Meat Loaf has died age 74—tributes pour in from Cher and Stephen Fry

Legendary US musician and actor Meat Loaf has died at home aged 74 with his wife Deborah by his side, it has been confirmed. 

Born Marvin Lee Aday but now better known by his iconic stage name, Meat Loaf rose to prominence in the music industry. To this day his 1977 debut Bat out of Hell remains one of the best selling albums of all time. Fans will also remember his brilliantly memorable performances in movies ranging from The Rocky Horror Picture Show to Fight Club. Now all those who knew and loved him, as well as his thousands of fans across the world will no doubt be reflecting on his extraordinary legacy and career as it was announced he passed away on January 20, just days after André Leon Talley died.

The sad news was confirmed by his family on Meat Loaf’s Facebook page, where it was revealed that he was surrounded by his nearest and dearest in his final hours. 

According to the BBC, their heartbroken statement declared, “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.” 

It went on to express gratitude for the support they’d received from fans since Meat Loaf died, before giving them all an all-important message “from his heart” to them. 

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

Throughout his remarkable career spanning over three decades, Meat Loaf is understood to have gone on to sell over 100 million albums worldwide. And his impact upon those who had the exciting privilege of getting to perform alongside him has shone through in the tributes already flooding in since Meat Loaf has died. 

Taking to Twitter, actor, comedian, writer and broadcaster Stephen Fry has expressed his devastation as he remembered the experience of appearing on Saturday Live with him many years ago. 

“I hope paradise is as you remember it from the dashboard light, Meat Loaf,” he wrote heartfeltly. “Had a fun time performing a sketch with him on Saturday Live way back in the last century”.

Stephen continued, "he had the quality of being simultaneously frightening and cuddly, which is rare and rather wonderful". 

Meanwhile, fellow music icon Cher similarly wrote of her sadness at the news that Meat Loaf has died as she expressed sympathy for all of his family, friends and fans who are grieving his loss. 

"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", she shared.

"God I loved Bat Out of Hell. Soundtrack to my youth. Sad news RIP Meatloaf. Extraordinary voice Phenomenonal character", Tweeted radio DJ Jo Whiley, echoing Stephen and Cher's sentiments. 

And TV presenter and archaeologist Neil Oliver agreed, emotionally referencing Mea Loaf's Heaven Can Wait as he wrote simply, "Ah, Meatloaf ... heaven can’t wait."

Many more fans were quick to share their own feelings of loss and support for Meat Loaf's family and friends at this immensely difficult time.