Meat Loaf Has Died, Age 74
Legendary powerhouse singer Marvin Lee Aday — better known as Meat Loaf — has died at 74. His Facebook page informed fans of his passing earlier this morning. No cause of death was given. The actor/singer’s debut album, 1977’s Bat Out Of Hell, is one of the best selling albums ever.
“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,” the message said. “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!”
Just a few months ago, in November of 2021, Meat Loaf told fans via a Facebook post, that he was working on a new album; he also mentioned in the post that he’d been struggling with back pain. Meat Loaf’s death comes less than a year after the passing of his collaborator, Jim Steinman. Steinman wrote most of Meat Loaf’s greatest songs, including all the songs on Bat Out Of Hell, and Meat Loaf’s 1993 comeback hit, “I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That).” In an interview with Rolling Stone following Steinman’s death, he said, “I don’t want to die, but I may die this year because of Jim. I’m always with him and he’s right here with me now. I’ve always been with Jim and Jim has always been with me. We belonged heart and soul to each other.”
Meat Loaf got his start singing in stage musicals, including Hair (first in Los Angeles, and later on Broadway) and the original production of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. He later starred in the film version of Rocky Horror, which went on to become a classic cult movie. In 1976, he sang on five songs on Ted Nugent’s Free-For-All album, temporarily replacing Nugent’s singer Derek St. Holmes. In 1977, after decades in show business, he became a star with the release of Bat Out Of Hell , which has been certified 14x platinum in the United States by the RIAA; ABC News reports that the album has sold over 40 million worldwide.
Meat Loaf: Gallery
