Meat Loaf, the singer best known for the Bat Out of Hell album, has died at the age of 74, a statement on his official Facebook page said on Friday.
The American singer and actor, otherwise known as Michael Lee Aday, had a career spanning six decades, and sold more than 100 million albums worldwide.
He died with his wife and children by his side.
His hits included the near 10-minute long title track from "Bat of Hell", "Paradise by the Dashboard Light" from the same album.
Born in Dallas, Texas, in 1947, Meat Loaf found early success on the stage in the 1970s, performing in the Broadway musicals "Hair" and "The Rocky Horror Show".
He switched focus to rock music around 1972 and started collaborating with Jim Steinman on a debut album which showcased his powerful voice and established his leather-clad, motorcycle-riding rock persona.
Later on he appeared in films including Rocky Horror Show", "Wayne's World" and "Fight Club".
The Facebook post says: "Our hearts are broken to announce that the incomparable Meat Loaf passed away tonight surrounded by his wife Deborah, daughters Pearl and Amanda and close friends.
"His amazing career spanned 6 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 10 selling albums of all time.
"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!"
Meat Loaf's career covered both music and film, but it was his 1977 classic album Bat Out of Hell for which he will be most remembered.
The album was one of the best-selling records of all time and sold over 43 million copies.
It spent over 522 weeks in the British album charts and spawned a number of iconic songs.
