Meat Loaf songwriter and rock legend Jim Steinman ‘dies suddenly aged 78’

Jim Steinman has died at the age of 78, it has been reported.

The rock legend, who was best known for working with Meat Loaf, died on Monday in Connecticut according to TMZ.

A cause of death has not been revealed but Steinman was reportedly rushed to hospital on Sunday due to a ‘medical emergency’. He then died ‘suddenly’ yesterday.

Paying tribute to the music icon, screenwriter Brian Lynch tweeted: ‘Rest in Peace Jim Steinman. Such a genius. I’m such a fan of his music. And it’s SO great for writing to, it helps bring out every emotion you need.’

Steinman was best known for writing Meatloaf’s classic album Bat Out Of Hell and Bat Out Of Hell 2: Back Into Hell. He wrote and produced the hit single I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That).

He enjoyed further success writing and producing Bonnie Tyler’s iconic single, Total Eclipse of the Heart.

The musician also worked with Celine Dion on the power ballad It’s All Coming Back To Me Now, which was originally recorded by Pandora’s Box, while he holds songwriting credits for Barbra Streisand, Def Leppard and Air Supply.

In 1983, Steinman held the number one and two spots on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart with Total Eclipse of the Heart and Making Love Out of Nothing At All taking the respective positions.

Meat Loaf spoke fondly of his longtime collaborator and said in a 2011 interview: ‘He’s my brother and I love him more than you’ll ever know.

‘And I know that Jim and I will work together again. I know it for a fact. He doesn’t know it, but I do.’

More to follow.