Meat Loaf Dead at 74: Fans Mourn Sudden Passing, Cause of Death COVID-19 Complications?

Meat Loaf, the heavyweight rock superstar known for his Bat Out of Hell album and songs like "Paradise By the Dashboard Light," "Two Out of Three Ain't Bad," and "I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That)," has passed away. He was 74 years old.

According to a family statement released by his longtime agent Michael Greene, the singer born Marvin Lee Aday died Thursday.

"Our hearts are broken to announce that the incomparable Meat Loaf passed away tonight," the statement said. "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... From his heart to your souls...don't ever stop rocking!"

While Aday had a number of health scares throughout the years, no cause or other specifics were provided.

There were some reports that suggested he died from COVID-19 complications, however.

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His mega-selling collaboration with songwriter Jim Steinman and producer Todd Rundgren, Bat Out of Hell, was released in 1977 and established him as one of rock's most known performers. The long-haired, 250-pound singer's booming screams, as well as the comedic non-romance of the title track, "You Took The Words Right Out of My Mouth," "Two Out of Three Ain't Bad," and "Paradise By the Dashboard Light," an operatic cautionary tale about going all the way, won over fans. "Paradise" was a duet with Ellen Foley that included play-by-play from New York Yankees broadcaster Phil Rizzuto, who claimed - despite widespread suspicion - that he was ignorant of any different connotations for reaching third base and headed for home.

After a rocky start and poor reviews, Bat Out of Hell went on to become one of the best-selling albums of all time, selling more than 40 million copies worldwide. Meat Loaf was never a reliable hitmaker, especially after his years-long feud with Steinman. His frenzied live shows, social media, and numerous television, radio, and film appearances, including "Fight Club" and cameos on "Glee" and "South Park," helped him establish tight ties with his followers.

On social media, friends and fans expressed their grief at the loss.

"I hope paradise is as you remember it from the dashboard light, Meat Loaf," actor Stephen Fry tweeted.

His mother died while he was merely a teenager. This is around the time when he got the moniker Meat Loaf, which has several roots, ranging from his weight to his mother's favorite dish. After college, he moved to Los Angeles and joined the band Meat Loaf Soul. He split his time between music and the theatre for years, recording for Motown, opening for the Who and the Grateful Dead, and acting in the Broadway version of "Hair."