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How did Meat Loaf die? 'Bat Out Of Hell' singer who's been wearing oxygen mask since '67 dead at 74

'Our hearts are broken to announce that the incomparable Meat Loaf passed away tonight with his wife Deborah by his side,' the singer's family said

Michael Lee Aday, better known as Meat Loaf, the singer and actor best known for hits like 'Bat Out Of Hell', has died at the age of 74. During his lifetime, he sold over 100 million albums worldwide and starred in 65 movies.

Meat Loaf's family announced his death on the star's Facebook page in a statement, writing, "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. His amazing career spanned six decades that saw him sell over 100 million albums worldwide and star in over 65 movies, including Fight Club, Focus, Rocky Horror Picture Show and Wayne's World. Bat Out of Hell remains one of the top ten selling albums of all time."

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The post added: "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. 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!" Some of the other singers who recently died include Johnny Ventura, Lil Meri, Greg Gilbert and Wanda Young. 

How did Meat Loaf die?

Meat Loaf had spoken openly about health issues that had plagued him during his lifetime. He notably suffered from asthma, which also caused him to collapse on stage during a concert in Pittsburgh in 2011. In 2003, he collapsed at Wembley Arena in London and was admitted to hospital. He later held a press conference in Kensington to reassure fans about his health.

In a 2011 interview, he said that he has been carrying around an oxygen mask onstage since 1967. ''I have asthma and it's, like, I have been carrying oxygen since,'' the singer said. ''I would venture to say one out of every two nights I use [asthma spray]. It's like I'll get some sort of asthma attack at every show, so it's not that big of a deal. In 1978 in Melbourne, they put a picture of me on stage saying that I was dying. I mean, the band sees me and they don't ever pay any attention to it, they just walk past.''

However, his exact cause of death has not been determined. He won a Grammy award for his hit single 'I'd Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That)', which reached number one in 28 countries. The rocker also played the role of Eddie in the 1975 musical film 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show'. In 2016 he was honored with the Hero Award at the annual Q Awards music ceremony. 

Tributes flow in

Quite a few celebrities offered their condolences and prayers following the death of Meat Loaf. Journalist Dawn Neesom wrote: "Sad news that we’ve lost Meatloaf. Way too early. RIP #Meatloaf." British broadcaster Piers Morgan commented: "RIP Meat Loaf, 74. One of rock music’s all-time great characters whose seminal iconic album Bat Out Of Hell is one of the biggest-selling records in history. A wondrously talented, flamboyant, funny, outrageous and rebellious chameleon. Sad news."

British actor Stephen Fry wrote, "I hope paradise is as you remember it from the dashboard light, Meat Loaf. Had a fun time performing a sketch with him on Saturday Live way back in the last century." Daily Dead News managing editor Heather Wixson commented, "RIP, Meat Loaf. Thanks for being one of the reasons I fell in love with ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW in the first place. #RIPMeatLoaf."