American rock star Meat Loaf, whose album Bat Out Of Hell is one of the best-selling records of all time, has died at the age of 74.
The news of his death was shared by his family on Meat Loaf's Facebook page, with the statement:
"Our hearts are broken to announce that the incomparable Meat Loaf passed away tonight surrounded by his wife Deborah, daughters Pearl and Amanda and close friends.
"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.”
"“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!"
With a career spanning over six decades, the musician was best known for his legendary Bat Out Of Hell trilogy, which is among the 35 best-selling albums in US history.
Meat Loaf in Belfast
Meat Loaf performed extensively in Belfast throughout his career. In fact, the early part of his career owes something to one of the city's most famous music acts. Meat Loaf's original band - Meat Loaf Soul - had their first ever gig in 1968, opening for Van Morrison's band Them.
Over the years, Meat Loaf gave many arena-sized performances in Belfast, with many remembering these as fiery, explosive, impassioned gigs.
For those whose memories go that far back, they might recall that Meat Loaf performed at the Avoniel Leisure Centre in east Belfast way back in 1985, as part of his Bad Attitude album tour.
He also performed a string of memorable gigs in Belfast throughout the '90s and '00s, headlining venues such as the King's Hall, and later at the Odyssey Arena.
In fact, despite doubts about his health, and despite his own comments in the mid-2000s that he would never perform live again, Meat Loaf defied everyone and continued to put on shows right into the early 2010s.
He also continuously put Belfast on his touring schedule, with his last performance here taking place in 2013, at the Odyssey Arena, for his Last at Bat farewell tour.
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