Rock icon Meat Loaf dead at 74, cause of death not immediately available

According to a statement from the family of Marvin Lee Aday, known by millions as rock superstar Meat Loaf, Aday died Thursday at the age of 74. While no cause or other details were given, Aday’s death followed numerous health scares over the years. He is survived by Deborah Gillespie, his wife since 2007, and by daughters Pearl and Amanda Aday.

“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,” the family said in the statement, found on Meat Loaf’s Facebook page. “From his heart to your souls…don’t ever stop rocking!”

The statement also highlighted Meat Loaf’s career, which includes over 100 million albums sold worldwide and appearances in over 65 movies. Those movies include “Fight Club”, “Focus”, “Rocky Horror Picture Show” and “Wayne’s World.”

Meat Loaf is perhaps most well known for the album “Bat Out of Hell.” According to the family statement, the 1977 collaboration with songwriter Jim Steinman and producer Todd Rundgren “remains one of the top 10 selling albums of all time.”

Musical highlights for Meat Loaf also include rock anthems like “Paradise By the Dashboard Light,” “Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad,” and “I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That).”

In the hours after his death, friends and fans of Meat Loaf mourned his death on social media. “I hope paradise is as you remember it from the dashboard light, Meat Loaf,” actor Stephen Fry said on Twitter. Andrew Lloyd Webber tweeted: “The vaults of heaven will be ringing with rock.” And Adam Lambert called Meat Loaf: “A gentle hearted powerhouse rock star forever and ever. You were so kind. Your music will always be iconic.”

Meat Loaf’s death is the latest in a string of celebrity deaths to begin the new year. Sidney Poitier, the first Black “Best Actor” Oscar winner, died at 94 on Jan. 6. “Full House” star Bob Saget died at 65 a few days later.