‘Rocky Horror Show’ Star Meat Loaf Dead at 74

By Super Festivals - https://www.flickr.com/photos/27238804@N03/48600884201/, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=86927310

Legendary Hollywood double-threat Meat Loaf, who was a best selling rocker and actor, died at the age of 74 from unknown causes. 

“Our hearts are broken to announce that the incomparable Meat Loaf passed away tonight with his wife Deborah by his side,” his family announced on Facebook. “Daughters Pearl and Amanda and close friends have been with him throughout the last 24 hours.”

“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,” the post continued. 

His friend Paul revealed that the singer “had periods where he was extremely obese” and “needed oxygen off stage,” during a Friday morning appearance on Good Morning Britain.

Meat Loaf recently said that he was planning to release a new track in early January, despite having four back surgeries in between late 2016 and 2018.

“Before the back surgeries I was still trying to do shows, that’s when some of you saw or heard of me collapsing on stage and finally stopping the tour in the UK. I couldn’t hit high notes because of back pain. Not a slight back pain. Pain that would bring you to your knees,” he posted on Facebook in November.   

Meat Loaf, born Marvin Lee Aday, started out his career in Los Angeles productions of Broadway hits “Hair” and “The Rocky Horror Show” in the early 1970s. He was asked to reprise his role as Eddie, in the latter’s 1975 movie adaptation, which became a cult hit.  

The “I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That)” singer’s music career took off two years later with the release of 1977’s “Bat Out of Hell,” which would go on to become one of the best selling albums of all time, and spawn two sequels that sold more than 100 million copies. 

He found success on the big screen with roles in “Wayne’s World” and “Fight Club,” along with guest spots on TV hits “Nash Bridges,” “House,” “Monk,” and “Glee.”

Collaborator Cher, who guested on 1981’s “Dead Ringer For Love,” tweeted her condolences. “Had So Much Fun With Meatloaf When We Did “Dead Ringer,” she wrote. “Am Very Sorry For His Family,Friends,& Fans. Am I imagining It, or Are Amazing Ppl In The Arts Dying every other Day!?”

“R.I.P Meatloaf. Love and prayers to all his family and close friends” posted fellow singer Boy George. “He once turned me upside down in a Chinese Restaurant in St Johns Wood.”


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