Rock singer and actor Meat Loaf, best known for his Bat Out of Hell albums and playing Eddie in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, has died at the age of 74. The star, who has had a tumultuous life littered with health issues, passed away after his family spent time with him during the last 24 hours. The man who was often described as being larger than life exploded onto the music scene later in life than most, and as someone who never set out to be a singer ended up making one of the biggest and most iconic records of all time with frequent collaborator, Jim Steinman, who himself only passed away last year. The singer’s family did not reveal the cause of death, but TMZ reported that a source claims the star became seriously ill with Covid and was forced to pull out of a business dinner just prior to his passing.
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A message on the star’s Facebook page read: “Our hearts are broken to announce that the incomparable Meat Loaf passed away tonight surrounded by his wife Deborah, daughters Pearl and Amanda and close friends. His amazing career spanned 6 decades that saw him sell over 100 Million albums worldwide and star in over 65 movies, including Fight Club, Focus, Rocky Horror Picture Show and Wayne’s World. Bat Out of Hell remains one of the top 10 selling albums of all time. We know how much he meant to so many of you and we truly appreciate all of the love and support as we move through this time of grief in losing such an inspiring artist and beautiful man. We thank you for your understanding of our need for privacy at this time. From his heart to your souls…don’t ever stop rocking!”
Meat Loaf Was A Unique Music Artist And His Biggest Hits Defied Categorizing
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Meat Loaf, who was born Marvin Lee Aday, had legions of fans both for his music and his acting work, the latter of which was always his first love. After appearing in numerous roles on stage, in productions such as Hair and The Rocky Horror Show, Meat Loaf became one of the most unlikely music stars in chart history, arriving a near ten-minute lead track that really didn’t fit in the world of punk rock and disco hits of the time, however, it would be the rock standard Bat Out Of Hell, the excessive story of a violent motorcycle accident, that would make him an instant rock legend.
Bat Out Of Hell is frequently cited as one of the biggest selling albums of all time, having racked up over 14 million sales and spent over 10 years on the U.K. Album Chart. Comprising of seven Steinman-penned tracks, the album played to the theatrical strengths of Meat, whose on stage tour performances frequently ended with the star needed oxygen and medical attention, and on more than one occasion led to him almost dying from exhaustion.
In the 1990s, after years of moderate European success in the wake of his monster debut, Meat Loaf defied all odds for a second time when he teamed up with Steinman again to release Bat Out Of Hell II: Back Into Hell, which produced the artists first and only number 1, the epic 12 minute track I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That). In 2006, Meat Loaf and Steinman collaborated for what would be their final work together, Braver Than We Are, and album that divided fans but clearly proved that there was always a certain magic between the two that brought out their best.
Away from music, Meat Loaf was a prolific actor, appearing in the movie version of The Rocky Horror Picture Show as well as having roles in Roadie, Spice World: The Movie, Leap of Faith, Fight Club, Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny, and he also guest starred in many TV series such as Monk, Masters of Horror, The Celebrity Apprentice, and his last two on screen performances in Elementary and as part of the main cast of Ghost Wars both in 2017.
In recent years, Meat was hit by a number of health issues, having collapsed on stage a number of times and undergone many surgeries for back problems that left him unable to perform and in pain for a long while. That didn’t mean his ambition to work had dwindled, and after a surprise performance on TV towards the end of last year, Meat revealed that he was planning to record one final EP of Steinman songs and had signed a deal to develop a relationship conversation named after his 1993 hit single, I’d Do Anything For Love.
Meat Loaf is survived by his wife Deborah and daughters Pearl and Amanda, and will be a sad loss to millions of fans around the world. Twitter was quickly filled with messages from fans, as well as celebrities such as Cher – who recorded with Meat on the single Dead Ringer For Love, as well as other stars from the world of music, TV and film. You can see some of the tweets below and our thoughts are with all his friends, family and fans at this time. Rest in peace.
