By Monk

Meat Loaf, one of the most charismatic, recognizable and iconic figures in modern rock ‘n’ roll, has died at the age of 74. The cause of death has not been announced, but it is known that he died with his wife Deborah by his side.

In a statement, his family said:

“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. From his heart to your souls … don’t ever stop rocking!”

Born Marvin Lee Aday, he is obviously best known for the record-breaking ‘Bat Out Of Hell’ trilogy, produced alongside his long-time collaborator and friend Jim Steinman, who passed away last April. The original ‘Bat…’, released in 1977, has gone on to be one of biggest selling albums in history. It’s follow-up, 1993’s ‘Back Into Hell’, gave Meat Loaf his only UK No 1 single, ‘I Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That)’.

Meat Loaf was also an accomplished and respected actor, starting his career in the musical ‘Hair’ and going on to star in more than 50 films, including ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ and ‘Fight Club’.

Personally, in addition to seeing him live many times, I had the great pleasure of meeting, and interviewing, the artist known simply as ‘Meat’. Just the once. He was a funny, generous and honest interviewee. He had a reputation for being difficult, but he answered my questions with humour and a frank integrity that, as a journalist with approaching 40 years experience, I have rarely encountered since.

My favourite memory of that meeting is asking him what I should call him… he pulled his massive frame out of his chair, looked down on skinny little 20-year old me and answered “Sir!”, before breaking out one of the biggest smiles I have ever seen and handing me a beer… our scheduled ten-minute chat lasted nearly half an hour as we talked about virtually everything except his music!

Sadly, the interview was never published, and the cassette tape has long disappeared into the mists of the rock ‘n’ roll abyss.

RIP big lad. Our condolences to Deborah, Pearl and the rest of Meat’s family and friends.