Farewell MLUKFC....
 

The time has come for me to move on to other things other than following Meat Loaf on the net and on tour thus I am leaving the Mlukfc community. I dreaded this day would come but I have to face the facts, I am no longer interested in what Meat Loaf is now bringing us. 5 Major things have happened to force me to this:

1. Meat Loaf / Red Pony Tours deleting my YouTube videos. I made a lot of videos of what I think is Meat Loaf's best tribute band: Maet Loaf. I put these up on YouTube as there were none there to start off with. Real friends shouldn't remove videos without warning. They were deleted under the copyright infringement clause YouTube has now leaving me with one single last warning before my YouTube account is closed. I never wanted to harm anyone and I was merely looking for my Meat Loaf fix whilst Meat himself was not touring (late 2008/2009 period). If Meat had asked me to remove the videos they would have been gone. He should have known they were mine because of my username andrewgmusic on there.

2. Hang Cool Teddy Bear
The album hasn't grown on me like I thought it would, instead I am longing back to Bat 3 and CHSIB. This is a very strange situation for me. Although Meat's vocals are perfect on the album I am really wondering how this has been recorded as he is struggling so much live at the moment.

3. The QVC Performance
I really thought this was one of the most difficult things to watch. Meat Loaf looked tired and old to me, as if he had aged by another 5-10 years in the space of starting the promotion in the US. Does he have more energy for the UK markets? It seems that way at times.

4. Meat's announcement of never touring in Europe again.
In my opinion Meat did post that to provoke attention. I certainly believe it had something to do with the QVC performance (he never posted in that thread but yet chooses to post in other less meaningful ones). I agree everyone gets upset from time to time but real friends shouldn't try to provoke disappointment, not to the extent that it casts doubts on their friendship spreading over several days. I firmly believe that is what Meat has done here and the fact that there has not been an apology or proper explanation but instead some Canada dates added was a low blow for me personally. So indeed no Teddy Bear shows for me regardless of what gets announced.

5. The WWE performance. It may have been a joke (and believe me I do get the whole wrestling acting) but it looked horrendous to me. A silly attempt by an old man to sell some albums. People were boo-ing Meat Loaf in the arena whilst he was trying desperately to sing some of the new songs and they sounded awful. This really made me think Meat is now past it, I am sorry to conclude this.

The last 6 years have been a fun time off and on on the board, I have made some great friends/people here and had great interesting debates and maybe I will be back proper again. I certainly hope to catch up with everyone I know from here through Facebook and perhaps other events.

Thank you and Goodbye.

Andrew Nicholson

I find it always very sad to see a familiar face go no matter if I know that person or not. But decisions have to be made, eh.......so good luck and take care Andrew!

Sorry to see you go Andrew but I feel the same way as you. After the 2 US tours that I have tickets too, it will be it for me as well. I don't believe that Meat has lost anything but it's time to move on. I have way too much to do in my personal life and being on here and other sites is getting to be very very sad and way to emotional for me. I will keep up-to-date with what Meat Loaf is doing on his site and on twitter. There is more to the story then what I can say on here and I have to agree with what Andrew has to say.

Chris

Sorry to see you leave, man.

I agree with some of the stuff you wrote there; the european tour comment from Meat was strange, but only in as much as what wasn't said. I'm sure he'll post with more news when he can.

Have to say I DO like Hang Cool as an album, there's some great material on there. But again the QVC performance was slightly off. But we don't know the circumstances surrounding it. That said I thought the Opera Star version of Bat was really good, vocally! I remember watching and thinking "wow, and that was just the first TV track before the album comes out, it's going to get better and better!".

Okay, on you leaving. I think there's an odd line here of the people who will defend Meat, sometimes blindly, to the hilt (which I understand in some ways), those that are really obsessional fans (not a bad thing) who want to analyse every move under a microscope and pull it apart and see how it works, and those that just honestly say what they think. I always thought of you as the latter.

Peace man,

Doode.

Sad to see you go though you do have some good points here, can't comment on the QVC or WWE performances because I have not seen them but the photo posted on facebook of Meat being supposedly punched in the face was a bit upsetting and done in very bad taste I personally feel.

Have to disagree with the album comment as I personally love this album, I love the journey it takes me and I was very shocked and upset by Meat's comment and will admit that I was very close to tears shortly after he posted that but I really hope that he changes his mind or even better gives a better explanation than just leaving the bombshell there for speculation !!

Good Luck Andrew, you will be missed here !!

Hi Andy
We haven't seen you for a while we miss you mate. I hope you come to another one of our shows soon as its been too long. I was a bit miffed about your vids of us on YT being taken off. Its like you say the reason people go to see ML tribs is to get a bit of a fix of his great music while hes not touring.
We are at The Robin 2 in Wolverhampton 28th May, Stoney Stanton Club in Leicester 25th June The Diamond in Sutton in Ashfield 17th July and The Roadhouse Birmingham on 23rd July. Please come and see us mate.
Good luck from Craig and all associated with Maet Loaf & The Never Neverland Express.

I don't agree with any of it.

Well I'm sorry you feel that way. I can't comment either on the WWE as I haven't watched it yet, but I saw the QVC clip and I thought Meat and the band were great, there did seem to be some sound glitches, but it wasn't Meat, it was the transmission. As for the new album, I really love it, and I certainly don't think Meat is 'past it' or an 'old man'. Yeah he's in his 60's , but has the energy and stamina of a man half his age.

Carole

Now I can agree with that.

I think that what Andrew was missing in the QVC piece was Loaf conviction! Go back and watch this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsHoO...os=DbZGZMoLWDQ

Or this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZxLsJjOEw4

Or, more recently, this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8K62...os=9nlXqO0rqfQ

And I'm even gonna throw in this, too:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dW73l...eature=related
It really takes off on the line '...starting to foam in the heat'!

And he has that look in his eyes, he surveys the crowd (or even the camera and the people at home), and he delivers a performance like he IS that performance. It never feels forced, never looks anything but natural, the vocals blow you away, and before you know it you're smiling from ear-to-ear thinking 'man, this kicks ass!'

Does that makes sense? Does to me ;)

Doode.

P.S. And if that wasn't enough, have another on the house:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0JVg...eature=related
Make that two...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNhMY_jtQLk

Make that four ;)

Haven't seen him look more fit, chipper and brimfull of energy and excitement in years .. Way to go Meat, staying forever young !!!!

Caryl

I'm sorry to see you go, Andrew. I liked your posts but I understand your move and I suspect you are not the only one who feels that way.

I have to admit I was about to defect after the QVC and WWE RAW appearances, too. I really like the new album but there's a huge discrepancy between the quality of the album and that kind of "promo". But for now I just try to erase those two events from my memory and concentrate on the things I like about Meat Loaf.

I'm not sure whether it had something to do with QVC since he told something similar to that Dutch journalist before that performance. If he really did it just to provoke attention it was a stupid move. Due to his statements I've decided to take the money I've saved for concert tickets and merchandise stuff to the guitar shop around the corner. :p

Good point, Doode. :up:

Make that five :-)
Vicki

best of luck!! but you feel how you feel? some will agree with ya, and then some wont? life goes on i guess? all the best

Take care

R:(sie
xx

Thanks will catch you on Facebook Verena.

Thanks. I just don't like how Meat dealt with the no tour situation. There probably will be one, but taunting me like that is not what I deserve after supporting him throughout all these years, buying albums and concert tickets.
If no tour was ever planned then why bother with the album.

Operastar performance was one of the highlights from the last few years.
I've always tried to be honest, have given Meat the benefit of the doubt on many occasions but cannot do that if I feel I'm lying to myself.
Thanks Doode.

Thanks Emma. Don't watch the WWE thing if you think it will upset you. It certainly upset me. As I said I know it's a joke but it looked wrong somehow, really wrong.

Thanks Craig, not spoken in ages. Will definitely do Robin or Stoney! So will see you all there! :D
The YT pissed me off and it has been a bit downhill from then on unfortunately even though I thought this was going to be just like 2008, a great Meaty year.

That's GOOD! The last thing I want is for Meat to lose fans and I am not encouraging anyone to feel the same way. I just thought it was time to really post how I felt about everything now as posting snippets in different threads may have come across as being a snipey ~~~~~~~ and that is the last I want.

I hope he will come back down to OZ as promised and rock your socks off Carole! :-)

Cheers Sarge, think your posts are always well balanced and very interesting, you've been a great addition to the board. Hope you got a great guitar. I've been spending far too much on music equipment recently too and guess the not buying concert tickets will kind of make up for it as well. :-)

Cheers. As with Sarge I like your posts and enthusiasm too.
Thanks Rosie.

Thanks to all who PM-ed as well, I will get back to you tonight.

its a shame you feel its time to move on...

i hope you decided to stay, but.. if not


good luck and best wishes for the future!!

who knows.. we may meet again sometime;)

(i'm actually lost for words atm... so might elaborate further later on when i have thought more about it)

and remember, theres loads of other hugely talented musicians out there:-)

:twisted: OK, against my better judgement, i'm gonna throw in my $00.02

1. Youtube.
There is deffinatly a more determined effort these days to rid youtube of stuff not posted by Meat.
I don't believe that Meat IS Red Pony, rather Red Pony is someone who works for Meat's management and does the youtube stuff as part of their job.
In that case they are not really going to care who owns the vids, just that they are deleted.
Plus, if it's a job issue, the more vids pulled down the better.
"Look Mr Loaf, we've pulled down 9425210581025175 unofficially posted vids off youtube in the last 19 mins.How did you ever manage without us?".
I for one, find it strange though that they have been able to removed vids of a tribute band that they hold no copyright over.


2. Hang Cool Teddy Bear.
This is a biggie. :bleh:
It's a different sound, and you can't expect everyone who loves the sound they are used too to fall head over heels for something different.
A couple of tracks are slowly growing on me, but I will say one thing for sure, if this was not an album by Meat Loaf I would have given up on it long ago.
As far as i'm concerned, Meat has given me enough listening pleasure to be allowed a little lean room.

Everyone will have their opinion about this album.
Some will love, some will not, and neither party is right.
In personal taste there is no such thing as "right" (unless you're talking about Westlife, because they're a load of shite.FACT!).

And just because some people are not crazy about the album (myself included) it is no reason for Meat not to try new things.
Just don't expect the people who don't like the new stuff to write odes of joy and sonnets of praise over something they don't like.

Perhaps there are people out there who hate Bat with a passion who go round humming Los Angeloser to themselves.

There is an old sicillian proverb (that I quoted recently in relation to the album, funny enough) that sums up exactly how I feel about the album and who loves or hates it.

Whoever forsakes the old ways for the new
knows what he is losing but not what he will find.

Meat may gain new fans with this new sound, but one thing is for sure, and that he will have many long time fans who don't like the new material.


3. QVC
Didn't see too much of the footage, just a couple of clips on youtube, and i've got to say the sound wasn't the best.
Why?
Maybe because these songs are not designed for a tonned down version?
Perhaps QVC isn't as well equipt as Wembley for live performances?

Do In agree with Meat going on QVC in the first place.
Hell yes.
If it's a market to tap, then have a bloody good go and see what happens.


4. It's all over over there.
A strange announcement.
I would have thought there would be a tour to promote the album so it was very surprising to hear he had no plans.
But Meat sounded very vauge.
He has no plans.
We might not come back.
That could all change in a heartbeat.

Even if not, touring is hard on the body, as Meat has shown in recent years, and you can hardly blame him for not wanting to go on the road for too long.
I said in a thread not so long ago that artists would still do what they do even if they were no longer paid for it, and if Meat's trade off to this obsession we call art is to do smaller tours in his homeland, then good luck to him.


5. WWE
Saw the short youtube clips of this.
Perhaps what I saw was way out of context, but Meat seemed to be begging and very very needy.
"Look, look, look at me".
That segment (again, I may have seen it out of context) made Meat look desperate for attention, BUT..........
Then the slam.
I thought that was pretty damn funny, and it went some way to get the bad taste left in the mouth by watching Meat put in such a cringing performance until then.
But perhaps that was the set up for the big moment. :shrug:


Anyway, i've already said much more than I intended too, so i'll try and sum up quickly.

Although Meat may have done some things of late that have not been to your particular taste, that is no real reason to lose the faith and not like him anymore.

I've not been held in rapture by this album, and as a fan I feel no obligation to be, but i'm also willing to stick with Meat because of the joy of the past, and the hope that any future work might be more to my taste.

I really hope that this is not Meat's album.
Not because I really really really really really want Meat to go back into the studio, more because I don't want the last album Meat records to be something that doesn't talk to my soul without effort and second chances.

Then a last triumphant tour to say farewell, and all will be well with the world.

If Meat does come back with something, I'll still be here, and if he doesn't, there's enough in his long career to be content with.

Hope this is just adios and not goodbye, but in the meantime, never stop rocking :metal:
Neil

If a few dodgy performances, copyright law and a jokey skit to promote an album are all it takes for you to say sayonara, so be it.

"If no tour was ever planned then why bother with the album. "

Ever heard of the Beatles?

So be it.........I don't feel the need to watch every clip, listen to every interview and then post a comment or make judgement. I feel the passion in his music and will continue to remain a true fan............

Sorry to see you going - I have enjoyed reading your posts.


Don't know much about your own situation, but as far as I can tell they are pretty hot at removing any and all copyright material.

Well sorry you don't like it, but it is a long way from the more traditional Meat sound, and whenever you do something different, you always risk losing people who liked the previous thing. Hope you wont stop listening to his other stuff!

I think Meat always gives everything he has for promo, and I think a round the world promo tour must take its toll. I have a feeling that it sounded much better in the studio than it did transmitted, as on my PC the transmission itself was very poor quality. Meat has said that his tour schedule will feature more rest time for him to protect his health, so although I would agree it wasn't the perfect start to promo, I would expect a rested refreshed Meat to blow me away live yet again if I ever get to see him again.

A great pity, and I don't know the motivation. Could be financial (ie company wanted a specific sales volume of the album to support the tour), health related (less exhausting to stick to your own continent), or just because he doesn't want to, really don't know. While it's a shame, as long as there is amazing studio output, and hopefully US concert tour blu rays, I will be supplied with plentiful Meat to keep me happy.

Well, again to me one instance of promo doesn't really sway my decision of Meat one way or the other, and while it seemed a bit weird, maybe it's really popular in America. Sounds like a lot of acts do it. He might have done it before, it's just that it wasn't possible for me to watch it until they made an internet. Loved ALL the UK promo - it fitted the market - maybe the WWE thing did too?


Not trying to change your mind - that's up to you - and not arguing, just wanted to share my views.

Have fun whatever you do, and never stop rocking.

PanicLord.

You and me tinkerbell.. even tho i do try to watch whenever Meat is on tv or listen when he is on radio!!! a fan i will always remain.

anyway...
sorry to hear your leaving andrew.... wish you all the best in the future. x

i guess looking back over the whole HCTB experience, it has been different in many ways? we firstly have an album that has a very different sound to previous Meaty records. i really like it, and it has growm more and more on me
but at the same time theres something that has not sat well with me either? and even stranger is, i do not know what? its a great album and im glad Meat loves it so much:D, now we have all had our fair share of battles during the promo and things got very heated at times:(, but hey!! thats rock n roll:lol:
its sad to see Andrew leaving, not that i was great friends with him or even really knew him that well? but he always posted from the heart and always made sense? well most of the time?:lol:,, but he was on here a long time.
Meat has been my heroe for 17 or so years, and i have always supported him [ maybe too much:D ] , but when you love the music/you love the artist.
but thats all i know about Meat? so i will not judge him on what he posts and sometimes says on twitter/youtube etc etc,, the promo like HCTB sounds is also different? its all been done in a different way? maybe new managers/record label etc etc,, and you know we were all dissapointed over no single release and stuff. but we got over it eventually:D
some members also then left the neverland express? and that upset some people, but hey thats allowed!!, then the promo in the USA has got some people worked up, and again thats allowed. Meat posted that there will maybe be no european tour? read what i said!! MAYBE:D, and that shocked me and plenty others. but i will admit the phrase that was used [maybe never again ] did upset me, and why would it not? im a big fan like the rest of yas!! not the exact words, but you know the post im talking about.
now Meat has hes reasons im sure, and at the end of the day thats hes bizz?
as a fan i do not own him etc etc,, and he has to do whats best for all?
maybe he even wants to but cant? now Meat had to come on here lately and defend himself etc etc,, but we all got there in the end? me included!! and we all moved on and got on with the show:D,, but again i go back to the start = something has not sat well with me all the way through this promo? and its driving me mad!! what exactly it is?:mad:, i will now say something or maybe i will ask it? its not ment in a negative way or anything!! but does anybody feel sad at the moment? not in general!! not in your everyday life or anything, but sad in the world of Meat Loaf? is it that some feel that the end of the whole super 40 year journey is coming? is it that too many fans feel alienated by the new sound? way of promo etc etc,,? im not great with fancy words, but like Andrew leaving etc etc,, as i say i dont no what? but if i make sense to anybody? can anybody see or feel something is just not normal?

thanks guys, and sory for going on

Sad? Not where I'm sitting :-)

I have followed Meat through recording an album, with almost daily tweets which was great. I now have an album which I adore .. and which so many people on here seemed to when they got it. I have LOVED seeing Meat on TV over here, including a 6 week series of Popstar to Operastar, plus meeting up close and personal .. Loved following his interviews and appearances in Australia and New Zealand .. and now we have almost daily clips from interviews in the USA.

Not that long ago people were posting what a great time it was to be a Meat Loaf fan. Meat told us to expect something new and different .. and whilst I will always treasure my Bat albums and memories, I think the new album is wonderful .. even better than I expected, and me? I prefer the new Meat .. the Meat unfettered and let loose, telling a story as only he can.

He's looking SO well, SO fit, SO enthusiastic and happy .. and he's found a producer he loves to work with and who brings out the best of him .. that makes me feel great and happy for him.

It's been a wonderful 9 months or so to be a Meat fan as far as I'm concerned, and I'm truly grateful .. for his frequent posting and twittering, his tireless and enthusiastic promoting, a masterpiece of an album, a tour in the US and I suspect we'll see him overcome whatever obstacles there are to touring here .. and then there will be even more to look forward to.

And something else. Meat delivered something truly remarkable with Jim Steinman, and has a connection with him that will always be something special. But I love the new Meat, I don't mourn him closing the door on what's gone before at all, because what he's now achieved is to me superb.

Sad? Not in the slightest .. To me it's still the greatest time to be a Meat Loaf fan.

Caryl

First I want to extend my line of thinking to Andrew who began this thread. I am sorry to see you go, I always found your posts objective and credible. I can't change your mind nor would I try to, but should you find your way back here when more "favorable" Meat Loaf conditions exist for you, I'm sure you will be welcomed back with open arms (the great thing is that the internet and this site are open doors).

Secondly, to Nikox1, I am not disappointed or sad as a fan. The only thing I feel is guilty that I'll be able to get to a show he's recently announced...and the guilt because others who are just a big of fan as myself are overseas without the same opportunity. But I don't see it to be a sadness.

I am thankful for everyday Meat's entertaining us in one fashion or another. I will not forget the moment I heard, he was on stage and announced he was done. I am thankful he didn't open a Jimmy John's and gave us HCTB. I can't fathom not being by his virtual side for this experience. Good reviews, bad reviews, rabbit holes or golden paths....I'll be here. He owes me NOTHING and yet he has given me so much, I could never repay.

Suzieq

well i never said what it was i felt? i dont know what or why? i never once stated that i would stop supporting Meat? i never once said i didnt love HCTB? i never once said i didnt respect all he has done for us? i never said that i am blaming him for no european tour? but was just asking did anybody feel something strange about anything? like even around this forum lately?
now Caryl and Suz i am very happy you guys are so happy:D:D:D:D, great stuff!! and thanks for the reply, but i was just wondering why it is people are leaving? and sales are dramaticly down in the uk for HCTB at the moment, so is the sound not suiting alot of Meat fans? has no sign of any european tour so far deflated some fans joy? you know that sort of thing? anyway i guess i will leave it at that, as i am probably not making sense:?
this is not getting at Meat, im just wondering why some fans are so unhappy?

Goodbye.

I'm sorry you think it's a sad time Andrew and that you and others feel that you have to leave.

But for me it's definitely not a sad time ... it's a great time to be a Meat Loaf fan :-) Not only do we have this amazing new CD, which IMO, is the best that Meat has done since BOOH, we get to see him on tv, looking healthy, totally relaxed and enjoyiing himself.

I also have some wonderful concerts to look forward to this summer. I'm not saying that to rub it in ... just merely making a point. I truly hope that it works out for everyone in Europe and you'll get to see Meat soon.

Vicki

Well written Andrew.

Just wished to give my opinion. Firstly sorry to see AndrewG that has decided to move on from these forums - i think it's a shame when an obvious long time fan decides its time to move on

WWE - These sort of skits are quite regular on WWE TV. As a wrestling fan and a Meat fan I enjoyed the skit with Orton. Theres a massive audience for RAW, so it will help the album. Also, it fell in line with Meat's large personality, and Ortons mad/out of control personality. Only my opinion but i respect AndrewG feels differently

HCTB - I'm on study leave at the moment, and the album is constantly playing as i revise. Since the albums release i haven't stopped listening to it. For me it's a great album, though i could understand somebody feeling it wasn't the sort of record we are used to from Meat

QVC - I really liked this performance :(

Not touring - We must remember Meat is getting older, and touring is a massive strain, especially when you give as much on stage as Meat does. We all want him to tour here - and yeah he probably will - but if he doesn't then we should respect that

Youtube - I just think that if it's a tribute to Meat then doesn't Meat kinda have a say in whether he wants it to be viewed by people on the internet :(? In a way i think RedPony/Meat Loaf have every right - sorry :(

Good luck to AndrewG - just wanted to give my opinions on how I personally feel about all of this - having read this discussion i felt i had to.

I totally agree Caryl, it is a great time to be a Meat Loaf fan and I'm not sad one little bit. I have a new fantastic album from my absolute favourite singer in the whole world!!!!!! But that doesn't take away from my enjoyment of all his earlier albums. And I've loved seeing all the promo clips he's been doing both here and overseas. Thank God for the internet, where we can watch Meat on shows not available here. Meat's been looking so healthy and happy and enthusiastic while promoting this album he is so proud of, and he has every right to be. As for the WWE clip, I have finally had a chance to watch it. I don't think Meat looked desperate or pathetic. I'm not familiar with the show, but we all know Meat is an actor, and was just playing a part and going along with it. I assume all the guest stars do similar things. I thought he looked great and was obviously having fun and that is what is important.

Carole

Good luck Andrew, you had reasonably sanity when posting here (well compared to me anyway:D)

I can fully understand your reasons for deciding to call it quits and can understand the feelings that some have posted here about things being in a bit of a lull.

With no tour to look forward to, as of yet, on this side of the world, the album has kind of come and gone in a whirlwind. So I appreciate the feeling that exists and I suppose it's something that we have to accept.

the last part you wrote, is exactly what is wrong with me!! i couldnt put down what it was? so having warbled on for days, you have said it perfect!!
its not the promo or HCTB that has made me sad? but i feel like its all over now? no tour at the moment? no new single release? no more promo over here, well for the moment? now i am glad hes giving north America a great push as theres alot of big sales to be had, and the tour looks like it wont be too hard on him, so im fine with that!! just have to wait and see?

I'm with you tink, I think it is more to do with the Volcano, and who knows when that will quiet down, and when it does, there is a possibilty it may come when he is already booked up and set in his tour route, so may be a little difficult to say for sure when he will get to europe or if it will even be possible then, either way I am sure Meat will DO his best to GIVE his best. He always has and I am sure that is not about to change.

I too was a victim to the YouTube account thing. My account went over night without warning and i assume it was having Meat Loaf content on the account.
With this said i have to say i am very fond if this album. Really love the sound, some songs i find myself listening over and over. Sometimes a performer needs to make creative changes for whatever reasons. Meat has been on the scene for many years. One thing i will say this album doesn’t have a sterotypicial meat loaf sound and that is something that would attract non fans to the music.

The whole WWE thing needs to be look as part of a storyline. Meat was told to over sell the Album in order for Orton to show his frustration with the guest house scenario. Orton is a face (good guy) and the RKO needs to be justified, Thus meat rammed the album down our throats and received a hostile reaction. This also led to the announcement from Edge of the total end of the guest host concept. It was the final blow, the wrestlers were fed up with celebrities taking air time to promote themselves and this was the final straw in the story. Meats job was the highlight the issue and justify the creative decision to eliminate power to a guest house (despite Meat not officially being a guest house)
Nick

Again... FINE JOB MEAT !!! ... XO
 

Wow is my first response about this thread.

AndrewG I don't know you and I'm a newbie on the site, so I'm not going to judge you leaving or your comments. You are free to do whatever you choose (if you even see this since you are leaving).

I will say HCTB is a great album and I am enjoying it more and more each day. Rose, Madness and California are great workout songs and Peace and DYELS are fantastic songs as well. This album is not as different as others, Madness is along the same hard lines as BOOH, Lemon, Pigs, etc. DYELS is along the same lines as Anything for Love, COM, etc. I love the album now and will continue to support Meat in his endeavors.

As a fan of any musician, celebrity, sports team, etc.; you are not always happy with what they do, but you support them anyway. As a football, baseball and hockey fan; my teams have not won championships in a long time. I still support them though and will continue to support them through the worst of times. That's what a fan does. Fan is short for fanatic and fanatics are loyal, if not sometimes misguided in their support of that team or musician. But the fan in them keeps them energized with anything the team does.

What we have to keep in mind is, Meat is promoting an album and they way albums are promoted are different now than they were even five years ago. Youtube, Twitter, QVC and yest even wrestling have become a good marketing platform. Meat can't count on posters and radio play to promote like this is 1987.

I am a wrestling fan and have to say Meat's appearance on RAW was a treat!! I thought it was funny and provided a spark in my household. I was critical (in a humorous way) on another thread, of how Meat took the RKO. That's from the wrestling fan in me. The Meat Loaf fan in me was damn happy to see him in that environment (kinda like having my favorite football team playing on the same field as my favorite baseball team)!! This falls in line with Meat's personality and acting craft. I wasn't on this site when Fight Club came out, but I'd be interested to see if there were critical comments on his performance as a guy who underground fights and by the way has man boobs. I doubt if there were too many critical comments or as much backlash as his WWE appearance. And for the record, that's a damn good movie!!

I heard critical comments on the QVC performance before I saw it. I have to say, when I saw the performance, it was good. Let's put this into context: He didn't have a full band and he didn't have great acoustic surroundings. He was on a QVC set people, not in an amphitheater. He sounded fantastic on Opera Star and it wasn't that long ago. His QVC performance was good for a QVC performance. His voice didn't get bad overnight! Think about what you do for a living. Now let me add a whole bunch of negative obstacles in the way of you getting the job done and see if you perform to your normal high standards.

I probably won't get to a concert (for one reason or another), but I have the album to keep me happy. And I'd be very surprised if more dates aren't added. We have to remember, Meat may not have final say in how many tour dates he gets. He may not have final say in where he tours. I confess to not knowing exactly how the music business works, but isn't Meat technically an employee of the record company. And if he is, might he be at their mercy as to tour locations and dates? Maybe his comments on no European dates is a way of getting fans to let the record company know, "We want tour dates!!!!!"

I don't know much of the answers, but I do know I'm a fan and will continue to be a fan through the good, the bad and the ugly. That's what Fanatics do.

Hi Andrew, Sorry to see you go. So many people commenting your announcement - take this as a compliment ;-)
Take care!

Sorry to see you go andrew, though i will say the reasons your leaving (to me) seem shite.

Hey there...this is how often I visit and read this forum now...completely missed this one...

Andrew...for me this forum is just so much more than ML fan club...I've met some of my best friends here and certainly had some great experiences with them and looking forward to more...

I am on the same page as you where it concerns album, tour, etc...but I do not see the reason to leave this great forum because of this...

And although I can keep up with you on facebook...I still have to say...

Please stay? xx

It's sory to see you go Andrew.

Whilst some people disagree with your reasons for leaving they were enough for you to want to leave and that is fair enough.

Out of all of those things you mention, the tour thing is the only thing that has upset me. I've never seen Meat Loaf live and was really looking forward to going on the next tour but that may never happen. I'm not saying that I don't respect Meat Loaf's decision on the matter but I am disappointed. At the time I was feeling that had I have been a Meat Loaf fan in the late 80's/early 90's I'd have had that opportunity to see him live. I was thinking that it's not the best time to be a Meat Loaf fan because of this announcement but I'd rather make do with the live CD's and DVD's and have him healthy than to have him working too hard and making himself ill.

I've been wondering the same thing tink, people seem to be assuming it's Meat's health that's stopping him from going to Europe. But like you say, he's been looking healthier and fitter than ever lately and he's still touring the US and Canada, which he wouldn't be doing if he had any health issues. I think it's most likely the volcano, it's still spewing ash and just this week they cancelled flights in Europe.

Carole

Nor am I .. he's looking great, full of energy, as fit and well as I've ever seen him .. fit as the proverbial butcher's dog in fact :-) And the fact that he's said in so many interviews that he intends to pace himself on any touring he does indicates to me that he intends to stay that way :-)

I'm seeing a man who's trim, looking years younger, and in his prime ..

Caryl

Yes, indeed, I personally believe that Meat is a finely sculpted Adonis, who's billowing physique is likened only to that of a tightly packed pre Terminator 2 Arnold Schwarzenegger.

In fact, Warner are planning a Godfather-like trilogy of Superman films, and the lead has yet to be cast... there's still time... I say the petition starts here.

Ha, sorry, but if I threw a wink in it would've ruined the sarcasm ;) But here's one for you right now.

I'm going to stay well out of the argument that you're assuming male fans aren't attracted to Meat, also................ *ponders* *strokes imaginary beard*

I look and listen with a woman's eyes and heart too :-) .. But as you say, even if someone is into the music and not the whole package, male or female, there's nothing to see or hear imo that doesn't suggest he's fighting fit, sounding amazing, and full of an energy that would put many younger into deep shadow.

And I don't believe we're suggesting he should represent the USA in every sport in the next Olympics ;) But he's imo very, very far from looking unwell, tired, or somehow "showing his age" .. but rather has both his size ten and a halves firmly planted in his new rock adventure!

"in your face-ism" .. :lol: .. perfect description!

Caryl

I think I made that post because there's way too much emphasis on Meat's age here lately, and I know that you all love him and want to express that, but 60 isn't really 'old' these days. Look at Sammy Hagar. Same age as Meat (62/63 maybe even a year older) and you'd still think he was in his forties. By constantly commenting on age it's drawing attention to it, and it could (could...) feel kind of patronising - WAIT - I know you guys have the BEST intentions - but that is how it would feel to me.

As always, just like when I very first came here and posted the positivity stuff, I'm just saying how I see it :) I want Meat to feel better, for HCTB sales to crawl up and soar in the U.S. on the back of some truly AMAZING promo, I want the tour to sell out, and more than any of that I want Meat, the guy, to sit back and be happy and think to himself 'man, that was a good time, we did good'.

And then another record! ;)

Peace

Doode. :cool:

Which is exactly what tink, Carole and I were referring to .. Age doesn't imply infirmity, and there seems to be nothing remotely infirm or unfit about Meat .. he looks healthy, energetic, and in his prime .. and he's singing that way too :-) Something to be glad of and celebrate ..

In September we can don grey cardigans and sit quietly in the waiting room, or we can keep moving forwards, remain young and open to excitement and new adventures, and live life to the full. I see no grey cardigan in Meat's wardrobe :lol: .. far from it!

Amen to that!

:cool: :pray:

Right you are man ;) :-)

I agree, look at Angus Young and Brian Johnson of AC/DC, they are 55 & 62 years old respectively, and still run around the stage and rip it up like 30 year olds. Age is nothing but a number.

Now you're talkin'! :cool:

I can only hope I have half the energy when I am 40!!

I wasn't implying that he was ill, or that he looks ill. I'm just thinking of past occasions where he's suffered because of a hard tour schedule. His age has nothing to do with my comment as someone in their early 20's can suffer from exhaustion through overwork just as much as someone in their 60's can.

I agree with so many other members of this forum when they say that Meat is looking really good because he does look healthy and happy and as a fan that's something I like to see.

It's as simple as this: if you don't agree with the direction Meat is taking, don't listen to the album. That's your choice and your right.

And I'm going to get in trouble for this one, but if you're a true fan you'll find the positive in what Meat is doing.

You can ABSOLUTELY find positive in what Meat is doing...because at his age most famous artists do cover albums...at least he is not afraid to venture into a new territory and actually make New music rather than stick to old true and safe standards. Whether you like the album or not - you do have to give him props for that...

Thank you. I choose to look at the positive. I'll admit when I first heard Los Angeloser I wasn't hooked. I just had an open mind and it grew on me. Right now I love Los Angeloser, Madness, California, Peace, Rose and DYELS. Meat's got people talking and that's a good thing. Nobody should give up on him yet...

It wasn't good I must admit.

No offense, but hasn't that pretty much been your stock opinion on everything Meat has done for the last several years? I don't think I've seen you post anything remotely positive in all the time I've been on here.

Of course you're trying to cause offence, otherwise wouldn't have posted what you did. However, what you wrote isn't true. You can check all my posts and you'll see a lot of positives if you choose to look for them, I just don't go over the top goo-goo-ga-ga for Meat Loaf that's all.

What wasn't good?

Not just you and Caryl tink, I feel the same way about Meat. I look at Meat with a woman's appreciative eye and listen to him with a woman's heart too. I love the whole package too. And I love his in your facism too.

Carole

WTF? :wtf:

Well I'm in my 40's and I don't have half the energy of Meat or AC/DC for that matter!!!!

Carole

Meat's a fascist?!! :shock:

Haha, don't worry Carole, I know what you meant ;)

Doode.

What's offensive about saying the truth to you? If I wanted to say something offensive, believe me, you'd know. I did look through your recent posts and maintain I haven't seen you say one positive thing about any of Meat's recent work in the several years I've been a member of this forum. Criticism is meaningless if it's constant and without balance.

It seems you dish out barbed comments in spades, but the second someone points that out to you, you immediately take offense.

SHUSH!

And keep the thread on topic!

I have no problem with someone not liking what I say, I take offence to someone saying 'no offence' when that's exactly what they're doing.

I suggest you look more closely at my recent posts then before making a blanket statement of "that pretty much been your stock opinion on everything Meat has done for the last several years" then you'd see your statement is complete hogwash.

Well, obviously this thread is done.