Singer and Actor was 74 – The Hollywood Reporter

Meat Loaf, the rock star behind the monster-selling Bat Out of Hell trilogy of albums who was famed for his booming voice and theatrical stage presence and also made memorable appearances in The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Fight Club, has died. He was 74.

The singer died Thursday night with his wife Deborah at his side, according to a statement posted to his official Facebook page.  “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,” the statement said. “From his heart to your souls … don’t ever stop rocking!”

The statement added that his daughters Pearl and Amanda were able to spend time with their father before his death. No cause of death was revealed.

A larger-than-life character, who achieved success on Broadway as well as television and movies, Meat Loaf rose to global fame with his debut album, 1977’s Bat Out of Hell, that went on to sell north of 14 million copies in the U.S. alone and became one of the biggest-selling albums of all time. The later entries in the trilogy, composed by the late Jim Steinman, would also go on to sell millions.

More to come…