US singer Meat Loaf has died aged 74 with his wife by his side, a statement on the artist’s official Facebook page said.
The statement said: “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!”
Michael Lee Aday, better known as Meat Loaf, was an American singer and actor.
He was noted for his powerful, wide-ranging voice and theatrical live shows.
His Bat Out of Hell trilogy—Bat Out of Hell, Bat Out of Hell II: Back into Hell, and Bat Out of Hell III: The Monster Is Loose—has sold more than 65 million albums worldwide.
More than four decades after its release, the first album still sells an estimated 200,000 copies annually and stayed on the charts for over nine years, making it one of the best-selling albums in history.
Sometimes credited as Meat Loaf Aday, he has also appeared in over 50 movies and television shows, sometimes as himself or as characters resembling his stage persona.
His most notable film roles include Eddie in The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975), and Bob Paulson in Fight Club (1999).
His early stage work included dual roles in the original cast of The Rocky Horror Show, and he was also in the musical Hair, both on- and off-Broadway.
Stephen Fry has written a tribute to singer Meat Loaf, who has died at the age of 74.
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.”
BBC Radio 2 DJ Jo Whiley paid tribute to Meat Loaf, describing his voice as “extraordinary”.
She wrote in a tweet: “God I loved Bat Out of Hell. Soundtrack to my youth. Sad news RIP Meatloaf.
“Extraordinary voice. Phenomenal character.”
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.”
Singer Nik Kershaw has written a tribute to “sweet, funny” Meat Loaf.
He said in a tweet: “Proper sad to hear this. I got to hang out with him for a while in Australia.
“Larger than life character and true force of nature obviously. But also a sweet, funny and gentle man.
“Rest easy fella.”
Musician Boy George tweeted a tribute to Meat Loaf.
He wrote: “R.I.P Meatloaf. Love and prayers to all his family and close friends.
“He once turned me upside down in a Chinese Restaurant in St Johns Wood.”
Singer Bonnie Tyler said she is “shocked and saddened” by the death of Meat Loaf.
She wrote in a tweet: “I am shocked & saddened by the sudden death of Meat Loaf.
“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”.
