North East music fans woke up today to the news that American rock superstar Meat Loaf had died at the age of 74.
The news was announced in a statement from the actor and singer's wife. It read: "Our hearts are broken to announce that the incomparable Meat Loaf passed away tonight with his wife Deborah by his side.
"His amazing career spanned six decades that saw him sell over 100 million albums worldwide and star in over 65 movies"
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Born in Dallas, Texas, in 1947, as Marvin Lee Aday, the rock legend is best known for his Bat Out Of Hell album trilogy which has racked up more than 50 million sales.
The first record especially, released in 1977 and written by partner Jim Steinman, yielded a string of classic cuts, notably Two Out Of Three Ain’t Bad, You Took The Words Right Out Of My Month, and the title track.
Later, in 1993, Meat Loaf would score a major worldwide hit single with I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That), featuring the soaring vocals of Whitley Bay singer Lorraine Crosby.
In December of that year- the larger-than-life star rocked out at Whitley Bay Ice Rink, the region’s largest indoor venue until the opening of Newcastle Arena two years later.
It would be a memorable night for the 4,500-strong audience - and for Lorraine Crosby.
Although Lorraine had provided a powerful vocal part for the duet, I’d Do Anything for Love, she hadn’t appeared in the official music video, and her performance had been mimed by an actress.
But, on that night in 1993, the singer who had learned her trade in the North East clubs would appear alongside the American superstar.
The Chronicle reported on its front page: “Her performance was short - but Tyneside lass Lorraine Crosby proved a knockout hit with her capacity home-town audience.
“The powerful vocalist joined Meat Loaf on stage at Whitley Bay Ice Rink for the opening song and number one hit I Would Do Anything For Love, and stayed for the start of You Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth.”
For Lorraine, it was the biggest night of her career. Afterwards, she told our reviewer: “I was an absolute bag of nerves. We only had a 20-minute rehearsal. But Meat Loaf was magnificent. It was a tremendous feeling walking out on that stage.”
The show itself went down a storm. Our reviewer enthused: “All the favourites were there, including Bat Out Of Hell, All Revved Up, Dead Ringer For Love, and the highlight of the night Paradise By The Dashboard Light, which saw him taking part in raunchy dance routines with backing singers.”
Meat Loaf performed many times in our region over the last four decades, but not all of his shows ran as smoothly as the 1993 Whitley Bay outing.
In 1985 the singer collapsed on stage at Newcastle City Hall, and was taken by ambulance to the city’s RVI, suffering from food poisoning and dehydration.
Then in 2007 a show at Newcastle Arena was cut short when Meat Loaf’s voice broke up. Three years later, he told the Chronicle: “I went out and it started OK but after the first couple of songs it fell apart.”
As well as gaining worldwide success as a rock artist, Meat Loaf was famously known for his role in the 1975 film version of The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
In later years, the singer would suffer health problems. In 2020, he recalled: "Three years ago I had four back surgeries, leaving me in excruciating pain. I don’t remember being alive – I don’t even know the pain I was in.”
The family statement continued: "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."
His cause of death has not yet been released by his family.
