AP - Meat Loaf, ‘Bat Out of Hell’ rock superstar, dies at 74 Meat Loaf, 'Bat Out of Hell' rock superstar, dies at 74
Bat Out Of Hell was everywhere as I finished up Grade 8 here in Canada. Always seemed a larger than life character in his interviews, which I always enjoyed. Outside of "Bat", I wasn't a huge fan but the man definitely had some (singing) chops! RIP, Big Man.
The first time I ever heard of Meat Loaf was when my cousin took me and my sister to a showing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show sometime around 1976. Even in a movie as bonkers as RHPS Meat stood out when he sang his number. Fast forward about a year or more later, and Bat Out Of Hell was getting a lot of airplay. I didn't put together the connection between that record and the guy who played Eddie until I went and saw RHPS again at a midnight showing. Prior to the movie, the theater played the video to "Paradise By The Dashboard Light", and as I watched it it slowly dawned on me that Meat Loaf and Eddie were one and the same. Rest well, Meat.
Another legend and decent man gone and part of my childhood. Rem a girl when we were really young walked about with a tape player blasting his songs all the time . Dead ringer what a song , rip meat .
RIP...not a huge fan,no denying his debut record it was the right place at the right time.Good for him that he got a 2nd wind in the early 90's.He had a tough childhood growing up especially dealing with his father.In that Dan Rather interview a few years ago it looked as if he had suffered a mild stroke or something...hoping he has peace and hanging out with Jim now.
Pompous? Really? Larger than life I would have said; akin to the Lizard King in many ways. Huge in the UK, and that's referring to Meat Loaf's popularity. Don't give a flying one about his politics, just as John Wayne's Republicanism never bothered "folks". Great musical theatre. An original, unlike the ridiculous rubbish of today, Adele, Ed Sheeran et al.
As a teenager in 1978 every house party had the soundtrack of Bat Out Of Hell & Jeff Wayne's War Of The Worlds- whenever I hear anything from these two albums it instantly transports me back to that brief period between late Summer 78 and Christmas of that year. Meatloaf of course had a big hand in resurrecting Cher's singing career when she dusted on Dead Ringer For Love. Her career was co cold she didn't even receive a credit on the singles credits!
RIP. Playing the BOOH album right now. Listen about once a year and always love it. A truly unique, truly great record. Rundgren and Steinman created something beautiful, and Meat was the perfect singer for it. Not really a solo effort imo, more like a great team.
...I Love Maxs' snare shot right after the spoken intro to "You Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth (Hot Summer Night)". A perfect start to that song and what is about to take place on that Beach! He also does a great Phil Spector/Ronettes fill at the first break and then continues throughout right up to the Handclaps. Roy also adds some real nice 'E Street' style piano..... It's a PERFECT Rock 'n' Roll Album. One that needs to be in Everyone's collection! RIP Meat and RIP Jim.
Meat Loaf was always a staple of Friday night music, especially Paradise. Loved him in RHPS, Flight Club and The Tenacious D movie to name a few. He will be missed. I remember nearly 20 years ago he collapsed on stage in Edmonton and there were worries that he might not be around much longer. RIP Meat! Oh and if anyone else like me, realized they don't have Bat Out of Hell II on vinyl and wanted to get it, it seems hard to find (unless you don't mind a pic disc) but I did manage to find two places that had it, I ordered the one and it was gone but here is one more. Shipping isn't cheap unless you are in the UK though. Meat Loaf 'Bat Out Of Hell II: Back Into Hell' 2xLP
Hopefully this will get people to reconsider his and Steinman’s excellent final collaboration, Braver Than We Are. A true performer, entertainer, thespian, and artist. No one had a voice like him.
And yet again I have to wish peace and comfort to another great vocalist's family and loved ones. Heaven keeps filling up the choir of late. Wish it would take a break. Too many this last month.
Moderator Note: Please keep discussion of covid and talk of anti vax/mask etc out of this thread. This is an R.I.P thread so please show some respect and remember the artist that was Meatloaf for his music and his talent!
I LOVE the "Bat out of Hell" album. The bit at the end of the epic title song where Meat goes all knackered and tired, the music comes down, and his heart flies out of his body still beating... "and flying away - ay like a Bat Out Of Hell" And that big riff kicks in! What a great Rock and Roll song! You'll live on forever through your music, Mr Loaf. RIP.
