Tributes have poured in this morning for legendary musician Meat Loaf, who has died at the age of 74.
The I’d Do Anything For Love singer passed away yesterday, with his wife, daughters and some close friends by his side.
Meat Loaf, real name Michael Lee Aday, was best-known for his Bat Out Of Hell trilogy, the debut of which remains one of the best-selling albums of all time.
Celebrities including Cher, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Stephen Fry have all posted their own tributes to the star.
Credit: Facebook, Meat Loaf
Cher wrote: “Had So Much Fun With Meatloaf When We Did “Dead Ringer”. Am Very Sorry For His Family,Friends,& Fans. Am I imagining It, or Are Amazing Ppl In The Arts Dying every other Day.”
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Stephen Fry posted today: “I hope paradise is as you remember it from the dashboard light, Meat Loaf. Had a fun time performing a sketch with him on Saturday Live way back in the last century.
“He had the quality of being simultaneously frightening and cuddly, which is rare and rather wonderful …”
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I hope paradise is as you remember it from the dashboard light, Meat Loaf. Had a fun time performing a sketch with him on Saturday Live way back in the last century – https://t.co/RxoH36OYHw
TV presenter Piers Morgan said: “RIP Meat Loaf, 74. One of rock music’s all-time great characters whose seminal iconic album Bat Out Of Hell is one of the biggest-selling records in history.
“A wondrously talented, flamboyant, funny, outrageous and rebellious chameleon. Sad news.”
Boy George shared an anecdote of the star, writing: “R.I.P Meatloaf. Love and prayers to all his family and close friends. He once turned me upside down in a Chinese Restaurant in St Johns Wood.”
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My friend interviewed Meat Loaf about ten years ago and he graciously signed a printed-out meme for me. A king. pic.twitter.com/ZmvRSxuViU
DJ Jo Whiley posted: “God I loved Bat Out of Hell. Soundtrack to my youth. Sad news RIP Meatloaf. Extraordinary voice Phenomenonal character.”
Comedian Ed Gamble has also shared a tribute, saying: “Meat Loaf was an absolute one off and Bat Out Of Hell is a straight 10 out of 10 album. The title track is an always will be my impossibly long karaoke choice. (Also, Fight Club). RIP Meat x”
And music promoter Ade Dovey, who launched the Albert Hall gig venue in Manchester, shared a fond memory of when Meat Loaf came to visit our city.
Credit: YouTube, Meat Loaf
He posted: I remember when Meat Loaf came to [Albert’s] Schloss one afternoon in Manchester for PR launch of Bat Out Of Hell Musical.
“Was strange being in the same room with the chap, he wasn’t well back then but he still had this rad aura of pure awesome.”
The news was shared on Facebook this morning, with a message that said: “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!”
Featured image: Meat Loaf
Music
The View, Brooke Combe, Corella and more join the Neighbourhood Weekender 2023 lineup
Danny Jones
More acts have joined the Neighbourhood Weekender lineup for 2023 and as well as some big names, it looks like there’s going to be even more Manc music on show this year. You love to see it.
Neighbourhood 2023 is already shaping up to be an absolute belter with the likes of Pulp, The Kooks, Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbot, The Wombats, Anne Marie and countless other huge others already announced for this year.
But if there’s one thing we know about the Warrington weekender it’s that there are always more surprises down the line, right up until the last minute, and to whet your appetite for the festival favourite.
The latest from the organisers is that several new artists are now joining the NBHD lineup, such as Scottish stars and veritable indie veteran The View, fellow compatriot Brooke Combe (one of the most exciting new soloists we’ve heard in a long time), The Goa Express from Burnley and 14 other acts.
One of the names we’re most excited to see playing on the Sunday are local lads, Corella. Named after an indigenous Australian bird, the rock and indie quarter are former BIMM students who are quickly becoming one of the most talked-about groups in the city.
The Manc musicians went on to survive lockdown together, writing new tunes and even hosting virtual live gigs called ‘Club Corella’ every weekend throughout the pandemic. God, we don’t half love this kind of graft, especially in hard times. Well in, lads.
Since then, they’ve gone from strength to strength and now, fresh from their sellout gig at Gorilla — which they hailed as “a dream come true” and a “moment we will never forget” — they’ll be following it up with a full Weekender slot in just a couple month’s time.
If their performance at Gorilla and at last year’s Neighbourhood Festival in the city is anything to go by, they’re going to absolutely smash it.
Neighbourhood Weekender 2023’s lineup is sounding more and more like it could go down as a year you don’t want to miss.
The weekend of gigs kicks at the beautiful Victoria Park in Warrington on 27 May and last until the following Sunday. However, to make things even better there’s also going to be a massive warm-up show featuring The Stone Roses’ Ian Brown, Happy Mondays and more.
Featured Image — The View (via Twitter)/Corella/Brooke Combe(via Instagram)
Music
Busted announce huge 20th anniversary arena tour, including Manchester date
Daisy Jackson
Busted have announced a huge new arena tour to celebrate their 20th anniversary and greatest hits.
The comeback tour was finally announced this morning after the trio had teased some big news yesterday, sending their fans into a tailspin.
Busted’s new tour will take them across the UK this September, including a night at the AO Arena on 24 September to wrap up the run of shows.
The group, consisting of James Bourne, Matt Willis and Charlie Simpson, formed back in 2000 and dominated the charts with songs like Year 3000, Air Hostess, and What I Go To School For.
They released two studio albums before splitting in 2005 when drummer Charlie left to focus on rock band Fightstar.
And although Busted did return with two more albums (Night Driver and Halfway There), this latest arena tour announcement has sent fans wild.
Joining Busted on the 20th Anniversary and Greatest Hits Tour will be fellow boyband royalty Hanson, as well as New Hope Club and The Tyne.
The boys will also release a 15-track album featuring new recordings of their biggest hits, including a new version of Loser Kid with Simple Plan.
In a nostalgic video trailer released this morning, Charlie said: “It’s about celebrating what Busted meant to the fans and it’s about us being able to go out and share that experience with them.”
Busted. Credit: Publicity photo
Frontman Matt added: “I think at the end of the day we just wanna go out and play really f**king cool shows. That’s what I really wanna do.”
Reacting to the announcement, one person wrote: “Not to be dramatic but I’ve waited my whole bloody life for this.”
Another said: “Heart palpitations obsessed as a 8 year old, cried to my local radio when you broke up now 27 with three kids down the line still obsessed still tempted to ring the local radio crying.”
Tickets will go on sale on Friday 31 March.
Busted 20th Anniversary and Greatest Hits tour dates
September 2 – Plymouth, Pavilions September 3 – Cardiff, International Arena September 5 – Swansea, Arena September 6 – Bournemouth, BIC September 7 – Brighton, Centre September 9 – Birmingham, Utilita Arena September 10 – London, The O2 September 12 – Bridlington, Spa September 15 – Nottingham, Motorpoint Arena September 16 – Newcastle, Utilita Arena September 17 – Leeds, First Direct Arena September 19 – Aberdeen, P&J Live September 20 – Glasgow, OVO Hydro September 22 – Liverpool, M&S Bank Arena September 24 – Manchester, AO Arena
Daisy Jackson -
21st January 2022 
