Stars we lost in 2022: rock legend Meat Loaf, 74

The shocking news was announced on his Facebook account: "Our hearts are broken to announce that the incomparable Meat Loaf passed away tonight." It was a huge blow for the music industry and fans of rock 'n' roll.

Meat Loaf, the singer known for 'Paradise by the Dashboard Light,' left the world for the (hopefully paradisiacal) afterlife.

The singer, producer, actor, and composer - born in Dallas, Texas with the name Marvin Lee Aday - was one of the most important artists of the 20th century. He died at the age of 74.

He passed "surrounded by his wife Deborah, daughters Pearl and Amanda and close friends," as the Facebook post said. In the photo, the singer is shown with his two daughters.

His own official account highlights the wonderful journey of the singer. "His amazing career spanned 6 decades." BBC and other media confirmed that he sold over 100 million albums and appeared in dozens of movies.

Meat Loaf's appearances included the musical and film adaptation of 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show' in the 1970s. Later he starred in 'Fight Club' (as the fighter Bob Paulson), 'Wayne's World' (a bouncer), and 'Spice World' (the bus driver of the Spice Girls).

Meat Loaf was an iconic figure in movies and TV since the 1970s. He achieved his hero status with the album 'Bat Out of Hell,' from which the single of the same name scored high and likewise 'Paradise by the Dashboard Light' became a classic.

His 'Bat Out of Hell' is a Rock masterpiece that is still just as popular as it was when released back in 1977. He composed it together with another genius, Jim Steinman (next to him in the photo) who, as fate would have it, passed away in April 2021.

Sales of 'Bat Out of Hell' were estimated at over 45 million copies by the time Meat Loaf died.

In the 1990s, the legendary composer duo released a new album as part of the 'Bat Out of Hell' trilogy.

The song "I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That)" became a megahit and earned the rocker a Grammy Award in 1993.

In late 2021, Meat Loaf reminded the world that he was still active.

In an interview for 'Ultimate Classic Rock', given in October 2021, Meat Loaf (74) claimed to have numerous projects in the pipeline for 2022.

Not only was he preparing new material, but he was also putting together a tour that would start later in 2022. "We're going to do five weeks, 16 concerts in the United States, a short break and then another 16 concerts in Europe," he told his followers enthusiastically. After these 32 concerts, he even wanted to add a few more in locations yet unknown.

Why didn't they start the tour earlier? Well, in addition to problems with the Covid pandemic all over the world, the singer was recovering from four back surgeries in the last few years.

A man who could still "sing Bat Out of Hell no problem, all in the same key, all the high notes," gave the music and movie industry incredible talent and artistry. As the official announcement of his death on January 21 2022 stated: "From his heart to your souls…don’t ever stop rocking!"