It is with a heavy heart that we report the death of Meat Loaf (Michael Lee Aday). The iconic rockstar passed away on Thursday, January 20th, at 74. Meatloaf reportedly died from COVID-19 complications, stemming from an earlier bout of the illness.
Meat Loaf was born Marvin Lee Aday in Dallas, Texas, on September 27th, 1947. He rose to fame in the 1970s with his album Bat Out of Hell, which sold over 43 million copies worldwide. Throughout his six-decade career, Meat Loaf released 12 studio albums and starred in several movies, including Fight Club and Rocky Horror Picture Show. In 2011, he competed in Donald Trump’s reality TV show The Celebrity Apprentice.
Like many people reading this article, Meat Loaf’s music was deeply associated with our childhoods. My first encounter with Meat Loaf was when I walked home from elementary school one day. I discovered a lost cassette case on the ground with “Bat Out of Hell II” on the cover. I was enthralled by the enormous bat and flying motorbike, so I seized it and brought it home to add to my boombox.
Meat Loaf’s music was a unique blend of classic rock and roll, gothic rock, soul, and opera. Paired with the legendary Jim Steinman, Meat Loaf’s albums were often sprawling epics, delivered in a fashion that only the unparalleled talent of Meat Loaf could muster. Many of Jim’s songs were about love and relationships. His powerful voice conveyed emotion in a way that resonated with his fans. At times, Meat Loaf’s music was heavily influenced by Bruce Springsteen and other classic rockers (like Elvis Presley on “Two out of Three Aint Bad”). His unique style helped shape the sound of rock music in the 1970s and 1980s.
Recently, Meatloaf had become very critical of the COVID-19 lockdown and safety precautions enforced during 2020/2021, stating that he “hugged people during Covid”. The singer described people who called for people on airplanes to wear masks as Nazis, and said: “If I die, I die, but I’m not going to be controlled.” It has been reported he contracted the virus earlier in the month, and that his death happened due to complications from the virus.
While his death is a significant loss to the world of music, we can take comfort in the legacy that he leaves behind. His songs will continue to be enjoyed by generations for years to come. We’ve put together this article discussing some of our favorite Meat Loaf moments in remembrance of Meat Loaf. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Meat Loaf’s friends and family during this difficult time.
Our Favorite Meatloaf Songs
Paradise by the Dashboard Light
“Paradise by the Dashboard Light” is one of Meat Loaf’s most recognized and beloved tracks, released on Bat Out of Hell in 1977. The narrative follows a young couple remembering their high-school days. The song enters into a hilarious baseball play-by-play of the male protagonist’s attempts to score and ‘go all the way tonight.’ He is abruptly stopped by the lady who makes him promise to marry her and love her till the end of time. He initially asks to ‘sleep on it,’ only to subsequently give in and agree to the woman’s demands.
Fast forward to the present, and the two are still together but unhappily married. The man cannot tolerate her presence any longer, and he prays for the end of time so that he does not have to be around her anymore. Hilarious and amusing, it is a throwback to Meat Loaf’s days on the National Lampoon Road Tour, where he would often perform comedy sketches such as these.
I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That)
“I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That)” was the first single from Bat Out of Hell II, and it quickly rose to legendary status. “I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That)” spent five weeks at the top of Billboard’s charts and became one of Meat Loaf’s most well-known songs, topping the charts in 28 different countries. In addition, it is Meat Loaf’s only solo number one in several countries.
The music video for the song was directed by Michael Bay and featured Dana Patrick. The story is greatly influenced by Beauty and The Beast and Phantom of The Opera. It features Dana Patrick as “Beauty” and Meat Loaf as “The Beast.” The Beast’s makeup took two hours to apply. As she did in the video for Patti Russo’s voice on, I’d Lie For You (And That’s The Truth), Dana mimicks Lorraine Crosby’s vocals in place of the actual vocalist being seen in the video.
“I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That)” is often considered one of Meat Loaf’s signature songs and is one of his most well-known tracks.
Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad
“Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad” was the last song written for Bat Out of Hell and was Jim Steinman’s ode to the simplicity of Elvis Presley’s songs. It was written after Mimi Kennedy challenged Jim to write something more “simple” and more like Elvis. This song was a big success for Meat Loaf and remained one of his signature songs. It peaked at #11 and was his second highest-charting single.
Bat Out of Hell
The song “Bat Out of Hell” is from Meat Loaf’s Bat Out of Hell album, released in 1977. It was written by Jim Steinman. In 1978, “Bat Out of Hell” was released as a single. It reached #15 in the UK, later being re-released in 1993, where it charted at #8.
Like many from the album, the song Bat Out of Hell was inspired by a play that Jim Steinman was writing about Peter Pan and Neverland. It is intended to be a teenage tragedy story about a biker racing through the streets, unable to see a sharp turn until it’s too late. The biker crashes, and lying amongst the burning wreckage, he dies from his injuries.
You Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth (Hot Summer Night)
“You Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth (Hot Summer Night)” is a song from Meat Loaf’s 1977 album Bat Out of Hell. It was Meat Loaf’s first-ever solo single and was written by Jim Steinman. “You Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth (Hot Summer Night)” was released as a single in 1977 and would eventually reach #39 on the Billboard Hot 100.
After asking him to write a song that wasn’t “15-20 minutes long” and “a pop song,” Meat Loaf reportedly used “You Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth” as the deciding factor to work with Steinman. If this is true, it’s a beautiful thing because it resulted in one of the most excellent rock partnerships ever.
Objects in the Rear View Mirror May Appear Closer Than They Are
“Objects in the Rear View Mirror May Appear Closer Than They Are” is a Meat Loaf song from his 1993 album Bat Out of Hell II. This track boasts the distinction of having the “longest unbracketed title,” with a length of 52 letters (at least as of 2007).
The lyrics to “Objects in the Rear View Mirror May Appear Closer Than They Are” are about a man who is looking back at his life and, in many ways, took inspiration from Meat Loaf’s own tragic childhood. One of Meat’s most emotional tracks was also one of my favorite songs from him as a child before I discovered the rest of his outstanding catalog.
Hot Patootie (from The Rocky Horror Picture Show)
“Hot Patootie (from The Rocky Horror Picture Show)” was written by Richard O’Brien and is performed by Meat Loaf, who assumes the role of Eddie (an ex-delivery boy) in the film.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show was released in 1975, and it was Meat Loaf’s first major motion picture appearance. The film also stars Tim Curry, Barry Bostwick, and Patricia Quinn. The movie has become a cult classic over the years, and Meat Loaf’s performance in the film is a highlight.
As these selections of our favorite tracks have shown, Meat Loaf was a legendary musician who will be remembered for his contributions to rock music. He was a pioneer in the rock opera genre, and his music will continue to be enjoyed by fans for years to come. He will be missed. Rest in peace, Meat Loaf!
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