20
Jan
Obituary: Meat Loaf
Meat Loaf, 71, the Grammy-winning American singer and actor, died Thursday night. His longstanding career came to a tragic end on 20 January 2022, his longtime agent Michael Greene confirmed.
Early Friday morning, an official announcement appeared on Meat Loaf's Facebook page: "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 ten selling albums of all time.”
The rock star was seriously ill with COVID-19 before his death. Just days before his passing, Meat Loaf intended to attend a business dinner to discuss a show he was working on, titled after his famous single I’d Do Anything For Love. The musician had to cancel his dinner plans as his health declined.
Meat Loaf was born on 27 September 1951 in Dallas, Texas, as Marvin Lee Aday. The famous moniker is a homage to his nickname from his football playing days when the coach called him "Meat Loaf" due to his weight.
The legendary musician, whose spectacular rock music career spanned six decades, was one of the most successful performers in history, selling millions of records worldwide. He formed his first band, Meat Loaf Soul, in 1966. Bat Out Of Hell album trilogy, known for its operatic rock style and popular single of the same name, was his most popular release. The first album in the trilogy, released in 1977, spent nine years on the music charts and is one of the best-selling albums of all time, having sold over 43 million copies worldwide. This album is certified 14 times Platinum and continues to sell an estimated 200,000 copies annually.
Meat Loaf is also known for his film and television appearances throughout the years, most notably his role as Eddie in 1975’s Rocky Horror Picture Show and the character Robert “Bob” Paulson in 1999’s Fight Club. He starred on tv shows like Ghost Wars, Elementary, House, and Monk.
The rockstar is also a published author of his book To Hell and Back: An Autobiography (1999). In 2000, a TV documentary on VH1, Meat Loaf: To Hell and Back, was based on the autobiography.
Meat Loaf left behind his wife, Deborah, and his two daughters, Pearl and Amanda, whom he shared with his ex-wife Leslie Aday.
The Facebook post announcing his death concluded, "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 fans of Meat Loaf shall never stop rocking!
