Meat Loaf, the incomparable singer and actor whose 1977 debut album ‘Bat out of Hell’, became one of the best-selling albums of all time, has died at the age of 74. His family announced his death on social media. Though no cause of death was mentioned, it was reported that he became “seriously ill” with COVID-19 this week. The singer died on Thursday surrounded by his family. 

“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,” the family wrote in a statement. “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!”

Produced by the late Jim Steinman, ‘Bat out of Hell’, propelled Meat Loaf (born Marvin Lee Aday) into the rock stratosphere with operatic hit songs such as Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad and Paradise by the Dashboard Light. The duo worked together on three additional albums, including 1993’s ‘Bat Out of Hell II: Back Into Hell’ which contained Meat Loaf’s sole Grammy-winning and Billboard No. 1 power ballad, I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That).

In addition to his music career, it’s estimated that his 12 albums sold more than 100 million copies. Meat Loaf appeared in dozens of television and film roles, perhaps most memorably as former delivery boy Eddie in the 1975 cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show. His other credits include Wayne’s World, Fight Club, Spice World, and, more recently, the paranormal TV series Ghost Wars.