I can't tell you how much it is helping me and I'm sure countless others to come to terms with Peter's death....but I really do hope more than anything that it is helping you and your lovely family. Hugs from England. Mel xxxx
ReplyDeleteAre there any home videos of these community performances?
ReplyDeletewhat a wonderful story, thank you so much for sharing. Way to go brother-in-law Johnny, it must have taken some courage and a lot of know how to do that wiring... sounds vaguely dangerous! lol!
ReplyDeleteWonderful picture too, thanks so much.
To the Ratajczyk Family,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing your personal memories with us! I have gotten many chuckles and smiles from these glimpses into Peter's younger life. Type O Negative was, and still is, a huge part of my life. I've been a fan for over 17 years. I was fortunate to have seen them play many times. The last concert I saw was in Oct. 2009. Peter looked great and sounded even better! I am still finding it hard to believe that he is gone and that I will never see a Type O show again, but Peter will live on in the hearts and minds of his family, friends and fans. His music lives on and I play it proudly! Thank you again for sharing. It means a lot to me!