New Delhi, Jan 21 :American rocker and actor Meat Loaf (Marvin Lee Aday) has died after a career spanning across decades. He was 74.

Best known for his debut album “Bat Outta Hell” which is one of the bestselling albums of all time, Meat Loaf had sold over 80 million albums making him one of the bestselling rock artists of all time.

His agent confirmed the news of his demise on Thursday “Our hearts are broken to announce that the incomparable Meat Loaf passed away tonight.”

The news was announced on his official Facebook page. The statement said the musician’s wife was by his side and his friends had been with him in his final 24 hours. The cause of his death is currently unknown.

His music, a mixture of hard rock, glam rock, rock’n roll and pop carried everything you would ever need in good rock music — that is good riffs, sexy guitar solos, good sense of melody, attitude, style etc.

Some of his most famous songs are “Bat Outta Hell”, “I Would Do Anything For Love”, “Dead Ringer For Love” etc.

He was a longtime collaborator with producer Jim Steinman with whom he produced some of his most acclaimed records, namely “Bat Outta Hell”, “Dead Ringer” “Bat Outta Hell 2” etc. Steinman died last year.

With a sense of captivating melody and style, Meat Loaf is a symbol of rock’n roll even to this day. He has inspired many rock and metal artists with his music.

What may have endeared him so much to the world of rock, was not his attitude, but rather the quality of his voice, for his voice was extremely theatrical which gave his songs a powerful theatrical touch making them extremely large to the listener.

As such, he was what rock was in its essence, defiance. It could be envisioned as a man standing on top of a mountain and defying all the norms of society with a powerful hard rock orchestra playing behind him. His departure has cost the world of rock a powerful icon.

Fans and celebs expressed their condolences.

“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!” his agent said.

Singer Cher, who collaborated with Meat Loaf on the song “Dead Ringer for Love”, wrote: “Had so much fun with Meat Loaf when we did ‘Dead Ringer’. Am very sorry for his family, friends and fans.”

Award-winning composer Andrew Lloyd-Webber said the vaults of heaven would be “ringing with rock”.

“I hope paradise is as you remember it from the dashboard light, Meat Loaf,” actor Stephen Fry said on Twitter.

Aussie comedian Adam Hills recalled Meat Loaf appearing as a guest on music talk show Spicks and Specks, saying he “nailed it”.

Apart from being a musician, Meat Loaf also acted in “Spiceworld, “Fight Club”, “The Rock Horror Picture Show”, “Wayne’s World” among others.(UNI)