American singer Meat Loaf has died at the age of 74, his family confirmed in a statement on Friday. While the cause of death hasn’t been revealed, the statement, posted on Facebook read, “Our hearts are broken to announce that the incomparable Meat Loaf passed away tonight with his wife Deborah by his side.” 

The ‘Bat Out of Hell’ star family added that his daughters, Pearl, and Amanda had been with him during his final hours. They concluded the statement by thanking people for the condolences, love and support and signing off with “From his heart to your souls…don’t ever stop rocking!”.

Born as Marvin Lee Aday, the music and acting icon won a Grammy in 1994 and starred in the 1975 cult classic film ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ as Eddie.

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His album ‘Bat Out of Hell’ sold over 14 million units in the US and over 30 million worldwide, making it one of the greatest albums in US history.

Written and produced by Jim Steinman, the 1977 album had big hits including ‘Two of Three Ain’t Bad’ and ‘Paradise by the Dashboard Light’, which topped the Billboard Hot 100 charts.

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Meat Loaf was born on September 27, 1947, in Dallas, Texas. During his high school years, he was a popular football player. In the 1960s, he moved to New York City to land roles, bagging a Broadway musical as well.

After the success of his debut album, Meat Loaf collaborated once again with Steinman in 1993, with the album ‘Bat Out of Hell II: Back Into Hell’. The album sold over 5 million units in the US and its single, ‘I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That)’ went on to become the biggest hit in Meat Loaf’s career and won him a Grammy.

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Meat Loaf also went on to become the lead singer for Ted Nugent’s hit 1976 album ‘Free-for-All’.