World Mourns Meat Loaf
• Grammy Award-winning singer/actor Meat Loaf, whose soaring, near-operatic rock anthems made him one of the most unexpected and enduring pop stars of the 1970s and ’80s, died Thursday, Jan. 20 at the age of 74, as reported by Variety and other sources. His official cause of death was not released, although TMZ reports the singer had been seriously ill with COVID
Meat Loaf, whose given name was Marvin Lee Aday, was propelled to sonic stardom with the release of the 1977 album Bat Out of Hell, which, according to The Washington Post, “Was rejected by dozens of record companies before it was finally released by Cleveland International, a small label associated with Epic Records. It received tepid, even hostile reviews at first.”
That album, with songs written by Meat Loaf’s longtime collaborator Jim Steinman and produced by Todd Rundgren contained its signature eight-minute masterpiece, “Paradise By The Dashboard Light, as well as “Two Out Of Three Ain’t Bad,” and “You Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth,” went on to become one of the best-selling albums of all time. A later single, “I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That),” garnered Meat Loaf a 1994 Grammy Award for Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance. Sadly, Steinman died last April at the age of 73.
Meat Loaf was also a busy working actor, appearing in dozens of films, including his breakout role as “Eddie” in the cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show as well as roles in Fight Club, Wayne’s World, and Spice World, to mention a few.
An official statement posted on Meat Loaf’s Facebook page reads: “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 six 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!”
• Benztown has produced an Audio Tribute to Meat Loaf, written and voiced by Bill Royal and produced by Thomas Green.
• Art Vuolo has also produced a 10-minute retrospective of Meat Loaf’s career and his passing (below):
