Grammy-winning rock superstar Meat Loaf — born Marvin Lee Aday— has died. He was 74 years old.
Survived by wife Deborah Gillespie, as well as his two daughters, Amanda and Pearl Aday, the renowned singer and actor passed away yesterday (January 20).
UPDATE (1/24, 9:53 a.m. ET): The singer reportedly become seriously ill and died after contracting COVID-19 [via TMZ]. Meat Loaf was outspoken against vaccine mandates, though his vaccination status has not been confirmed. "If I die, I die, but I'm not going to be controlled," he told The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette last August.
"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," longtime manager Michael Greene wrote.
"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," he continued, adding: "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!"
No cause of death has been confirmed at this time, but the notable performer has had some previous health scares over the years, including collapsing onstage during a concert in Edmonton.
Meat Loaf's legendary debut 1977 album with songwriter Jim Steinman and producer Todd Rundgren, Bat Out of Hell, remains one of the best-selling albums of all time, with over 40 million units sold worldwide.
He reunited with Steinman in 1993 for Bat Out of Hell II: Back into Hell, which included "I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That)." The single won a Grammy for Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance, cementing the singer's legacy as a virtuosic vocalist known for powerful performances with operatic theatrics.
With his career spanning six decades, Aday was also an illustrious actor. He appeared in over 50 films and TV shows, most notably playing roles in the cult classics Fight Club and The Rocky Horror Picture Show — the latter also playing the video for his song "Paradise by the Dashboard Light" as part of the suite of movie trailers before the film for its theatrical release across the US. The actor also had cameos in shows like South Park and Glee.
Survived by wife Deborah Gillespie, as well as his two daughters, Amanda and Pearl Aday, the renowned singer and actor passed away yesterday (January 20).
UPDATE (1/24, 9:53 a.m. ET): The singer reportedly become seriously ill and died after contracting COVID-19 [via TMZ]. Meat Loaf was outspoken against vaccine mandates, though his vaccination status has not been confirmed. "If I die, I die, but I'm not going to be controlled," he told The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette last August.
"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," longtime manager Michael Greene wrote.
"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," he continued, adding: "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!"
No cause of death has been confirmed at this time, but the notable performer has had some previous health scares over the years, including collapsing onstage during a concert in Edmonton.
Meat Loaf's legendary debut 1977 album with songwriter Jim Steinman and producer Todd Rundgren, Bat Out of Hell, remains one of the best-selling albums of all time, with over 40 million units sold worldwide.
He reunited with Steinman in 1993 for Bat Out of Hell II: Back into Hell, which included "I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That)." The single won a Grammy for Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance, cementing the singer's legacy as a virtuosic vocalist known for powerful performances with operatic theatrics.
With his career spanning six decades, Aday was also an illustrious actor. He appeared in over 50 films and TV shows, most notably playing roles in the cult classics Fight Club and The Rocky Horror Picture Show — the latter also playing the video for his song "Paradise by the Dashboard Light" as part of the suite of movie trailers before the film for its theatrical release across the US. The actor also had cameos in shows like South Park and Glee.
