RIP.Meat Loaf, the incomparable singer and actor whose 1977 debut, Bat Out of Hell, became one of the best-selling albums of all time, has died at the age of 74. His family announced his death on social media; no cause of death was given, though TMZ reports he became “seriously ill” with COVID-19 this week. “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,” the family wrote in a statement. “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!” Produced by the late Jim Steinman, Bat Out of Hell propelled Meat Loaf (born Marvin Lee Aday) into the rock stratosphere with operatic hit songs such as “Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad” and “Paradise by the Dashboard Light.” The duo worked together on three additional albums, including 1993’s Bat Out of Hell II: Back Into Hell, which contained Meat Loaf’s sole Grammy-winning and Billboard No. 1 power ballad, “I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That).”
In addition to his music career — it’s estimated that his 12 albums sold more than 100 million copies — Meat Loaf appeared in dozens of television and film roles, perhaps most memorably as former delivery boy Eddie in the 1975 cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show. His other credits include Wayne’s World, Fight Club, Spice World, and, more recently, the paranormal TV series Ghost Wars. In an interview last year, Meat Loaf remarked that he was looking forward to a creatively prosperous 2022 in regards to both new music and live performances. “My voice is in incredible shape,” he said at the time. “I don’t sound like my age at all.”
A number of musicians and celebrities have paid tribute to Meat Loaf following his death. Susan Sarandon, Janet in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, shared a statement on the passing of her musical co-star to People. “Big man, big voice, big heart. In my experience, always a gentleman,” Sarandon said on Saturday. “Condolences to his family.” “He was, as you might imagine, a larger than life character with a voice and stage presence to match and is one of those rare people who truly was a one off talent and personality,” wrote Bonnie Tyler, whose song “Total Eclipse of the Heart” was written by Steinman. “I hope paradise is as you remember it from the dashboard light, Meat Loaf,” added Stephen Fry, who performed with him on SNL. Boy George also recalled the time when Meat Loaf “turned me upside down in a Chinese restaurant.” Read tributes from Cher, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and more below.
I am shocked & saddened by the sudden death of Meat Loaf. He was, as you might imagine, a larger than life character with a voice & stage presence to match & is one of those rare people who truly was a one off talent and personality. Rest In Peace
— Bonnie Tyler (@BonnieTOfficial) January 21, 2022Had So Much Fun With Meatloaf When We Did “Dead Ringer”. Am Very Sorry For His Family,Friends,& Fans. Am I imagining It, or Are Amazing Ppl In The Arts Dying every other Day⁉️
😢
The vaults of heaven will be ringing with rock. RIP Meatloaf. Give my best to Jim. - ALW
— Andrew Lloyd Webber (@OfficialALW) January 21, 2022 View this post on InstagramI hope paradise is as you remember it from the dashboard light, Meat Loaf. Had a fun time performing a sketch with him on Saturday Live way back in the last century - https://t.co/RxoH36OYHw
— Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) January 21, 2022I don’t keep pictures from films around home. But I have this one in my office in a frame bc it makes me smile every time. It’s engraved ‘Love and Hugs, Meat’ it sums him up well. He was so funny. And gentle. And warm to everyone. A sweet soul. RIP Meat Loaf pic.twitter.com/aMrIgXByEc
— Edward Norton (@EdwardNorton) January 21, 2022To us he will always be ‘Bob’. Those were some wonderful months of laughter & irreverence. The hardest thing about working w/ Meat was getting through any of these ridiculous moments without cracking up. Him lying on the table playing dead then belting out Zeppelin. Good times 🙏 pic.twitter.com/ZKnf7tPpAs
— Edward Norton (@EdwardNorton) January 21, 2022 View this post on InstagramView this post on InstagramR.I.P Meatloaf. Love and prayers to all his family and close friends. He once turned me upside down in a Chinese Restaurant in St Johns Wood.
— Boy George (@BoyGeorge) January 21, 2022RIP Meatloaf. A good man with a big heart.
— Stevie Van Zandt (@StevieVanZandt) January 21, 2022Meatloaf Has Passed Away. So sad. He was one of a kind. Who could you compare him to?? No one. That’s how you define greatness. My condolences to his entire family. https://t.co/sjGd3UnI9M
— Paul Stanley (@PaulStanleyLive) January 21, 2022So saddened by the loss of my friend, Meatloaf. He was as exuberant, passionate and flamboyant as his music. The voice of an Angel and a rock icon. We had some times, my friend. I’ll miss you. My heartfelt condolences to your family and loved ones. #RIPMeatLoaf pic.twitter.com/4UP7zm3flv
— Lou Diamond Phillips (@LouDPhillips) January 21, 2022This post has been updated throughout.
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Meat Loaf, Legendary Bat Out of Hell Rocker, Dead at 74ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7t8HLrayrnV6YvK57kWlpa2dgZnyuscCtZKWnkZt6o63TZqaurF2ks260xKWjZquZo7SmvoydnJqcXZbBboOTZ5%2BtpZw%3D