Meat Loaf dead: Bat Out of Hell singer dies, aged 74
US singer and actor Meat Loaf has died at the age of 74, his family have confirmed.
The Bat out of Hell singer passed away on Thursday night with his wife Deborah at his side.
Meat Loaf, real name Michael Lee Aday, sold more than 100 million albums during his lifetime and appeared in more than 65 movies.
A statement confirming the news read: “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 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.”
Read more: Meat Loaf tributes pour in as celebrity fans mourn singer's death
The post added: “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!"
He was best known for his album Bat Out of Hell, which is among the top best-selling albums in US history, selling more than 14 million copies.
Its singles, “Two of Three Ain’t Bad” and “Paradise by the Dashboard Light", both were certified platinum in 2018 and at the time of release peaked at No. 11 and No. 39 on the Billboard Hot 100.
In 1993 he won a Grammy Award for his song I'd Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That).
Meat Loaf was also well-known for playing the role of Eddie in the 1975 cult-classic Rocky Horror Picture Show, and went on the play the role on stage.
His career spanned more than just music, with the musician also featured in a string of films including 1999’s Fight Club and 1992’s Wayne’s World.
Bat Out Of Hell was also adapted as a stage musical, which was written by long-time collaborator Jim Steinman and featured some of the musician’s best-loved hits.
Meat Loaf has previously spoken out his health issues, most notable his asthma.
In 2003 he was admitted to hospital in London after it caused him to collapse on stage at Wembley Arena, and again in 2011 after he collapsed during a concert in Pittsburgh.
Tributes have begun to pour in from the world of entertainment after the news was confirmed.
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.”
English 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.”
Andrew Lloyd Webber has said the “vaults of heaven will be ringing with rock” following the death of Meat Loaf.
The composer and theatre impresario said: “The vaults of heaven will be ringing with rock.
“RIP Meatloaf. Give my best to Jim (Steinman).”
Stephen Fry tweeted: "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.
"He had the quality of being simultaneously frightening and cuddly, which is rare and rather wonderful.
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. Phenomenonal (sic) character.”
Singer Bonnie Tyler, who released a compilation album with Meat Loaf in 1989 titled Heaven & Hell, wrote on Twitter: “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.”