Bat Out of Hell legend Meat Loaf has died aged 74.
The singer and actor who catapulted to fame with his best-selling album Bat Out of Hell and his famous stint as Eddie in The Rocky Horror Picture Show died with his family by his side.
Meat Loaf, otherwise known as Michael Lee Aday, died on Thursday night with his wife Deborah by his side, his agent Michael Greene has announced.
His agent stated that his daughters, Pearl and Amanda, and close friends were able to visit him and say their goodbyes during his last day.
In a statement posted on Facebook, it read: “Our hearts are broken to announce that the incomparable Meat Loaf passed away tonight with his wife Deborah by his side.
(Image: Getty Images)
“Daughters Pearl and Amanda and close friends have been with him throughout the last 24 hours.
“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.
“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!”
Reports from TMZ have claimed that he passed shortly after catching Covid-19.
(Image: Corbis/VCG via Getty Images)
Meat Loaf was best known for his album trilogy Bat Out of Hell, which swiftly became one of the best-selling albums in history and landed him a Grammy.
He began his career in the late ’60s and quickly became a legend within the music industry.
His first band, Meat Loaf Soul, saw him grow into success at a fast pace and they released multiple singles before he joined the Los Angeles production of Hair and merged into the acting scene.
When the band was first formed he was offered three recording contracts and ultimately turned them all down.
By the time the ’70s hit, he had seen incredible success from both his music career and his incredible stage career too.
Following his success, he joined collaborator Jim Steinman after they met at an audition and shortly after, the duo started working on Bat Out of Hell.
(Image: Getty Images)
An estimated 43million copies sold globally and was later adapted as a stage musical.
In 2020, Meat Loaf shared his plans to record a new album and had hoped to return to the studio in 2022.
Tributes have poured in for the famous singer following his death with countless fans taking to Twitter to share their goodbyes.
One user wrote: “RIP Meat Loaf. One of a kind. Bat Out of Hell is forever a classic. The music lives on!”
Another said: “Oh no! I grew up on some of his smashing hits. The videos were always out of the world. Rest in peace, Meat Loaf.”
A third person wrote: “RIP Meat Loaf. An unlikely star, who became the public face of an incredible artistic duo, alongside the late Jim Steinman.”
He is survived by his wife Deborah and his children, Pearl and Amanda.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
