Meat Loaf, ‘Bat Out of Hell’ rock superstar, dies at 74

US singer and actor Meat Loaf has died at the age of 74, his family have confirmed. 

The Bat out of Hell singer passed away on Thursday night with his wife Deborah at his side.

Meat Loaf, real name Michael Lee Aday, sold more than 100 million albums during his lifetime. 

A statement confirming the news read: “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.”

He was best known for his album Bat Out of Hell, which is among the top best-selling albums in US history, selling more than 14 million copies.

Its singles, “Two of Three Ain’t Bad” and “Paradise by the Dashboard Light”, both were certified platinum in 2018 and at the time of release peaked at No. 11 and No. 39 on the Billboard Hot 100. 

In 1993 he won a Grammy Award for his song I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That).

Meat Loaf was also well-known for playing the role of Eddie in the 1975 cult-classic Rocky Horror Picture Show, and went on the play the role on stage.