Vassil Varbanov of Bulgaria's Tangra Mega Rock recently conducted an interview with TYPE O NEGATIVE frontman Peter Steele. An excerpt from the chat follows:

Tangra Mega Rock: In Internet-based sources like Wikipedia, for example, we can read that your real name is Peter Ratajczyk. Is this true?

Peter Steele: Let me just say one thing, ok? I do not mean to offend you, but... Fuck Wikipedia! May I speak freely, sir?

Tangra Mega Rock: Of course.

Peter Steele: I believe this is an extremely sad time in human history. With all this technology we have and all the knowledge we can gain through computers, people anonymously can destroy another person. By rumors. Excuse my language, but this is fucking disgusting!

Tangra Mega Rock: I also would like to ask you about the things that have influenced you the most. You know, a year ago we had the chance to talk to TYPE O NEGATIVE's keyboarder Josh Silver. He stated that no one can get better than PINK FLOYD...

Peter Steele: Let me just say that I feel that Josh made an extremely valid point. PINK FLOYD was a very emotional band, very passionate, and their feelings came through in their music. I do have to say that Josh was absolutely correct when he said PINK FLOYD... uh... What was the question?

Tangra Mega Rock: What has shaped you the most as a person while you were growing up — listening to music or reading books?

Peter Steele: Both, actually. I used to listen to a lot of BEATLES, BLACK SABBATH, AC/DC, DEEP PURPLE, but I also used to read a lot — mainly textbooks, as I was at school — like physics, chemistry, mathematics, blah-blah-blah... And just to get back to the point — I think that THE BEATLES and BLACK SABBATH were probably the two most profound influences on my songwriting.

Tangra Mega Rock: Do you believe in life after death?

Peter Steele: That is a very complicated question, very philosophical. I believe in God, I am a Roman Catholic, and I believe there is life after death.

Tangra Mega Rock: One more thing: Are you tired of being asked so many times about the reasons why you posed naked for Playgirl years ago?

Peter Steele: Actually... I mean, every question that you asked me, I lied about the answers!

Tangra Mega Rock: Ha-ha, cool, but anyway — are you tired of being asked about that photo session? We won't discuss that point, I promise.

Peter Steele: I did the Playgirl thing just because you wouldn't have a question to ask me right now. That was the motive — to give journalists something to ask the band about. Of course, I have succeeded.

The entire interview is available in text and audio formats at this location.