Rest in Peace, Meat Loaf: 1947-2022 (Iconic Singer/Actor Remembered by Peers)

Meat Loaf has passed away at the age of 74, it was announced early Friday. TMZ reported his passing, noting that he died after a fight with COVID-19 after falling “seriously ill” and passing away on Thursday evening:

The singer’s manager, Michael Greene, confirmed Meat Loaf died Thursday night. Sources with knowledge tell TMZ … he was supposed to attend a business dinner earlier this week for a show he’s working on — “I’d Do Anything for Love” — but the dinner was canceled because he became seriously ill with COVID. Sources tell us that condition quickly became critical.

Born Michael Lee Aday, he would grow in stature to amass an undeniably unique stature in music; along with songwriter Jim Steinman, Meat Loaf’s 1977 album Bat Out of Hell became one of the most successful albums in music history, shifting more than 40 million copies worldwide in the strength of theatrical compositions like “Paradise By the Dashboard Light”:

And “Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad”:

1993’s sequel album Bat Out of Hell II: Back into Hell was another smash-hit, reaching the top spot in the United States, United Kingdom and Australia — and giving Meat Loaf (and Steinman) a No. 1 hit with “I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That)”:

Steinman, Meat Loaf’s longtime writing partner, passed away in 2021.

In addition to a lengthy singing career, Meat Loaf kept an especially busy schedule as an actor; his first credited role was in 1962’s State Fair and his last to date came in 2014’s Wishin’ and Hopin’. Among his noteworthy acting roles included the 1975 cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show and 1999’s Fight Club.

News of his passing prompted an outpouring of condolences and remembrances cross social media:

 

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We are saddened to learn that Michael Lee Aday, better known as Meat Loaf and beloved by fans all over the world, passed away at the age of 74. Our sincerest thoughts are with his family, friends and those affected by his passing.https://t.co/HebiHGwAI3

— WWE (@WWE) January 21, 2022

Very sad. R.I.P. #Meatloaf pic.twitter.com/oUj4toYz5T

— Elvira (@TheRealElvira) January 21, 2022

RIP to an icon #Meatloaf pic.twitter.com/gDZBeAGxm1

— Papa Roach (@paparoach) January 21, 2022