The actor and musician’s wife released a statement via Facebook saying: “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.
“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!”
His cause of death has not yet been released by his family.
His career as a musician first began in the late 60s when he formed Meat Loaf Soul, his first band.
The artist was offered three recording contracts but he said no to all of them.
His first show had him opening for none other than Van Morrison’s band Them and Question Mark and the Mysterians.
After many gigs, he joined the Los Angeles production of Hair.
He was invited to record with Motown and it was suggested he collaborate with Shaun ‘Stoney’ Murphy, who performed with him in Hair.
The two went on tour and even opened for The Who, The Stooges, Alice Cooper and more.
Following many theatre productions, he met his future collaborator, Jim Steinman.
Meat Loaf starred in 65 films during his expansive career and was famously known for his role in the 1975 film version of The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
He played Eddie, an ex-delivery boy who sing Hot Patootie.
The film has become a classic and also stars Susan Sarandon and Tim Curry.
Meat Loaf also took on the role of Bob Paulson in Fight Club – which stars Brad Pitt and Helena Bonham Carter – in 1999.
Despite being best known as Meat Loaf, the late singer’s real name was Marvin Lee Aday – with his nickname something he acquired throughout his childhood.
Speaking to Oprah in 2016, he explained how he was “born bright red” and his father would call him Meat due to looking like “nine and a half pounds of ground chuck“.
The second part of his nickname came at the age of 13, when the late star accidently stood on his sports coach’s foot, causing him to say: “Get off my foot, you hunk of meat loaf!” – and the new complete moniker stuck and became his iconic stage name.
Meat Loaf is survived by his two children and his devastated wife Deborah Gillespie.
sources (article; video, picture): Mirror; Bat Out of Hell singer Meat Loaf dies aged 74, ABC News (Australia), Youtube; BREAKING: Meat Loaf dead at 74, Sky News, Youtube
Vocabulary
| to release | (sajtóközleményt) kiadni |
| to announce | bejelenteni |
| incomparable | egyedülálló/ összehasonlíthatatlan |
| to pass away | elhunyni/meghalni |
| to span | átívelni (időszakot) |
| to appreciate | nagyra értékelni |
| grief | gyász |
| gigs | koncertek/fellépések |
| to collaborate | közösen/együtt dolgozni |
| expansive | terjedelmes |
| to acquire | szerezni/megszerezni |
| ground chuck | darált marhahús |
| moniker | becenév |
