Meat Loaf death: Cher and Boy George lead tributes to ‘bombastic’ singer

Tribute posted to musician’s Facebook page urged fans ‘don’t ever stop rocking!’

Meat Loaf performs ‘I’d Do Anything For Love’ live

Tributes are pouring in after Meat Loaf, famous singer of hits including “I’d Do Anything for Love”, died aged 74.

A post on his official Facebook page 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...

“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!”

While he was best known as a musician, Meat Loaf also starred in a number of films, including Fight Club and The Rocky Horror Picture Show. He also had a surprising role in Spice Girls film Spice World: The Movie.

He appeared to delight in confusing fans by telling varying stories about how he got his stage name. Born Marvin Lee Aday, he changed his name to Michael before coming up with the stage name “Meat Loaf”.

Cher, Piers Morgan, Boy George and many more have paid tribute to the “bombastic” singer.

“Had So Much Fun With Meatloaf When We Did ‘Dead Ringer’,” Cher tweeted. “Am Very Sorry For His Family,Friends,& Fans. Am I imagining It, or Are Amazing Ppl In The Arts Dying every other Day?!”

“I hope paradise is as you remember it from the dashboard light, Meat Loaf,” Stephen Fry wrote.

“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.”

The liveblog is now closed.

Biggest headlines after Meat Loaf dies aged 74

• ‘Bat Out of Hell’ singer Meat Loaf dies aged 74
• Broadcasters Piers Morgan and Kay Burley among those to pay tribute
• How Meat Loaf helped David Fincher direct Fight Club
• How the iconic singer got his unusual stage name
• What was the ‘that’ in ‘I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That)’?

[21 January 2022 10:37 · Roisin O'Connor]

Stephen Fry: ‘Meat Loaf could be both cuddly and frightening’

“I hope paradise is as you remember it from the dashboard light, Meat Loaf,” Stephen Fry writes.

“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.”

[21 January 2022 10:55 · Roisin O'Connor]

Cher pays tribute

“Had So Much Fun With Meatloaf When We Did ‘Dead Ringer’,” Cher has written on Twitter. “Am Very Sorry For His Family,Friends,& Fans. Am I imagining It, or Are Amazing Ppl In The Arts Dying every other Day?!”

[21 January 2022 11:05 · Roisin O'Connor]

We’re wrapping up the liveblog now but you can read more of our coverage here.