Singer of Meat Loaf: Bat Out Of Hell has died aged 74

Meat Loaf, the singer whose Bat Out Of Hell became one of the best-selling albums of all time, died at 74. His family confirmed the news on the star's Facebook page. "Our hearts break to announce that Matchless Meat Bread died last night with his wife Deborah at his side," the statement said.

The star has sold 100 million albums worldwide and appeared in Fight Club, Rocky Horror Picture Show, and Wayne's World. "Princess Pearl and Amanda and close friends have been with her for the past 24 hours," the family continued.

"We know how much he meant to many of you, and we truly appreciate all the love and support we have experienced as we mourn the loss of an inspiring artist and handsome man." The Dallas-born singer, born Marvin Lee Adai but also known as Michael, earned the nickname when his father said he looked as red as flesh at birth before a high school football coach added "bun."

The star is best known for the 'Bat Out Of Hell' trilogy, which has sold millions of albums worldwide. He released several other albums throughout the late '70s and '80s, most notably Dead Ringer and Midnight at the Lost and Found.

Cher, with whom she duets on the 1981 song Dead Ringer for Love, recalls that she "had a lot of fun" with the song's singer.