Tributes pour in for “phenomenal” singer Meat Loaf who has died aged 74
The singer was known for hits including 'Bat Out Of Hell' and 'I'd Do Anything For Love'
Figures from the entertainment world and fans have paid tribute to Meat Loaf, who has died at the age of 74.
The US singer, known for hits ‘Bat Out Of Hell’ and ‘I’d Do Anything For Love’, passed away with his wife by his side. His cause of death is not yet known.
“Our hearts are broken to announce that the incomparable Meat Loaf passed away tonight with his wife Deborah by his side,” a statement revealing the news read on the musician and actor’s Facebook page. “Daughters Pearl and Amanda and close friends have been with him throughout the last 24 hours.
“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!”
Leading the tributes, Cher wrote: “Had So Much Fun With Meatloaf When We Did “Dead Ringer”. Am Very Sorry For His Family,Friends,& Fans. Am I imagining It, or Are Amazing Ppl In The Arts Dying every other Day.”
Alice Cooper said: “Meat Loaf was one of the greatest voices in Rock N Roll, and he was certainly one of my closest friends in the business. He was really so much fun, truly fun to be around. He just felt like a best friend to everyone no matter how long it had been since you last saw him. We worked together many times over the years and he was always a force. He was a real theatrical character like I was so our shows went really well together.
“I remember when you would see his show, he would treat the audience almost like a Pentecostal Preacher and he was so powerful on stage. Working with Meat Loaf was one of the main reasons I wanted to do the movie Roadie in the first place – I wanted to watch him show off his acting chops. He plays the ultimate roadie on this quest to be the best in the world. But that’s what he did in life too – he always wanted to be the best at what he was doing… And I think he succeeded. There was nobody, and I mean nobody like Meat Loaf. His shoes can never be filled.”
Elsewhere, Radio 2 DJ Jo Whiley said: “God I loved ‘Bat Out of Hell’. Soundtrack to my youth. Sad news RIP Meatloaf. Extraordinary voice Phenomenal character.”
Fellow BBC Radio presenter Huw Stephens thanked the late star for simply “being brilliant”.
“R.I.P Meatloaf. Love and prayers to all his family and close friends. He once turned me upside down in a Chinese Restaurant in St Johns Wood,” remembered Boy George.
Rick Astley also paid tribute: “Meat Loaf. What a legend. Rest in peace – Rick x.”
Broadcaster Piers Morgan wrote: “RIP Meat Loaf, 74. One of rock music’s all-time great characters whose seminal iconic album Bat Out Of Hell is one of the biggest-selling records in history.
A wondrously talented, flamboyant, funny, outrageous and rebellious chameleon. Sad news.”
Fans have also honoured the singer. One wrote on Twitter: “Rest in peace, ridiculously talented rock star Meat Loaf”, while another said: “Sad news about Meat Loaf. He was one of a kind.”
Meat Loaf, whose real name was Michael Lee Aday, sold millions of albums worldwide, with the ‘Bat Out Of Hell’ trilogy among his most popular musical offerings [via PA].
His 1993 hit single ‘I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That)’ reached number one in 28 countries and earned him a Grammy award in 1994.
Aday also played the role of Eddie in the 1975 musical film ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ and starred in other films including 1999’s ‘Fight Club’ and 1992’s ‘Wayne’s World’.
‘Bat Out Of Hell’ was also adapted as a stage musical, which was written by long-time collaborator Jim Steinman and featured some of the Meat Loaf’s most beloved songs.
In 2011 the singer collapsed on stage during a concert in Pittsburgh due to his asthma. He also collapsed in 2013 at London’s Wembley Arena was admitted to hospital.