The man who brought us the rock anthems “Paradise by the Dashboard Light” and “I’d Do Anything for Love” has passed away.
Michael Lee Aday, known worldwide as “Meat Loaf,” has died at 74.
His death was confirmed on his official Facebook page Friday morning.
“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,” read a statement.
The tributes from other celebrities are numerous.
Had So Much Fun With Meatloaf When We Did “Dead Ringer”. Am Very Sorry For His Family,Friends,& Fans. Am I imagining It, or Are Amazing Ppl In The Arts Dying every other Day
— Cher (@cher) January 21, 2022
We wanted you, we needed you–and we loved you. Three out of three after all, Meatloaf. You will be missed.
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) January 21, 2022
Meat Loaf has died at age 74.
For 3 years, he played Bat Out Of Hell in record label offices and got turned down by every single one of them.
He signed with then-unknown Cleveland International Records.
It’s now one of the best-selling albums of all time, with 44 million sold. pic.twitter.com/6GxILn1K2d— Eric Alper
(@ThatEricAlper) January 21, 2022
Meat Loaf earned the nickname from his high school football coach.
Releasing 12 studio albums and five live albums, Meat Loaf was one of the top record-selling artists of all time. His debut in 1977, “Bat Out Of Hell,” sold 65-million copies and still sells about 200,000 a year.
He was almost as well known as an actor after making his film debut in the cult classic “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” He played a doorman in “Wayne’s World” and later played a pivotal role in another cult classic, “Fight Club,” which starred Brad Pitt and Edward Norton.
“We know how much he meant to so many of you, and we truly appreciate all the love and support as we move through this time of grief in losing such an inspiring artist and beautiful man,” continued the statement.
ABC News said a cause of death has not been released.
