Meat Loaf, the flamboyant American rock artist who catapulted to global popularity with his debut album “Bat Out of Hell,” has died at the age of 74.
The singer and actor, also known as Michael Lee Aday, had a six-decade career and sold over 100 million CDs worldwide.
His singles included the nearly 10-minute title track from “Bat of Hell,” “Paradise by the Dashboard Light” from the same album, and “I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That)” from the 1993 sequel “Bat Out of Hell II: Back into Hell.”
Meat Loaf, who was born in Dallas, Texas, in 1947, rose to prominence on Broadway in the 1970s, appearing in the Broadway musicals “Hair” and “The Rocky Horror Show.”
He switched focus to rock music in the early 1970s and collaborated with Jim Steinman on a debut album that showcased his powerful voice and established his long-haired, leather-clad, motorcycle-riding rock persona.
“Like a bat out of hell I’ll be gone when the morning comes; When the night is over, like a bat out of hell, I’ll be gone, gone, gone,” Meat Loaf sang in “Bat of Hell”, with an intensity bordering on melodrama that became his hallmark and established him as a rock icon.
He later appeared in films including “Rocky Horror Show”, “Wayne’s World” and “Fight Club”.
British writer Stephen Fry, who appeared in a sketch with the rock star on Saturday Live, said. “I hope paradise is as you remember it from the dashboard light, Meat Loaf.”
“He had the quality of being simultaneously frightening and cuddly.”
British producer Pete Waterman said: “It was his voice – you knew what you got with Meat Loaf. It was 100 per cent of everything.”
A statement posted on Meat Loaf’s Facebook page said: “From his heart to your souls … don’t ever stop rocking!
“Our hearts are broken to announce that the incomparable Meat Loaf passed away tonight with his wife Deborah by his side.”
