'Bat Out of Hell' singer Meat Loaf dies aged 74

Michael Lee Aday better known as Grammy award winning singer Meat Loaf, died on Thursday night. The news was confirmed in a statement on Friday by his longtime agent Micheal Greene.

He told Deadline the singer and actor had died with his wife Deborah by his side. The singer’s daughters Pearl and Amanda and close friends also had a chance to spend time with him and say their goodbyes during the last 24 hours.

In a statement, his family said: “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 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.

“Bat Out of Hell” spent a total of 500 weeks in the UK charts and is now probably set to return.

Born Michael Lee Aday, the iconic star is best known for the Grammy-winning 'Bat Out Of Hell' trilogy, one of the best-selling albums of all time.

Meat created magic with the late Jim Steinman - who died in April 2021 - who wrote and produced 'Bat Out Of Hell'.

Steinman also worked on the book, music and lyrics for the 'Bat Out of Hell: The Musical'.

Their 1993 album 'Bat Out of Hell II: Back Into Hell' featured the mega-hit 'I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That)', which spent five weeks at No1 in the US.

Meat's career began in the 1960s, when he founded the band Meat Loaf Soul.

As well as a dazzling music career, the larger-than-life entertainer was famous for his role as Eddie in 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show'.

Meat has struggled with ill health in recent years and was previously left unable to stand up for longer than five minutes due to a nerve issue in his back - meaning he was forced to spend most of the time sat down.

He explained at the time: "I don't do drugs. I don't drink. I have a pinched nerve in my back and it feels like when I stand up to walk, that Norman Bates from Psycho is stabbing me in the back. And it hurts like hell."

When asked if he is on medication, he replied: "No, if you get on medication then you can't speak. And my assistant said 'don't talk about this'. But I went to a doctor the other night and he told me my tongue was swollen. And I have no idea why. It's causing me to talk slower than normal.

"Because when I saw myself on TV I freaked out. I looked like I was drunk.

"I'm OK, it's just a pinched nerve. I can't stand up for longer than five minutes."

He also collapsed during performances in 2003, 2011 and 2016.

A cause of death is not known at this time.

Theatre News chatted to Meat Loaf in 2016 just prior to the Bat Out Of Hell Musical:



Music News spoke to the singer in 2016 at the Q Awards where Meat Loaf was honoured in 2016 with the Hero Award: