Legendary American rock star and actor Meat Loaf, who sold more than 100 million albums worldwide, has died at the age of 74, his family announced on social media.
“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,” begins the statement, collected by Europa Press.
“His incredible 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.’ “, they recall. They further note that “‘Bat Out of Hell’ remains one of the top 10 best-selling albums of all time.”
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“We know how much it meant to so many of you and we truly appreciate all the love and support as we move through this time of grief losing such an inspiring artist and beautiful man,” the family concludes, thanking fans for “understanding.” and asks for “privacy at this time.” “From your heart to your souls… Never stop rocking!” the statement ends.
In recent years, Meat Loaf had been outspoken about his health issues, particularly asthma, which caused him problems at his performances at Wembley (2003) and Pittsburgh (2011). The problems recurred in 2016 and, in a subsequent statement, he said he had suffered “severe dehydration”. The cause of death has not been revealed, adds Sky News.
Meat Loaf was one of the most emblematic voices in rock music and songs like ‘Dead Ringer For Love’, ‘Paradise By The Dashboard Lights’ or ‘I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That)’ sold million copies during his professional career.
On screen, he starred as Eddie in ‘Rocky Horror Picture Show’ in 1975, one of his first film roles, later appearing in blockbusters such as ‘Spiceworld: The Movie,’ ‘Wayne’s World,’ and ‘The 51st State’.
His leap to world fame was achieved with ‘Bat Out Of Hell’, whose trilogy of albums has sold more than 50 million copies worldwide. It was written together with his collaborator Jim Steinman, who died last year at the age of 73.
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Although it only reached No. 8 on the UK Singles Chart, the album — which included tracks like “Heaven Can Wait,” “Two Out Of Three Ain’t Bad” and “All Revved Up With No Place To Go” — remains the fourth best-selling album of all time, behind Michael Jackson, AC/DC and Whitney Houston). Interestingly, it never reached number one in the US or UK.
‘Bat Out Of Hell’ was also made into a stage musical, written by Steinman. It premiered in 2017 in Manchester and had two presentations in the ‘West End’, with several tours and productions in the US and Australia, Sky News recalls.
condolences
Cher, who sang ‘Dead Ringer For Love’ with him, wanted to pay tribute to the deceased with a message on social networks. “I had a lot of fun with Meatloaf when we did ‘Dead Ringer.’
“The vaults of heaven will resound with rock. RIP Meatloaf. Give Jim your best,” adds theater manager Andrew Lloyd Webber while Guns N Roses guitarist Slash has shared a photo of Meat Loaf performing with the caption “RIP “.
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