Marvin Lee Aday, better known as Meat Loaf to the world, died on Thursday at the age of 74.
A statement on the singer's Facebook page reads:
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. 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.
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!
Meat Loaf's Bat Out of Hell trilogy sold more than 65 million albums worldwide. The albums earned him a Grammy Award for Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance for the song "I'd Do Anything for Love."
Throughout his career, Meat Loaf appeared in over 50 films and television shows, as himself or as characters resembling his stage persona. His film roles include Eddie in The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975), and Bob Paulson in Fight Club (1999). His early stage work included dual roles in the original Broadway cast of The Rocky Horror Show, and he also appeared in the musical Hair, both on-and off-Broadway.
He ranks 96th on VH1's "100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock".
