Last week, Meat Loaf, the bombastic rock singer best known for his best-selling record Bat Out of Hell, died at the age of 74. But not only was Meat Load a world-renowned rock star, he was also a pretty accomplished actor, having played roles in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Fight Club, and Tenacious D and the Pick of Destiny. It’s the last film’s star, Jack Black, who recently posted an especially touching tribute to the fallen singer, thanking him for his contribution to both the film and his life.
“I think I was 9 years old when my big sister took me to see ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’,” wrote Black on his Instagram. “Meat Loaf rocked the hell out of that movie. 25 years later I begged him to play my father in my band’s movie ‘The Pick Of Destiny’ and by god he rocked the hell out of that one too. Thank you Meat for rocking so hard!!! Much love to his friends and family. Meat Loaf Rest In Peace.”
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Meat Loaf was born Michael Lee Aday in Dallas, Texas. His father was an alcoholic whose drinking binges were sparked by an injury he sustained in World War II; Aday had memories of driving around with his mother, searching Dallas bars for his dad. He picked up fame in the Los Angeles production of the musical Hair, as well as for his collaboration with Shaun “Stoney” Murphy and his appearance as biker Eddie in The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
But it was 1977’s Bat Out of Hell, the album Meat Loaf created with late composer Jim Steinman, that vaulted him to international stardom. The record’s combination of old-school rock, soul, dive bar piano, showtunes and the music of the then-emerging heavy metal scene, struck a perfect chord with listeners at the time. To this date, the album has sold approximately 43 million copies worldwide.
Everyone at The Pit sends their heart out to Meat Loaf’s family, friends, collaborators and fans during this difficult time.
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Words by Chris Krovatin
