Meat Loaf Tributes Pour In: ‘The Vaults Of Heaven Will Be Ringing With Rock’

Singer Meat Loaf passed away on January 20, 2022 at the age of 74.

The late singer and actor was born Marvin Lee Aday in Dallas, Texas. He was best known for his “Bat Out Of Hell” album trilogy, and for appearing in movies like “Fight Club” and “Wayne’s World.”

His family publicly announced his passing in a Facebook post on Meat Loaf’s official page.

“Our hearts are broken to announce that the incomparable Meat Loaf passed away tonight surrounded by his wife Deborah, daughters Pearl and Amanda and close friends,” they wrote.

“His amazing career spanned 6 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,’” they continued.

“‘Bat Out of Hell’ remains one of the top 10 selling albums of all time,” they added.

“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,” they continued.

“We thank you for your understanding of our need for privacy at this time,” they concluded. “From his heart to your souls…don’t ever stop rocking!”

Tributes are pouring in from celebrities and colleagues who mourned the passing of the late talent.

Singer Bonnie Tyler, who recorded an album with Meat Loaf in 1989, was among the first to pay tribute early Friday morning. She tweeted, “I am shocked & saddened by the sudden death of Meat Loaf. He was, as you might imagine, a larger than life character with a voice & stage presence to match & is one of those rare people who truly was a one off talent and personality. Rest In Peace.”

Singer Cher tweeted, “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.”

Comedian Stephen Frytweeted the lyrics from “Paradise by the Dashboard Light” and attached a comedy sketch from Saturday Live where they performed together. “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,” he added.

TV personality Piers Morgantweeted, “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.”

Composer Andrew Lloyd Webbertweeted, “The vaults of heaven will be ringing with rock. RIP Meatloaf. Give my best to Jim. -ALW.”

Meat Loaf’s close friend and composer, Jim Steinman, passed away in April 2021 at the age of 73 after a long struggle with kidney failure. Meat Loaf had paid tribute to his friend on Facebook nine months ago, writing, “Coming here soon, My brother Jimmy.”