The music world experienced a devastating blow Friday when it was announced that legendary rocker Meat Loaf was dead at the age of 74. The announcement came via a post on the singer’s official Facebook page.
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!
The musician, who almost everyone knew as only Meat Loaf, was born Marvin Lee Aday in Dallas, Texas in 1947. He began his stage career by participating in high school productions before moving to Los Angeles in 1965 following the death of his mother.
Meat Loaf hooked up with some big names from the get-go, recording for Motown for a brief time and touring with popular bands including The Who and The Grateful Dead, New York Post reported.
Thanks to his singing and acting abilities, Meat Loaf scored a part in the Los Angeles production of the musical “Hair.” This led to him joining the cast of “The Rocky Horror Show” in 1973 as the characters Eddie and Dr. Everett Scott.
Then came a huge break. After the play, Meat Loaf was asked to participate in the film version of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” The movie would go on to become one of the most beloved and popular cult classic films of all time.
After “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” Meat Loaf’s musical talents finally took center stage in 1977 with the release of his debut album, “Bat Out of Hell.” That recording has gone on to sell over 43 million copies worldwide and was certified 14 times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.
“Bat Out of Hell” gave fans some of Meat Loaf’s most popular songs including “You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth,” “Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad,” and “Paradise By the Dashboard Light.” The song featured a fake play-by-play baseball analysis by Yankees broadcaster Phil Rizzuto, who later said he had no idea the recording would be used as a metaphor for sex. But Meat Loaf said Rizzuto did know all along what the song would be about.
After the incredible success of “Bat Out of Hell,” Meat Loaf recorded 11 more albums and has sold more than 80 million albums worldwide. He also continued acting, appearing in movies such as “Wayne’s World,” “Fight Club,” and “Formula 51.”