Meat Loaf dies at 74: Celebrity tributes pour in for legendary singer
TRIBUTES have been pouring in for singing legend Meat Loaf after died at the age of 74. The star, real name Michael Lee Aday, won a legion of fans over the course of his six-decade spanning career with his powerful vocals, catchy power ballads and theatrical performances. The star of stage and screen passed away […]
TRIBUTES have been pouring in for singing legend Meat Loaf after died at the age of 74.
The star, real name Michael Lee Aday, won a legion of fans over the course of his six-decade spanning career with his powerful vocals, catchy power ballads and theatrical performances.
The star of stage and screen passed away on Thursday night with his family by his side. Meat Loaf’s cause of death has not yet been revealed.
A statement posted to Facebook 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.
“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.
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“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!”
In light of his passing, tributes have poured in for the iconic performer.
Broadcaster Piers Morgan wrote on Twitter: “RIP Meat Loaf, 74.
“One of rock music’s all-time great characters whose seminal iconic album Bat Out Of Hell is one of the biggest-selling records in history.
“A wondrously talented, flamboyant, funny, outrageous and rebellious chameleon. Sad news.”
British comic and actor 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.”
The star sold millions of albums worldwide, with the Bat Out Of Hell trilogy among his most popular musical offerings.
He was honoured with the Hero Award at the annual Q Awards music ceremony in 2016, which he dedicated to everyday heroes and called on people to “bring love back into this world”.
The rock veteran had been plagued with health issues and rumours that he’s dying ever since he collapsed onstage in June 2016 and has appeared in a number of interviews with slurred speech, with even Katie Price telling him she thought he had died.
He was forced to deny he’d passed away.
But he did have back surgery nearly two months ago to remove a cyst on his back – and he’s explained for the last time ever, just what the bat out of hell is going on.
“Listen, I am not dying. After three months of therapy I will be fine. I am sick of talking about it. I don’t want to talk about it from now on,” he said.
“And anyone else who asks me the question, I’m not going to respond to it.”
His colourful career saw him not only wow fans with his music, but also with his theatrics as he appeared in more than 50 movies and television shows – including the 1997 film Spice World.
The rock star was born Marvin Lee Aday in Dallas, Texas, in 1947, forming his first band Meat Loaf Soul in the 1960s.
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