Rock icon Meat Loaf dead at 74

MUSIC icon Meat Loaf, whose hits included Bat Out of Hell, has died aged 74.

A statement on the Texasborn singer’s official Facebook page said he died with his wife by his side.

“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,” the statement said.

“His amazing career spanned six 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.”

It continued: “Bat Out of Hell remains one of the top 10selling 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.”

No cause of death was immediately shared, but reports suggested it was Covid complications that killed him.

Born Marvin Lee Aday, the rock legend had been plagued with health issues and rumours that he was dying ever since he collapsed onstage in June 2016, and he had appeared in a number of interviews with slurred speech.

At one stage he was forced to deny he’d passed away.

He did have surgery nearly two months ago to remove a cyst on his back.

He is perhaps best known for his 1977 Bat Out of Hell album, and hit songs including Paradise by the Dashboard Light (1977), I’m Gonna Love Her for Both of Us (1981), and I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That) (1993).