'The vaults of heaven will be ringing with rock:' Singer Meat Loaf dies aged 74
ITV News Arts and Entertainment Editor Nina Nannar has a look back at the legendary career of the Rock’n’roll superstar Meat Loaf, who died at home on Thursday with his family by his side
Bat Out of Hell singer, Meat Loaf, has died aged 74, with his wife, Deborah, by his side, it was announced on Friday.
The singer, whose real name was Michael Lee Aday, has sold millions of albums worldwide, with the Bat Out Of Hell trilogy among his most popular releases. A statement on Facebook read: “Our hearts are broken to announce that the incomparable Meat Loaf passed away tonight with his wife Deborah by his side. Daughters Pearl and Amanda and close friends have been with him throughout the last 24 hours.
“His amazing career spanned six 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!”
The legend's life in song and on stage
Meat Loaf's hit single I'd Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That) reached number one in 28 countries and earned him a Grammy award. The rocker also played the role of Eddie in the 1975 musical film The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and in 2016 was honoured with the Hero Award at the annual Q Awards music ceremony, which he dedicated to everyday heroes and called on people to "bring love back into this world".
His career spanned more than just music, with the musician also featured in a string of films including 1999's Fight Club and 1992's Wayne's World. In 2016 he was honoured with the Hero Award at the annual Q Awards music ceremony, which he dedicated to everyday heroes and called on people to "bring love back into this world". Bat Out Of Hell was also adapted as a stage musical, which was written by long-time collaborator Jim Steinman and featured some of the musician's best-loved hits.
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“The beat is yours forever” - Stars of music, stage and entertainment pay tribute to Meat Loaf
Theatre boss Andrew Lloyd Webber was among those paying tribute following news of his death.
“The vaults of heaven will be ringing with rock. RIP Meatloaf. Give my best to Jim”, Lord Webber said, referring to Meat Loaf's producer who died last year.
Queen’s Brian May has remembered Meat Loaf saying he is “completely gutted” that the singer “has left us”.
Alongside a picture of himself and Meat Loaf on Instagram, May wrote: “Remembering great times. Completely gutted that Meat Loaf has left us. Always full of madness, with the innocent sense of naughtiness of a 5-year old, Meat was forever young.
“I called him Mr Loaf, and he called me when he wanted some wacky guitar playing. We had so much fun so many times, and, just three months younger than me, he felt like a brother. Dear Meat, the world is mourning and will miss your fine and powerful presence for a very long time. RIP. Bri.”
Singer Bonnie Tyler said she is “shocked and saddened” by the death of Meat Loaf.
She wrote in a tweet: “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”.
Singer Adam Lambert, who found fame on American Idol and has since performed with rock band Queen, shared a photo of himself with Meat Loaf.
He said: “A gentle hearted powerhouse rockstar forever and ever. You were so kind. Your music will always be iconic. I’m sure you’re singing concerts in the great beyond. Rest In Peace sir. #MeatLoafRIP”
Bat Out of Hell: The Musical announced that Friday night’s show at the New Wimbledon Theatre will be performed in Meat Loaf's memory.
A statement said: “The company of Jim Steinman’s Bat Out Of Hell: The Musical here in the UK is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of their great friend and producer, Meat Loaf.
“He was with us when the show first launched in London at the Coliseum and in Manchester at the Opera House back in 2016 and then came to the show at the Dominion Theatre in London on 25 July 2018.”
It added: “The beat is yours forever.”
Stephen Fry, who performed with Meat Loaf on Saturday Live, paid tribute to the late singer.
The actor said in a tweet: "I 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."
Music producer Pete Waterman told ITV's Good Morning Britain: "You knew what you got with Meat Loaf, he always gave 100% of everything."Mr Waterman said the death of producer, Jim Steinman, last year would have greatly affected Meat Loaf.Paul Gambaccini described Meat Loaf as a "bundle of energy" and "just one of the boys".Singer Cher said she had “so much fun” with Meat Loaf when she worked with him on his 1981 album Dead Ringer.
In a tribute posted to Twitter, she added: “Am Very Sorry For His Family, Friends, & Fans.
“Am I imagining It, or Are Amazing Ppl In The Arts Dying every other Day.”
Meat Loaf on his recent health issues
Meat Loaf had spoken openly about health issues that had plagued him, notably asthma, which caused him to collapse on stage during a concert in Pittsburgh in 2011.
In 2003 he collapsed at Wembley Arena in London and was admitted to hospital. Following an on-stage collapse in Canada in 2016, a statement issued at the time said it had been down to "severe dehydration".