Boy George reminisces how Meat Loaf 'once turned me upside down in a Chinese restaurant in St John's Wood' as he pays tribute to the late icon

• Meat Loaf passed away aged 74 with his wife Deborah by his side
• He reportedly became seriously ill after contracting Covid  
• Boy George and Meat performed together at the Aids Benefit show in 1987
• Meat Loaf had extraordinary career over six decades with Bat Out Of Hell trilogy 
• I'd Do Anything For Love reached number one in 28 countries

Boy George reflected on a time when 'Meat Loaf turned me upside down in a Chinese restaurant' as he paid tribute to the rocker, following his death aged 74. 

Meat Loaf, who was known for hits including Bat Out Of Hell and sold more than 100million albums worldwide and starring in 65 movies, died with his wife Deborah at his side, it was announced on Friday. 

A cause of death has not been confirmed but it has been reported that Meat Loaf became seriously ill after contracting Covid. It is not known if he was vaccinated. 

And taking to Twitter, Boy George, 60, spoke of a fond memory he had with the music legend while out for a meal in St John's Wood, London. 

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.' 

Piers Morgan replied: 'Fabulous.. any pix?' 

Meanwhile a different fan typed: 'I have a memory of the World Aids Day concert, Boy George and Meatloaf duet of Stand By Me. Or did I dream that.'

Another added: 'That sounds like Meat. I did a phone recording with him decades back. 

'As part of the sound check, he told me some mad joke, then refused to give me the punchline. 

'10 years later, he turned up at the studio and told me the punchline! He was all sorts of characters rolled into one.' 

Boy George and Meat Loaf performed alongside each other at the Aids Benefit show, in Wembley in April 1987.  

Born in Dallas in 1947, Meat Loaf found early success on the stage in the 1970s, performing in the Broadway musicals Hair and The Rocky Horror Show - before he switched focus to rock music around 1972.

Meat Loaf started collaborating with Jim Steinman - who died last April - on a debut album that year which showcased his powerful voice and established his leather-clad, motorcycle-riding rock persona.

And the singer will be best remembered for famously singing in Bat Out Of Hell: 'Like a bat out of hell I'll be gone when the morning comes; When the night is over, like a bat out of hell, I'll be gone, gone, gone.'

A statement by Meat Loaf's family posted on the star's Facebook page this morning said: '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 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!'