Iconic singer and actor Meat Loaf has died aged 74

It has just been announced that the iconic singer and actor known as Meat Loaf has died at aged 74.

Grammy Award-winning Michael Lee Aday – who was known by his stage name of Meat Loaf, and hailed from Dallas, Texas – burst onto the music scene back in the early 1970s and went on to achieve global fame, becoming one of the best-selling musical artists of all time.

The ‘Bat Out Of Hell’ trilogy was his most-popular musical offering, which eventually sold over 65 million albums worldwide.

As an actor, Aday has also appeared in over 50 movies and television shows throughout his revered career, sometimes as himself, and others as characters resembling his stage persona, with his most notable film roles including Eddie in The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975), and Bob Paulson in Fight Club (1999).

On stage, his work included dual roles in the original cast of The Rocky Horror Show, and he was also in the musical, Hair, both on- and off-Broadway.

His passing was confirmed in a statement on Facebook this morning, which read: “Our hearts are broken to announce that the incomparable Meat Loaf passed away tonight with his wife Deborah by his side. Daughters Pearl and Amanda and close friends have been with him throughout the last 24 hours.

“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.

“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.”

This is a BREAKING NEWS story – More to follow.

Featured Image – Facebook (Meat Loaf)