Ive never really used these message forums very much (so I'll make this long); seems it only takes one or two people to stir up a lot of bad feeling (and here we go again on this thread too) but Ive always wondered why Meat feels like he owes these people an explanation? explanations that, as a fan, Ive found quite upsetting to read. Meat, those critics, whether they are from the media or just random posters on here they really are nothing in the shadow of your army of fans. You must have the loyalist and most adoring fans, bar no one else.
But reading what Ive read on here over the past months, Ive never felt as distant as a fan. Its so very sad that Meat obviously feels that he cant even escape from those sharks on here - his own fan forum; I think now I understand why after all these years he would want to call it quits. I keep asking myself how much torment and abuse one man can really deal with in a lifetime? From the day that I became a fan, after hearing Bat II for the very first time, I have always wished people would just leave him alone. Trying to explain to people that Meat Loaf - that big, scary, mad-man you see on stage is just another character given life by the quiet and sensitive ML Aday but it never seems to wash with anyone.
Meat, Im blown away by what Ive heard from this tour. Youve fired new life into those songs. So much so that I cant seem to bring myself to listen to the original studio recordings anymore. With illness and a death-wish tour schedule, it was never going to be possible to be riding the wave every night. But why do you do so many shows? When Bon Jovi tour the UK, they hire a couple of really big venues and let the fans come to them. But youve always tortured yourself for us and I guess old habits die hard. I know; I didnt enjoy being at the Glasgow show. I watched you on stage and could find no way to find enjoyment in watching a sick human being give everything he had that night. And although I left that night feeling sad I left with so much more love and respect in my heart for you just because you were there battling against everything the way that you always have done, everyday of your incredible career.
So big guy, this is my little tear for you. You can stop touring and stop releasing records, but you will never find a way to leave us. If it wasnt for you, I know that I wouldnt be here now. Nor would I have the heart to wake up in the morning and face the world and find a smile in the fights that life throws. Last night, after I read that you said you were quitting, I wiped away the tears and went to work in a busy student bar wearing the Meat Loaf football shirt if only you really knew how many people out there love and respect you maybe your sadness would not be so deep. Thank you for everything that you have given. My life is richer because of you.
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