‘Bat Out of Hell’ rock superstar Meat Loaf dies aged 74
- The American singer and actor, whose real name was Marvin Lee Aday, had a career spanning six decades, and sold more than 100 million albums worldwide
- His hits included Bat Out of Hell, Paradise by the Dashboard Light and I’d do Anything for You (But I Won’t do That), which earned him a Grammy award
Meat Loaf, the heavyweight rock superstar loved by millions for his ‘Bat Out of Hell’ album and for such theatrical, dark-hearted anthems as Paradise by the Dashboard Light, Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad, and I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That), has died.
The singer born Marvin Lee Aday – he later changed it to Michael – died Thursday, according to a family statement posted on his official Facebook page.
“Our hearts are broken to announce that the incomparable Meat Loaf passed away tonight,” the statement said. “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 … From his heart to your souls … do not ever stop rocking!”
No cause or other details were given, but Aday had numerous health scares over the years.
‘Bat Out of a Hell,’ his mega-selling collaboration with songwriter Jim Steinman and producer Todd Rundgren, came out in 1977 and made him one of the most recognisable performers in rock.
Fans fell hard for the roaring vocals of the long-haired, 250-plus pound singer and for the comic non-romance of the title track, You Took The Words Right Out of My Mouth, Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad and Paradise By the Dashboard Light, an operatic cautionary tale about going all the way. Paradise was a duet with Ellen Foley that featured play by play from New York Yankees broadcaster Phil Rizzuto, who alleged – to much scepticism – that he was unaware of any alternate meanings to reaching third base and heading for home.