Grammy Award-winning singer Meat Loaf, real name Michael Lee Aday, has died with his wife by his side.
His Bat Out of Hell trilogy is one of the bestselling albums ever. He was also known for playing Eddie in The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
A cause of death has not yet been released.
A statement from his agent described the artist as a "beautiful man" when announcing his death.
"Our hearts are broken to announce that the incomparable Meat Loaf passed away tonight with his wife Deborah by his side," he said.
"Daughters Pearl and Amanda and close friends have been with him throughout the last 24 hours.
"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."
Meat Loaf was born Marvin Lee Aday, before changing his name in 1984.
After growing up in Texas, Meat Loaf moved to Los Angeles in the late 1960s and formed the group Meat Loaf Soul.
According to Rolling Stone, his first band opened for popular groups such as The Who, Iggy and the Stooges, and Ted Nugent.
But after that success proved short-lived, he was lured into the world of musical theatre.
He then moved into film, playing Eddie in the cult 1975 film The Rocky Horror Picture Show, which starred Susan Sarandon and Tim Curry.
Turning his hand back to music, Meat Loaf released his first album, Bat Out of Hell, two years later in 1977. It went on to sell 43 million copies and would catapult him onto the world stage.
Hits on the album stamped with Meat Loaf's trademark thunderous tone included Two Out of Three Ain't Bad and Paradise by the Dashboard Light.
But a feud soon developed between Meat Loaf and his Bat Out of Hell collaborator Jim Steinman, and the partnership soon crumbled.
Steinman alleged his work was not being recognised, with Meat Loaf's name front and centre.
Meat Loaf was not a consistent hit-maker, especially after falling out for years with Steinman.
But he maintained close ties with his fans through his manic live shows, social media accounts and his many television, radio and film appearances, including in Fight Club, and cameos on Glee and South Park.
Meat Loaf had a resurgence with touring success with records Bad Attitude and Blind Before I Stop. And 16 years after the original, Bat Out of Hell II was released, selling well over 15 million copies.
He was still a staple on the music scene in the 2000s, releasing several albums and continuing to perform, including an awkwardly received appearance at the 2011 AFL Grand Final.
ABC/AP
