Sad news for the rock world today, as a Meat Loaf, the singer and actor behind bestselling record Bat Out of Hell, has died. He was 74 years old.
The news was confirmed by his family, who posted on his official Facebook account, “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 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!”
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.
Readers of The Pit may also know that Loaf’s daughter Peal is married to Scott Ian of Anthrax.
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
