LONDON: American rock star Meat Loaf, whose debut "Bat Out of Hell" became one of the best-selling albums of all time, has died at the age of 74.
Delivering epic anthems about love, lust, and motorcycles with intensity over melodrama, Meat Loaf became an enduring – and sometimes bombastic – rock icon in the late 1970s.
The singer and actor, otherwise known as Michael Lee Ade, sold over 100 million records worldwide and played roles in the films "The Rocky Horror Show" and "Fight Club".
With hits including "Bat Out of Hell", the nearly 10-minute-long title track from "Paradise by the Dashboard Light", and 1993's "I Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That)", Meatloaf's appeal extended far beyond hard rock fans.
The singer died with his wife by his side. His daughters, Pearl and Amanda, accompanied him through his last days. No cause of death was immediately disclosed.
"It breaks our hearts to announce that the incomparable Meat Loaf has passed away," his family said in a statement. From his heart to your soul... never stop moving!"