Meat Loaf, Grammy-Winning Singer and Rocky Horror Star, Dead at 74
Grammy winner Meat Loaf, the “Bat Out of Hell” singer whose acting credits include the cult classic film Rocky Horror Picture Show and Syfy’s Ghost Wars, has died at the age of 74. A cause of death has not been disclosed.
“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,” Meat Loaf’s family said in a statement to Deadline. “From his heart to your souls… don’t ever stop rocking!”
Meat Loaf, whose real name was Michael, né Marvin Lee Aday, released his debut album “Bat Out of Hell” in 1977. It went on to become one of the best-selling albums of all time, with more than 43 million copies sold worldwide. All told, he released a dozen albums as a solo artist, including follow-ups “Bat Out of Hell II: Back Into Hell” (1993) and “Bat Out of Hell III: The Monster Is Loose” (2006). Hit singles included “Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad,” “Paradise by the Dashboard Light” and “I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That)” — the latter of which earned him the 1993 Grammy for Best Rock Vocal Performance (Solo).
On the big screen, Meat Loaf played Eddie in the aforementioned Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) and Robert “Bob” Paulsen in Fight Club (1999). His extensive list of TV credits include guest spots on popular series such as Elementary, The Equalizer (1985), Glee, House, Monk, Nash Bridges, South Park and Tales From the Crypt. On the unscripted side, he competed during Season 4 of NBC’s The Celebrity Apprentice, where he placed third behind Oscar winner Marlee Matlin and country singer John Rich.
He most recently starred as Doug Rennie in Syfy’s short-lived Ghost Wars, which ran for one season in 2017.
Meat Loaf is survived by his wife Deborah and daughters Pearl and Amanda.
R.I.P. to such a legendary figure in the music industry.
My heart goes out to his family. His songs are such a major part of the tapestry of my life! He will live on through them.
I loved all of his music and adored his versatility as an actor. Just a few days ago I watched his hilarious portrayal of a voodoo artifact store owner turned Exorcist on a rerun of Monk. Thanks for all the memories and RIP 🙏
Feel free to say I’m incorrect but to my knowledge his birth name was “Marvin” Lee Aday, as opposed to “Michael”. That now said, this death hits hard. Meat Loaf was literally the KING of “Rock Opera”, and a force to be reckoned with!
As a fella whose been oversized for most of my life similar to Meat, he was a guy I looked up to because his appearance much like my own broke every stereotype of who gets to be popular in America’s narrow-minded tendencies with their celebrities except Meat Loaf could sing with the soul and panache of a man unlike anything I’ve seen from a person of his magnitude, and respected the hell out of him for that and so, so much more. All 3 Bat Out Of Hell albums will be on playlist repeat throughout this weekend. An underrated if ever mentioned song from Bat III that I have an affinity for is “In The Land Of The Pig, The Butcher Is King” in addition to the more mainstream songs that garnered Meat Loaf the recognition he so deserved and EARNED! He was a good guy.
My heart goes to his daughters Amanda and Pearl, and family. Godspeed, Marvin. May you eternally rest in peace, my man!
Other publications are reporting that he legally changed his name to Michael from Marvin. I can’t find confirmation.
It says in the article: “Meat Loaf, whose real name was Michael né Marvin Lee Aday …”
“His name is Robert Paulson.” 😛
RIP… loved the music 🎶
What a talent and showman. Thanks for the memories. RIP
What a loss to the music world.
I hate this year already.
.
RIP.
REST IN PEACE MEATLOFT YOU WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED LOVED YOUR SONGS.
I think My heart hit the floor ,today .This year ,I thought would be better but it sucks . Any time ,that I’m on a road trip.What better to listen too but Bat Out of Hell ,II and III.
I’ve had the pleasure of seeing him in concert 3Xs .He was the Master of Rock Opera . He will be missed by many .May You Rest in Peace Marvin(Michael) Aday
RIP, Meat Loaf. I bought the original Bat Out of Hell and played it so much that I wore out the CD and had to buy another one. To lose such talent as yours is hard to believe.
Very sorry for you loss. His voice was outstanding.
I first discovered Meatloaf when I was in high school and was instantly hooked. I’ve been to see him 4x and meet him @a book signing and he was so awesome! I can’t wrap my head around the fact that he’s gone. His music has helped me through a lot of junk. I’ve heard he’s been going through health issues for some time but not anymore, God bless you Meat, we all love ya.
Guy was an amazing singer. Rest in peace.
What an incredible performer. And seemed like a really great guy. Rest In Peace, Meatloaf.