- Rockstar Meat Loaf has died at the age of 74, according to a post on his verified Facebook page.
- The performer’s agent confirmed the death to the media, but no cause of death has been reported at this time.
- Meat Loaf updated fans via Facebook in November on his health, revealing he underwent three back surgeries between 2016 and 2018. The star also suffered from a heart condition called Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome.
Meat Loaf, the rockstar best known for one of the best-selling albums of all time, Bat Out of Hell, has died at the age of 74. The news broke early Friday morning that the actor and singer had passed away overnight, via Meat Loaf’s verified Facebook page. Meat Loaf’s agent later confirmed the singer’s death to CNN. The cause of death has yet to be announced at this time.
“Our hearts are broken to announce that the incomparable Meat Loaf passed away tonight surrounded by his wife Deborah, daughters Pearl and Amanda, and close friends,” the post said. “His amazing career spanned six 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.”
The post continued by thanking fans for their love and support over the years. “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. We thank you for your understanding of our need for privacy at this time. From his heart to your souls…don’t ever stop rocking!”
Born Marvin Lee Aday in Dallas in 1947, he later changed his first name to Michael and took the stage name of Meat Loaf based on a childhood nickname, according to The New York Times. He had continuous health problems throughout his career, including undergoing heart surgery in 2003 after collapsing on stage during a concert in London. The singer suffered from Wolffs-Parkinson-White-Syndrome, per Rolling Stone, a condition apparent from birth in which an extra electrical pathway between the heart's upper and lower chambers causes a rapid heartbeat, according to the Mayo Clinic.
In November of 2021, Meat Loaf updated fans on his music and health via a Facebook post, saying he underwent three back surgeries over the course of three years. “I now have 13 screws holding on a metal plate or plates in half my back,” the singer wrote.
The Grammy winner released 12 studio albums, and his album Bat Out Of Hell sold over 14 million copies in the United States. The album featured opera-rock music that was reminiscent of Broadway tunes and included hits like Paradise By The Dashboard Light and You Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth, according to The New York Times.
Fans, followers, and friends shared an outpouring of sadness and love on social media throughout the night to honor the music legend. Superstar Cher posted to Twitter, “Had so much fun with Meat Loaf when we did Dead Ringer. Am very sorry for his family, friends, and fans. Am I imagining it, or are amazing people in the arts dying every other day?”
Actor Edward Norton posted a photo on Twitter of the two and wrote, “I don’t keep pictures from films around [the] home, but I have this one in my office in a frame [because] it makes me smile every time. It’s engraved ‘Love and Hugs, Meat.’ It sums him up well. He was so funny. And gentle. And warm to everyone. A sweet soul. RIP Meat Loaf.”
Our hearts are heavy for the fans, family, and friends of the beloved singer.
Arielle Weg is the associate editor at Prevention and loves to share her favorite wellness and nutrition obsessions. She previously managed content at The Vitamin Shoppe, and her work has also appeared in Women’s Health, Men’s Health, Cooking Light, MyRecipes, and more. You can usually find her taking an online workout class or making a mess in the kitchen, creating something delicious she found in her cookbook collection or saved on Instagram.
