Actor, singer, rocker, Meat Loaf dead at 74
Many of us were first introduced to Meat Loaf back in the 1970s thanks to his hit song “Paradise by the Dashboard Lights” from his hit album “Bat Out of Hell” – and from his breakout role on the big screen portraying Eddie in the classic cult hit film “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”
I remember the first time I heard “Paradise …” while driving I-95 through Philly late one night and all of a sudden I’m hearing Yankees baseball announcer Phil Rizzuto delivering a play by play. I thought I was losing the song and kept trying to adjust the tuner knob on my AM car radio. It wasn’t until some time in the future that I realized Phil was actually part of the song.
And Meat Loaf’s portrayal of Eddie in Rocky Horror raised the level of the film 100-fold when he took over the screen screaming out “Hot Patootie.” As the film gained popularity, when Meat Loaf’s scene rolled around, the audience would yell out in unison “Meat Loaf Again?!” His 1977 “Bat Out of Hell” debut album is still one of the best-selling albums of all time.
Early this morning the world learned that the 74-year-old rocker and actor had died. His wife Deborah Gillespie and his daughters were by his side, according to The Guardian. Deborah posted the following statement and photo to Meat Loaf’s 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!
Meat Loaf was born Marvin Lee Aday on September 27, 1947, and grew up in Texas. No-one’s really sure how he got the Meat Loaf nickname. In 1967, he moved to Los Angeles, got a job as a bouncer, and formed his first band, Meat Loaf Soul.
Meat Loaf poured his full heart and soul and body into his stage performances. He collapsed on stage in 2003 and was later diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome. A symptom of that rare illness is an irregular heartbeat. We’re not sure at this time if that malady contributed to his passing. He collapsed again on stage in 2016. He was diagnosed as having been dehydrated during that performance; and he recovered fully.
Another legendary singer / actor, the iconic Cher, sang the duet “”Dead Ringer for Love” with Meat Loaf in 1981. She posted the following tribute to her Twitter account:
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Gone Too Soon – Rest in Peace Meat Loaf
~ Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today / Connect with Richard on Facebook and Twitter
