The dashboard light went out last night.
Meat Loaf–the hard-belting rock star and actor best-known for his electrifying 1977 debut album Bat Out of Hell–has passed away at the age of 74. The cause of death is not being released, according to a report on Deadline.
The Grammy-winning performer–born Marvin Lee Aday–passed away surrounded by his wife Deborah and daughters Pearl and Amanda. “We know how much he meant to so many of you,” his family said in a statement, “and we truly appreciate all the love and support as we move through this time of grief.”
Meat Loaf’s Bat out of Hell album–written and produced by Jim Steinman–sold approximately 30 million copies worldwide, and was highlighted by such hits as “Paradise by the Dashboard Light” and “Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad”. The album cover was illustrated by Will Eisner Award Hall of Famer Richard Corben.
The singer’s follow-up album–Bat Out of Hell II: Back Into Hell–boasted the platinum lead single “I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That)”, that became Meat Loaf’s biggest hit and earned him his Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance, Solo.
Prior to his singing successes, Meat Loaf showed his acting chops in the classic 1975 film version of the stage musical The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Appearing as Eddie in the cult classic, Meat Loaf performed the show-stopping “Hot Patootie” number before his character met his untimely end. Meat Loaf also played the role onstage.
Meat Loaf also made his mark on the big screen in such films as Fight Club, Crazy in Alabama, Stage Fright and Leap of Faith. He also appeared in the 1992 Tales from the Crypt episode What’s Cookin‘.
The staff of Horror News Network extends its condolences to Meat Loaf’s family, friends and colleagues.
