The singer sold over 100 million albums
Rockstar and actor Meat Loaf has died. The “Bat Out of Hell” singer passed away Thursday. According to a statement from his manager Michael Greene on Facebook, Meat Loaf’s wife was by his side and he was surrounded by friends and family during his final hours.
He was 74.
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. 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. 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!
Meat Loaf was born Marvin Lee Aday on September 27, 1947. He took his stage name from a childhood nickname. Throughout his six decade career, Meat Loaf sold over 100 million albums worldwide. His debut LP – 1977’s Bat Out of Hell – is one of the best-selling albums of all time. It has moved over 43 million units worldwide and has been certified 14x platinum by the RIAA.
Meat Loaf was also was an accomplished actor, appearing in landmark films like The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975), The Mighty (1992), Fight Club (1999), Focus (2001), and many more.
Not surprisingly, he had roles in music-focused films like Wayne’s World (1992), Spice World: The Movie (1997), and Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny (2006).
Meat Loaf’s last studio effort was 2016’s Braver Than We Are. His final tour dates took place in 2015 and 2016. His last appearance on screen was in the 2014 comedy Wishin’ and Hopin’ alongside Chevy Chase and Molly Ringwald.
His 1993 song “I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That)” topped the Billboard 100 Singles Chart. It was the lead single from the multi-platinum outing Bat Out of Hell II: Back Into Hell which hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200. In 1994, the track garnered Meat Load the GRAMMY Award for Best Rock Vocal Solo Performance.