Iconic Bat Out Of Hell star Meat Loaf dies aged 74

Meat Loaf has died aged 74 after a career spanning six decades. He died with his wife Deborah by his side and after seeing his daughters and close friends (Picture: Getty)

Iconic actor and singer Meat Loaf has died at the age of 74.

The music legend died on Thursday night with his wife Deborah by his side.

A statement posted to Facebook 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.

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

‘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!’

Tributes have poured in for the late star.

Meat Loaf was best known for Bat Out Of Hell (Picture: Getty Images)

His career spanned six decades (Picture: Getty Images)

He and Jim Steinman were propelled to superstardom after Bat Out Of Hell (Picture: FilmMagic)

Meat Loaf, also known as Michael Lee Aday, was known for his iconic Bat Out Of Hell trilogy, which became one of the best-selling albums in history and earned him a Grammy Award.

Over the years, Meat Loaf has taken on iconic roles, most notably Eddie in the Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) and and Bob Paulson in Fight Club (1999).

He was also an accomplished stage performer, in the original cast of the Rocky Horror Picture Show and on and off Broadway productions of Hair.

He died with his wife Deborah by his side (Picture: Getty Images)

He was an iconic performer, taking on roles like Eddie in the Rocky Horror Picture Show (Picture: Redferns)

In a statement announcing his death, fans were urged to ‘don’t ever stop rocking’ (Picture: Getty Images)

The musician’s career started in the late 1960s, when he formed his first band, Meat Loaf Soul. He was offered three recording contracts, turning them all down.

During his first gig, he opened for Van Morrison’s band Them and Question Mark and the Mysterians.

After performing in various stage productions and recording with Motown, he met his future collaborator Jim Steinman during an audition.

By the time the 1970s rolled around, Meat Loaf had seen huge success, performing in the Rocky Horror Picture show on stage and on screen, with him and Steinman starting work on Bat Out Of Hell.

The album skyrocketed Meat Loaf to superstardom, selling an estimated 43million copies globally.

He went on to release albums including Dead Ringer, Midnight at the Lost and Found, and Bad Attitude before working on follow ups to Bat Out Of Hell.

In 2020, Meat Loaf announced his intentions to record a new album, and later said he was planning to return to the studio in 2022.

The star married Leslie G. Edmonds in the 1970s, with the pair staying married until 2001.

He later married Deborah Gillespie in 2007.

More to come.