Meat Loaf, a beloved rock star and singer behind hits such as “I’d Do Anything For Love” and “Bat Out of Hell,” has died at age 74 on January 20, 2022.

While no official cause of death has been shared, it is reported that Meat Loaf claimed to be severely ill with COVID-19 leading up to his death. The rock star was reportedly planning to attend a business dinner just days before his death to discuss a show he was working on, titled after his famous single, “I’d Do Anything For Love.”

Meat Loaf, also known as Michael Lee Aday, was born in Dallas, Texas and had a rock music career which lasted six decades. He was a renowned musician, becoming one of the most successful performers of all time with records being sold worldwide. His most popular release, “Bat Out of Hell,” was known for its operatic rock style and popular single of the same name. His first album released in 1977 as a part of a trilogy spent nine years on the music charts and became one of the best-selling albums in history with over 43 million copies sold. More than four decades after its release, the album is certified 14x Platinum and continues to sell an estimated 200,000 copies each year.

Meat Loaf’s family issued a statement confirming the news of his passing on his Facebook page, “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.”

We are saddened by the sudden death of a beloved rock star and musician with such an imperative impact on the world of music and offer the family and friends of Michael Lee Aday our condolences.