FIGHT TO SAVE HIS VOICE AND HIS CAREER!

meatloaf-unofficial · 27 Jul 2008, 13:10

BAT OUT OF HELL ROCKER MEAT LOAF ON FIGHT TO SAVE HIS VOICE AND HIS CAREER
By Garth Pearce

Veteran rocker Meat Loaf is big, strong and loud but he cried himself to sleep when he feared his 40-year singing career was finished by illness.

He had a cyst on his vocal cords and worried that an operation could rob him of his singing voice, as happened to Hollywood star Julie Andrews after similar surgery.

Meat - born Marvin Aday in Dallas, Texas, 60 years ago - just couldn't face the future without being able to perform his knockout stage shows.

Recalling his personal torment which reached a dramatic climax last year, the star confessed: "I went to hell and back.

"I loved my life, loved the show and loved giving the fans the best I could deliver.

"Every time I thought about the prospect of not being able to sing, itwould break my heart. I am not ashamed to say I cried my eyes out."

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The star had worked tirelessly to win his reputation as one of the greats of rock 'n' roll. He made the biggest selling album in British history with Bat Out Of Hell in 1978. Amazingly, it stayed in the charts for a record nine years.

And with total sales of 30million, the Guinness Book of Records also declared it the third best-selling album in the world.

But over the years Meat's body has taken a battering because of his wild, all-action stage antics.

He broke his leg on stage in Toronto, Canada, 30 years ago - and finished the tour in a wheelchair.

He knocked himself out in shows and collapsed in a sweat-drenched heap. But always he staggered to his feet to carry on belting out his hits such as Dead Ringer For Love, Two Out of Three Ain't Bad and I'd Lie For You.

Then he suffered heart problems in 2003 diagnosed as Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome - rapid heart rate - which led to an on-stage breakdown at Wembley Arena.

And finally he broke down on stage last November at the Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle - and dramatically declared that his touring days were over.

Nine months on, Meat now says that he "panicked" over the incident. "I thought that, finally, I was beaten," he said.

"I knew that throat problems could be the killer.

I had been having problems for some time with my voice. I should have rested, got some help and treatment for my throat.

"But I just freaked out, because I didn't know what was wrong. I wasn't sick and didn't have any flu or infection. So I just said, 'I quit' and walked off stage."

However, Meat Loaf is nothing if not a survivor - and although he may get knocked down, he somehow always gets back up again.

Recalling his latest and most important fight back, he said: "I did not want to let anyone down.

"I have a great relationship with my fans and they've backed me through all the ups and downs of my long career.

"But I had some luck when the cyst popped itself. I started doing some research. It did not sound or look good.

"Yet my voice began to get stronger and I started working with a voice coach, Eric Egerd, in March of this year when this tour was first discussed.

"By May, we were working for up to ten hours a day and I was looking forward to touring again. I was going to try and make this my best."

The evidence is now out there, as Meat has collected some of the best reviews of his life for his current tour, called Casa De Carne, which is Spanish for Meat's House.

He has been watched by huge audiences around Britain, from Plymouth's Home Park to Castle Howard in north Yorkshire. And he aims to finish his British tour at the Motor Show music festival with a gig to remember. His show is the finale of 12 of the world's biggest rock acts at the ExCel Centre, London, next Saturday.

Meat is the first to admit he had trodden a rocky path to stardom. In 1967, aged 19, he left Texas for New York and Los Angeles to play in bands and act in hippy musicals such as Hair.

After his massive hit Bat Out of Hell in the late 70s, his singing career had cooled a decade later.

But typically he bounced back with Bat Out Of Hell II in 1993, which became a No 1 and stayed in the charts for a year.

Meat, who has kept up his acting by appearing in more than 40 films, added: "I have never taken anything for granted and just tried to always go one step further.

"Pop careers come and go and I know what it takes to survive."

Surprisingly, though, he added: "I have never been totally sure of myself, despite the image. I do not like arrogance, because pride always comes before a fall.

"I've had too many things go wrong in my life to think it will always be smooth and successful.

And another thing - my life has gone by too fast!" Meat said that turning 60 last September came as a big shock.

"It's like having a good lunch," he revealed. "You are enjoying yourself, with friends, and you think you have spent an hour or so at the restaurant. Then you realise it's been three hours.

"I have been having an enjoyable life, with some great times among the bad, but it is all going by too quickly. I want some time back."

Any regrets? "So many, I have not got time to even discuss them," he replied. "I am trying to make up for lost time in so many ways.

"I have drunk too much, eaten too much and lived too wild. I regret no longer being with the mother of my two wonderful daughters."

He was divorced from wife Leslie in 2001. She had been with him from the start of his success and they married in 1979. But his daughter Pearl - his other girl is Amanda - is with him on tour, as the opening act.

"She is a natural, yet didn't like performing in front of people," he said.

"She used to do acoustic stuff and Iwould encourage her to sing certain songs, like Janis Joplin's Mercedes Benz.

"She was so reluctant, I wondered whether this was the life for her. She has such a kind spirit. But she's now on the best form of her life.

"Pearl is so gifted and polite, with good manners. My ex-wife had a lot to do with that. So did my mother and my ex-wife's father."

Pearl goes by Meat Loaf's real surname of Aday.

He decided to call himself Meat Loaf after a band he formed in the late 1960s called Meat Loaf Soul And Popcorn Blizzard.

Apart from his family, one of his most important relationships has been with his songwriting partner Jim Steinman.

The pair have had countless fall-outs over the years, even suing each other and going through stages of not speaking.

Now Meat Loaf wants to bury the hatchet. "Jim is one of my best friends and always will be," he said simply.

"I haven't seen him for a couple of years now, but would make another record with him in a heartbeat."

Meat is a shadow of his former self, in the best sense. Last year he had reportedly ballooned to a massive 22st.

But these days he is off the booze and fatty foods, and looks trim and fit and is obviously raring to go.

"I never know what I am going to do on stage," he said. "Even my band say that I am a crazy person and they laugh at me.

"One of my band members, Paul, who has been with me for six years, was telling me last night, 'I never know what to expect with you'.

"That's a great compliment. I want to keep surprising myself."

Article - http://www.people.co.uk/news/news/tm...name_page.html

My dad noticed it as a double page spread in the People this morning!
Ross

AndrewG · 27 Jul 2008, 13:21

That's a fantastic article. Thanks for pointing that out Ross.
Doing his best on stage is clearly evident from the shows on this run. I'm glad it is a success and the majority of the crowds are enjoying the shows.

In my opinion it would be great if Steinman and Meat would forget what has gone before in the last few years and give us a last few miracles now that it is still possible.

meatloaf-unofficial · 27 Jul 2008, 13:49

I agree to Andrew. SOunds like Meat would when he said he would make another album with Jim in a heartbeat.

Also when he comments about London being his last UK date, going onto say it wants it to be a concert you'll never forget - memerable - I guess it will be.

He looks so much healthier and fitter and younger than on the 3 Bats Tour from the photos I've seen. I'm keeping the article for my collection - good photo of him in the paper aswell

(off to work now....)

MissAsh · 27 Jul 2008, 14:59

That's definitely one of the best articles I've read recently. Thanks for posting it Ross.

Pudding · 27 Jul 2008, 15:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndrewG

In my opinion it would be great if Steinman and Meat would forget what has gone before in the last few years and give us a last few miracles now that it is still possible.

I'd be extremely surprised if a new full album between them ever emerged, but a final swansong or two might just be possible. A bit like ABBA when they did Thank You For The Music then parted company.

Pud

AndrewG · 27 Jul 2008, 15:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pudding

I'd be extremely surprised if a new full album between them ever emerged, but a final swansong or two might just be possible. A bit like ABBA when they did Thank You For The Music then parted company.

Pud

I agree, full album is unlikely but perhaps a few songs what Steinman described as Climaxes and Conclusions could still be done. Maybe a Bat best of with some live stuff and demos etc. + "Body", "Paradise Lost" and "Last at Bat".

Pudding · 27 Jul 2008, 15:16

For Steinman to do a 'best of' Bat would mean he'd have to acknowledge Bat3 as part of the trio and I just don't think he could. Which is why they fought in the courts.

A Conclusions & Climaxes EP is possible, but I have a leaning towards if the Bat musical has a concept album Meat would do a new song or two on that.

Pud

wolfy35 · 27 Jul 2008, 17:13

Or maybe the album will be called something silly like "Bull in a china shop" its a great name and it is the working title for Meat's next album

djfierce · 27 Jul 2008, 17:55

this might not sit well with some fans but personally i'm not bothered if they work together again or not, thats their business, i'll look forward to any new album regardless.

It's a lovey article, thanks Ross, seems very honest for once

Heg19 · 27 Jul 2008, 18:20

i agree dj. Does anyone know why he did split up with Lesley when they were together for so long?

AndrewG · 27 Jul 2008, 18:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heg19

i agree dj. Does anyone know why he did split up with Lesley when they were together for so long?

That's a rather private matter regardless of the reason I'd say and if that is going to be discussed here I will not visit this thread any more.

Heg19 · 27 Jul 2008, 18:27

sorry was just curious they seemed like an amazing couple thats all. The way some people reply to innocent questions makes me wonder whether to leave the site altogether, nevermind just the thread!!

AndrewG · 27 Jul 2008, 18:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heg19

sorry was just curious they seemed like an amazing couple thats all. The way some people reply to innocent questions makes me wonder whether to leave the site altogether, nevermind just the thread!!

Please do not leave. I do not dictate the rules and I am probably wrong here. I just do not want to be part of a discussion that I think could harm Meat's family. Don't take my word for it.
But you are right they were an amazing couple together.

Heg19 · 27 Jul 2008, 18:40

ok it was an innocent question though i just presumed he would have spoke about it at some point i wasn't after rumours, just curious. it doesn't matter xx

MissAsh · 27 Jul 2008, 18:48

Thing is though, Meat's private life is just that - private. I'm sure many of us would like to know absolutely everything (it's only natural to be curious I guess) but as fans, it's not really any of our business.
Sorry if that sounds harsh, I know it's all part of the 'celebrity' kinda thing to have details of personal lives splashed around online/in the papers etc but I know if I were in Meat's shoes, I wouldn't be at all comfortable with this sort of discussion.

Heg19 · 27 Jul 2008, 18:58

was just curious but most of Meat's personal life was in the biography he had out. Was just an innocent question wish i'd never mentioned it now, just forget i ever said anything!

AndrewG · 27 Jul 2008, 19:02

Let's take a step back here about the divorce thing. Of course your question is completely valid and many people will have been wondering exactly that. I think the danger is that if we start discussing it then we could be creating all sorts of rumours etc which will get us nowhere and may just harm people who are involved and most of whom cannot defend themselves here. Don't worry about it.

SamCat · 27 Jul 2008, 19:03

**RadioMaster** · 27 Jul 2008, 19:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by MissAsh

Thing is though, Meat's private life is just that - private. I'm sure many of us would like to know absolutely everything (it's only natural to be curious I guess) but as fans, it's not really any of our business.
Sorry if that sounds harsh, I know it's all part of the 'celebrity' kinda thing to have details of personal lives splashed around online/in the papers etc but I know if I were in Meat's shoes, I wouldn't be at all comfortable with this sort of discussion.

totally agree.

Heg19 · 27 Jul 2008, 19:43

You might all agree for all i know but you could have just said oh we don't discuss things like that on here rather than making me feel awful for asking such a question

**RadioMaster** · 27 Jul 2008, 19:58

nobody makes you awful. Were just expressing our opinions on the matter of Meat's privacy.

Heg19 · 27 Jul 2008, 20:05

i know but it was the way i was told, i didn't know asking would be a big thing! We all know so much about Meat anyway but hey ho nevermind i won't ask again sorry folks

Battybarb · 27 Jul 2008, 22:20

Thanks for posting the article Ross..i went and bought a people as soon as i realised..its a good article and i just love the main photo of Meat that comes with it...

Heg19 · 27 Jul 2008, 22:36

Whats the photo like that came with the article?

djfierce · 27 Jul 2008, 22:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heg19

You might all agree for all i know but you could have just said oh we don't discuss things like that on here rather than making me feel awful for asking such a question

i dont think you were out of order asking, in my opinion if Meat talks about it in an interview/boigraphy or any other means then it's fine as he has chosen to put it out there but as far as i know he hasnt ever spoken of it so therefore we shouldnt speculate, i for one dont believe you were asking about speculation just if anything was KNOWN so in answer to your question, no i dont think anything is known hun.

27 Jul 2008, 13:10	#1
meatloaf-unofficial Mega Loafer Join Date: 06.02.2006 Location: Touring the Country Posts: 2,558	FIGHT TO SAVE HIS VOICE AND HIS CAREER! BAT OUT OF HELL ROCKER MEAT LOAF ON FIGHT TO SAVE HIS VOICE AND HIS CAREER By Garth Pearce Veteran rocker Meat Loaf is big, strong and loud but he cried himself to sleep when he feared his 40-year singing career was finished by illness. He had a cyst on his vocal cords and worried that an operation could rob him of his singing voice, as happened to Hollywood star Julie Andrews after similar surgery. Meat - born Marvin Aday in Dallas, Texas, 60 years ago - just couldn't face the future without being able to perform his knockout stage shows. Recalling his personal torment which reached a dramatic climax last year, the star confessed: "I went to hell and back. "I loved my life, loved the show and loved giving the fans the best I could deliver. "Every time I thought about the prospect of not being able to sing, itwould break my heart. I am not ashamed to say I cried my eyes out." Advertisement The star had worked tirelessly to win his reputation as one of the greats of rock 'n' roll. He made the biggest selling album in British history with Bat Out Of Hell in 1978. Amazingly, it stayed in the charts for a record nine years. And with total sales of 30million, the Guinness Book of Records also declared it the third best-selling album in the world. But over the years Meat's body has taken a battering because of his wild, all-action stage antics. He broke his leg on stage in Toronto, Canada, 30 years ago - and finished the tour in a wheelchair. He knocked himself out in shows and collapsed in a sweat-drenched heap. But always he staggered to his feet to carry on belting out his hits such as Dead Ringer For Love, Two Out of Three Ain't Bad and I'd Lie For You. Then he suffered heart problems in 2003 diagnosed as Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome - rapid heart rate - which led to an on-stage breakdown at Wembley Arena. And finally he broke down on stage last November at the Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle - and dramatically declared that his touring days were over. Nine months on, Meat now says that he "panicked" over the incident. "I thought that, finally, I was beaten," he said. "I knew that throat problems could be the killer. I had been having problems for some time with my voice. I should have rested, got some help and treatment for my throat. "But I just freaked out, because I didn't know what was wrong. I wasn't sick and didn't have any flu or infection. So I just said, 'I quit' and walked off stage." However, Meat Loaf is nothing if not a survivor - and although he may get knocked down, he somehow always gets back up again. Recalling his latest and most important fight back, he said: "I did not want to let anyone down. "I have a great relationship with my fans and they've backed me through all the ups and downs of my long career. "But I had some luck when the cyst popped itself. I started doing some research. It did not sound or look good. "Yet my voice began to get stronger and I started working with a voice coach, Eric Egerd, in March of this year when this tour was first discussed. "By May, we were working for up to ten hours a day and I was looking forward to touring again. I was going to try and make this my best." The evidence is now out there, as Meat has collected some of the best reviews of his life for his current tour, called Casa De Carne, which is Spanish for Meat's House. He has been watched by huge audiences around Britain, from Plymouth's Home Park to Castle Howard in north Yorkshire. And he aims to finish his British tour at the Motor Show music festival with a gig to remember. His show is the finale of 12 of the world's biggest rock acts at the ExCel Centre, London, next Saturday. Meat is the first to admit he had trodden a rocky path to stardom. In 1967, aged 19, he left Texas for New York and Los Angeles to play in bands and act in hippy musicals such as Hair. After his massive hit Bat Out of Hell in the late 70s, his singing career had cooled a decade later. But typically he bounced back with Bat Out Of Hell II in 1993, which became a No 1 and stayed in the charts for a year. Meat, who has kept up his acting by appearing in more than 40 films, added: "I have never taken anything for granted and just tried to always go one step further. "Pop careers come and go and I know what it takes to survive." Surprisingly, though, he added: "I have never been totally sure of myself, despite the image. I do not like arrogance, because pride always comes before a fall. "I've had too many things go wrong in my life to think it will always be smooth and successful. And another thing - my life has gone by too fast!" Meat said that turning 60 last September came as a big shock. "It's like having a good lunch," he revealed. "You are enjoying yourself, with friends, and you think you have spent an hour or so at the restaurant. Then you realise it's been three hours. "I have been having an enjoyable life, with some great times among the bad, but it is all going by too quickly. I want some time back." Any regrets? "So many, I have not got time to even discuss them," he replied. "I am trying to make up for lost time in so many ways. "I have drunk too much, eaten too much and lived too wild. I regret no longer being with the mother of my two wonderful daughters." He was divorced from wife Leslie in 2001. She had been with him from the start of his success and they married in 1979. But his daughter Pearl - his other girl is Amanda - is with him on tour, as the opening act. "She is a natural, yet didn't like performing in front of people," he said. "She used to do acoustic stuff and Iwould encourage her to sing certain songs, like Janis Joplin's Mercedes Benz. "She was so reluctant, I wondered whether this was the life for her. She has such a kind spirit. But she's now on the best form of her life. "Pearl is so gifted and polite, with good manners. My ex-wife had a lot to do with that. So did my mother and my ex-wife's father." Pearl goes by Meat Loaf's real surname of Aday. He decided to call himself Meat Loaf after a band he formed in the late 1960s called Meat Loaf Soul And Popcorn Blizzard. Apart from his family, one of his most important relationships has been with his songwriting partner Jim Steinman. The pair have had countless fall-outs over the years, even suing each other and going through stages of not speaking. Now Meat Loaf wants to bury the hatchet. "Jim is one of my best friends and always will be," he said simply. "I haven't seen him for a couple of years now, but would make another record with him in a heartbeat." Meat is a shadow of his former self, in the best sense. Last year he had reportedly ballooned to a massive 22st. But these days he is off the booze and fatty foods, and looks trim and fit and is obviously raring to go. "I never know what I am going to do on stage," he said. "Even my band say that I am a crazy person and they laugh at me. "One of my band members, Paul, who has been with me for six years, was telling me last night, 'I never know what to expect with you'. "That's a great compliment. I want to keep surprising myself." Article - http://www.people.co.uk/news/news/tm...name_page.html My dad noticed it as a double page spread in the People this morning! Ross

27 Jul 2008, 19:43	#20
Heg19 Super Loafer Join Date: 12.08.2007 Location: Huddersfield Posts: 539	You might all agree for all i know but you could have just said oh we don't discuss things like that on here rather than making me feel awful for asking such a question Last edited by Heg19; 27 Jul 2008 at 19:51.

27 Jul 2008, 13:21	#2
AndrewG I hope your salmon sucks! Join Date: 18.01.2004 Location: Northamptonshire Posts: 7,083	That's a fantastic article. Thanks for pointing that out Ross. Doing his best on stage is clearly evident from the shows on this run. I'm glad it is a success and the majority of the crowds are enjoying the shows. In my opinion it would be great if Steinman and Meat would forget what has gone before in the last few years and give us a last few miracles now that it is still possible.

27 Jul 2008, 13:49	#3
meatloaf-unofficial Mega Loafer Join Date: 06.02.2006 Location: Touring the Country Posts: 2,558	I agree to Andrew. SOunds like Meat would when he said he would make another album with Jim in a heartbeat. Also when he comments about London being his last UK date, going onto say it wants it to be a concert you'll never forget - memerable - I guess it will be. He looks so much healthier and fitter and younger than on the 3 Bats Tour from the photos I've seen. I'm keeping the article for my collection - good photo of him in the paper aswell (off to work now....)

27 Jul 2008, 14:59	#4
MissAsh Super Loafer Join Date: 14.02.2005 Location: Glasgow, Scotland Posts: 743	That's definitely one of the best articles I've read recently. Thanks for posting it Ross.

27 Jul 2008, 15:16	#7
Pudding I'm A Prize Fight Lover... Join Date: 22.10.2003 Location: New Zealand Posts: 5,532	For Steinman to do a 'best of' Bat would mean he'd have to acknowledge Bat3 as part of the trio and I just don't think he could. Which is why they fought in the courts. A Conclusions & Climaxes EP is possible, but I have a leaning towards if the Bat musical has a concept album Meat would do a new song or two on that. Pud

27 Jul 2008, 17:13	#8
wolfy35 Dangerous on a full moon Join Date: 14.03.2007 Location: Standing on the outside, Looking in on you Posts: 751	Or maybe the album will be called something silly like "Bull in a china shop" its a great name and it is the working title for Meat's next album

27 Jul 2008, 17:55	#9
djfierce Mega Loafer Join Date: 15.06.2005 Location: Posts: 3,596	this might not sit well with some fans but personally i'm not bothered if they work together again or not, thats their business, i'll look forward to any new album regardless. It's a lovey article, thanks Ross, seems very honest for once

27 Jul 2008, 18:20	#10
Heg19 Super Loafer Join Date: 12.08.2007 Location: Huddersfield Posts: 539	i agree dj. Does anyone know why he did split up with Lesley when they were together for so long?

27 Jul 2008, 18:27	#12
Heg19 Super Loafer Join Date: 12.08.2007 Location: Huddersfield Posts: 539	sorry was just curious they seemed like an amazing couple thats all. The way some people reply to innocent questions makes me wonder whether to leave the site altogether, nevermind just the thread!!

27 Jul 2008, 18:40	#14
Heg19 Super Loafer Join Date: 12.08.2007 Location: Huddersfield Posts: 539	ok it was an innocent question though i just presumed he would have spoke about it at some point i wasn't after rumours, just curious. it doesn't matter xx

27 Jul 2008, 18:48	#15
MissAsh Super Loafer Join Date: 14.02.2005 Location: Glasgow, Scotland Posts: 743	Thing is though, Meat's private life is just that - private. I'm sure many of us would like to know absolutely everything (it's only natural to be curious I guess) but as fans, it's not really any of our business. Sorry if that sounds harsh, I know it's all part of the 'celebrity' kinda thing to have details of personal lives splashed around online/in the papers etc but I know if I were in Meat's shoes, I wouldn't be at all comfortable with this sort of discussion.

27 Jul 2008, 18:58	#16
Heg19 Super Loafer Join Date: 12.08.2007 Location: Huddersfield Posts: 539	was just curious but most of Meat's personal life was in the biography he had out. Was just an innocent question wish i'd never mentioned it now, just forget i ever said anything!

27 Jul 2008, 19:02	#17
AndrewG I hope your salmon sucks! Join Date: 18.01.2004 Location: Northamptonshire Posts: 7,083	Let's take a step back here about the divorce thing. Of course your question is completely valid and many people will have been wondering exactly that. I think the danger is that if we start discussing it then we could be creating all sorts of rumours etc which will get us nowhere and may just harm people who are involved and most of whom cannot defend themselves here. Don't worry about it.

27 Jul 2008, 19:03	#18
SamCat Hello Harry!!!! Join Date: 12.09.2006 Location: London Posts: 3,086

27 Jul 2008, 19:58	#21
RadioMaster The German Join Date: 11.03.2006 Location: some kind of hunting lodge for rich weirdos... Posts: 15,778	nobody makes you awful. Were just expressing our opinions on the matter of Meat's privacy.

27 Jul 2008, 20:05	#22
Heg19 Super Loafer Join Date: 12.08.2007 Location: Huddersfield Posts: 539	i know but it was the way i was told, i didn't know asking would be a big thing! We all know so much about Meat anyway but hey ho nevermind i won't ask again sorry folks

27 Jul 2008, 22:20	#23
Battybarb Nutty Tart From Hell Join Date: 25.05.2007 Location: liverpool Posts: 8,390	Thanks for posting the article Ross..i went and bought a people as soon as i realised..its a good article and i just love the main photo of Meat that comes with it...

27 Jul 2008, 22:36	#24
Heg19 Super Loafer Join Date: 12.08.2007 Location: Huddersfield Posts: 539	Whats the photo like that came with the article?