Stars including Cher, Brian May and Bonnie Tyler have paid tribute to rock singer Meat Loaf, who has died aged 74.
Meat Loaf, otherwise known as Michael Lee Aday, has died at the age of 74. Photo: Getty Images
Cher, who duetted with him on the 1981 track Dead Ringer for Love, recalled having "had so much fun" with him.
Queen guitarist Brian May, who also worked with Meat Loaf, said he was "completely gutted".
He wrote on Instagram: "Always full of madness, with the innocent sense of naughtiness of a five-year old, Meat was forever young."
Meat Loaf's best-known album, the bombastic Bat Out Of Hell, remains one of the best-selling releases of all time.
The star sold 100 million albums worldwide in total and also appeared in movies like Fight Club, the Rocky Horror Picture Show and Wayne's World.
He was also known for hits like I'd Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That) and Dead Ringer For Love.
The news of his death was confirmed on the star's Facebook page by his family.
"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," their message read.
Meat Loaf performing in March last year. Photo: GETTY via AFP
Bonnie Tyler, who released an album with Meat Loaf in 1989, said he was "a larger than life character with a voice & stage presence to match & is one of those rare people who truly was a one off talent and personality."
I am shocked & saddened by the sudden death of Meat Loaf. He was, as you might imagine, a larger than life character with a voice & stage presence to match & is one of those rare people who truly was a one off talent and personality. Rest In Peace
— Bonnie Tyler (@BonnieTOfficial) January 21, 2022
Queen's current frontman Adam Lambert remembered him as "a gentle hearted powerhouse rockstar forever and ever".
Theatre composer Andrew Lloyd Webber wrote: "The vaults of heaven will be ringing with rock. RIP Meatloaf."
British vocalist Lorraine Crosby, who sang on I'd Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That), told BBC News he was "a great man" who was "very generous with everything".
The star was "larger than life" and "had a temper", she said, but added: "He didn't fall out with you for long. He'd say his bit, and then everything would be fine the next day."
The Dallas-born singer was born Marvin Lee Aday but also known as Michael, and got his nickname when his dad said he looked as red as meat at birth, before a high school football coach added the "loaf".
As well as the Bat Out Of Hell trilogy, he released a string of other albums in the late 1970s and 1980s, most notably notably Dead Ringer and Midnight at the Lost and Found.
In the 90s, I'd Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That) was the UK's best-selling single of 1993 and earned him a Grammy Award.
On screen, he played Eddie in 1975 musical film The Rocky Horror Picture Show, was bouncer Tiny in 1992's Wayne's World, and appeared opposite Brad Pitt as bodybuilder Robert Paulsen in 1999's Fight Club.
Other friends and collaborators told stories of their time with Meat Loaf. Irish singer Imelda May recalled a boozy night out with him.
One time with Meat and @PaulCrookMusic We decided to do a tequila tasting. Time flew.
— Imelda May (@ImeldaOfficial) January 21, 2022
OMG was it morning already?!
Ran late to my writing session worse for wear in the same clothes I was in the day before
When asked what happened
I simply answered
“Meat Loaf!” #RIPMeatLoaf
Boy George recalled a similarly memorable evening with the star.
R.I.P Meatloaf. Love and prayers to all his family and close friends. He once turned me upside down in a Chinese Restaurant in St Johns Wood.
— Boy George (@BoyGeorge) January 21, 2022
Meanwhile, singer and internet meme phenomenon Rick Astley tweeted: "Meat Loaf. What a legend."
Meat Loaf. What a legend. Rest in peace - Rick x pic.twitter.com/oKfdfetUhh
— Rick Astley (@rickastley) January 21, 2022
Republican rock
Meat Loaf was one of the few big-name American entertainment figures to campaign for US presidential candidate Mitt Romney in his race against Barack Obama in 2012.
Romney ultimately lost, but kept his friendship with the singer, who he described on Friday as "a man of gentle kindness, generous spirit and exceptional talent".
Heartache—but with warm memories—with news of Meat Loaf’s passing. A man of gentle kindness, generous spirit and exceptional talent. The unique quality of his music will stand the test of time. Like many who knew him, I will miss his friendship. https://t.co/fqdCm1RcAM
— Mitt Romney (@MittRomney) January 21, 2022
Donald Trump, who did later make his way into the Oval Office, said the late singer was "smart, talented, open and warm". The two appeared together on the celebrity version of the US Apprentice.
In the UK, former culture secretary Matt Hancock revealed that a Meat Loaf gig in Manchester was his first experience of live music.
Very sorry to hear Meat Loaf has died. First gig I ever went to. Amazing stage presence. I'll never forget the moment he walked on stage and shouted 'Hello Birmingham' to a stunned Manchester crowd.
— Matt Hancock (@MattHancock) January 21, 2022
My thoughts are with his family, friends and fans.https://t.co/miASnZZTaL
- BBC / ABC
