Happy Birthday, Fire Ball!!

[sherrie87]

Eva,

Thanks for your great story- I was really smiling as I read it, I looked quite silly I would imagine. Now this is what you have to tell me- how have you managed to meet ML an additional 10 times? I think I need some lessons from you, as I have never been able to secure a pass for a meet and greet. Please do tell....

Sherrie

[shadow1000001]

I loved your story Eva. I was grinning too while reading it
I would also like to know how you met Meat Loaf all those times


Maria

[MBrevard]

Hi, dear friends! Forgive my late update. Today was a travel day for us. We are now back home and trying to unpack and say hi to all our dogs and see that my parents were well taken care of....Good to be home and yet, hard to be home, if you can understand.

I haven't had the chance yet to read all that's been posted here since yesterday, but I'm looking forward to it!! Thanks for continuing to make this thread such a special one on Meat's behalf!!

I have a quickie story to share with all of you and then I'll post my surprise of the day. (I'm SO glad you're enjoying them. Maria, everything I am putting up is just part of my ML collection. Happy to be sharing it!)

You all remember the casino story I told a day or two ago. Well, Meat was everywhere up there in Reno (or so it felt).

Today, before leaving, we went to this one large casino, the Hilton. We hadn't been there in years and years and wanted to see how it had changed. The place is HUGE--they have a complete bowling center, as well as a cinema and shops--well, you name it, it's probably there.

So, we were walking around and happened past the movie theatre. We stopped to see what was playing there--The Salton Sea!!! I knew it was going to be a good day.

Then, I treated my hubby to one of the "water massages" for his birthday. Have you seen those machines yet? They seem to be all the rage right now over here. Anyway, I'm sitting and waiting out on the casino floor for his 15 minute massage to be over with. There were bells ringing, people shouting, laughing, there were the walkie-talkies of the change people screeching barely intelligeable instructions. And through the cacophony of the casino floor, I heard something familiar. I strained to focus my hearing on it. And I heard...

I would do anything for love,
I'll never lie to you and that’s a fact....

Anything for Love was playing on the casino background sound system! I couldn't believe it!! Meat truly was everywhere we went this trip!! I was a happy camper!!!

Anyway, nice to be back with you on my old computer (and keyboard). I'm looking forward very much to spending this coming week with all of you, celebrating the birthday to come!! It should be a lot of fun!!!

And so now.....

It's back to CountDown to B-day and only:

FIVE DAYS TO GO!!

I think you are all going to enjoy today's surprise!!! You have to go all the way back to 1987 for it!

Enjoy!!

I'm off to finish unpacking and settling back in, then I can't wait to come back to catch up on all of your posts!!

Take care. Let's keep this birthday thread alive and kicking through the 27th!!!

Love you all,
MB
xxx

[mariella]

What a way to wake up, this morning! Great video, feel like we are receiving gifts for Meat's upcoming birthday. Fantastic!!!
My grandfather (who raised me) always said on his birthday 'what do you want for My birthday'! This reminds me of that...

Now, what do I have to give for Meat's upcoming birthday? Not much, I am afraid...never been a collector. Have only discovered ML about 3 years ago, was listening to the BeeGees and lionel Richie before (and still am sometimes). So, there aren't many stories, yet.
Eva, Loved reading yours!!!

Last years Hyde park-concert was my first full ML-show. I didn't have acces to the internet at that time. So, people at work were checking some sites for me early July. I had 3 days off in July and Wanted to see a ML-show during that period. I am a single/working mom, so it's not that easy to just 'go'. It Had to be in that period. I didn't know there WAS a concert, but I had been wanting to go to one for 1,5 years and was willing to go Anywhere, by then.

I heard there was a concert at Hyde park, tickets had been on sale for months...the night before I left for London, I checked the ticket-service again (had already managed to get a 12th row ticket, not bad, but wanted better) there was a 7th row ticket. Ofcourse I bought that one too, was convinced I would get to the front row. And I did, security-personel asked their boss if this Dutch lady could walk to the front and Stay there during the show, because she kept asking this over and over again!

Anyway, this first concert will stay with me forever! It was a little scary to go to London by myself. But I ran into lots of nice people and had a fantastic stay there.

If you folow your instincts and Heart, the most amazing things do happen in life!

When I finally did get cable, I found out another Dutch woman had also been to that concert. She took the train 1 hours before I did. And she only lives 40 mins. from my house! We went to the Amsterdam promo-concert together (now THAT was great too!). I consider her to be a good friend and we meet eachother regulary, Marianne...very happy I met you!

Ofcourse it would have been fantastic IF I would have known the people from this site at that time...but I didn't.
This only makes me look forward to the Nov/Dec shows More!

Hope I didn't bore you too much!

"Happy camper", glad you are back home safely. Happy Birthday to your husband!!!

Thank you, once again. I feel this is a great place!

xxx

Mariella (who likes to celebrate Every happy occasion!)

[Eva]

@sherrie and shadow

I am glad that you like my little story.

I am a member of the British and the American fan-club....
I managed to get meet and greets 1996, 1999 and 2001 because of both memberships and by visiting many concerts. I also went to a meet and greet in Amsterdam this year (that was the meet and greet that was requested by Fire Ball) and I have been lucky enough to meet Meat at stage exits, on the tour bus and at TV productions.

Every meeting with him was a highlight! :P

Keep Rockin'
Eva

[little_dancer]

Happy Birthday Meat!!!!!

Great idea MBrevard!
The first Meat Loaf song I ever heard was, two out of three aint bad. I was 12 yrs. old, sitting at the computer, typing away some assignment, and my parents were watching the news. Well, this little bit came on about a singer named 'Meat Loaf' who was doing a new album called bat out of Hell II, well all of a sudden I heard this amazing voice and I spun around to see this gorgeous, big guy with long hair singing his heart out!! (they were showing the old promo. video for BatI)Needless to say I had a crush on Meat throughout all of high school (my nickname was Loaf, people STILL call me that if they haven't seen me since high school)

My first Meat Loaf concert was in 1993, following the release of Bat Out Of Hell II, I waited for 4 hrs. in the dead-cold of Canadian February in an impractical (ok, REDICULOUS) outfit and high heeled boots (well I was 13, I HAD to look HOT in case he saw me ) I was in the front row for that show, and was blown away by how incredible he was live, SUCH PASSION!!

At this time, I was going to a high school for the fine arts and was taking dance, unfortunately, I was also diagnosed with severe idiopathic Hypothyroidism and was having a difficult time keeping my weight as low as it needed to be to stay in the dance program, Meat's music was my haven during several years of anorexia, My mother having surgery for a brain tumor, and living in a hospital teaching mom to walk again for the first year of high school (she's fine now, GOD BLESS!!) and BELEIVE me 'If you hold on to a chorus, you CAN get through the night' If it wasn't for that voice, well, it's better not to think about the negatives.

When I was 16, I choreographed a work to 'Lost Boys and Golden Girls' that earned the highest mark possible from my dance program. I also received a meet and greet pass, and had him autograph the grade report I got for that assignment. I stuttered the whole time, but managed to stammer out what a big fan I was, and how much his music brightened my days.

Well, years passed, and I had almost resigned myself to the fact that I just did not have the body to be a dancer, and would have to JUST choreograph, I had a ballet teacher who didn't care about body types at the time, and she gave me the lead in a production of Swan Lake we were doing, because she felt I was the best, and didn't care that I was heavier than most of the other girls. (I was 5'2 and 120lbs, which isn't HEAVY but it is for dance) Well I heard that Meat's Storytellers tour was coming to Toronto, so I got good seats and went to see the show. Well, I had my hand waving around to ask a question, and low and behold--I was picked...

"Hi, um, Meat?"

"Hi there, what's your name."

"oh, um, my name's Leah"

"Hi Leah, what do you do?"

"Well, I'm trying to be a dancer but, uh..."

"you're a dancer, really!!! I love ballet, do you know Swan Lake? Just ask Pearl, I always listen to that record and dance around the house"

( I should point out here that Meat Loaf was the first person IN MY LIFE who didn't say "really?!! you don't LOOK like a dancer" )

"Swan Lake? Yeah, I'm actually doing a production of it right now, we just finished "lac des Cygnes"

"Oh my god, really? Well I can't pass this up!! Come up on stage, you be the Swan and I'll be the lake, ok?"

So I went up on stage and danced a portion of Lac des Cygnes with Meat Loaf--then we chatted for a few minutes about Stanislavsky and Sanford Meisner, and I said..

"well, I better let you get on with the show, thanks very much."

and he said...

"I loved dancin' with you darlin'"

Well, that was it. I stopped starving myself, I started running every day, meticulously watching what I eat, and have gotten down to 100lbs, without starving. Everyday when I run, I listen to Meat's music, and he gets me through the five miles at 5am, Everyday. (My endocrinologist swears he doesn't know of any patient with a thyroid as bad as mine who weighs less than 200 lbs.) Now I'm dancing proffessionaly...AND working in Cancer research (my university degree was in dance performance AND Kineisiology/Human Anatomy

Meat taught me,
the underdog can win
you always have to give 200%

The music is what really inspires me, I think Meat has one of the greatest voices of all time, he REFUSED to let the critics keep him down.. Now, I won't let them keep me down either.

Thank you Meat for your music, gifts, kindness, and more inspiration than you'll ever know.
Happy Birthday, all the best to you and your family!!

Love,
Leah

I feel a bit daft, and embarassed, opening up to everyone like this, but somehow I'm comfortable with you all :)

[mariella]

Hi Leah,

Absolutely no need to feel embarassed...thank you for sharing such a wonderful story!

You are right, if you give it 200%, you can accomplish just about anything you set your mind to.

Love,

Mariella

[Vickip]

Originally Posted by mariella

Hi Leah,

Absolutely no need to feel embarassed...thank you for sharing such a wonderful story!

You are right, if you give it 200%, you can accomplish just about anything you set your mind to.

Love,

Mariella

I totally agree Mariella --
thank you so much for sharing such a wonderful story Leah !!

Vicki

[jcmoorehead]

I wish I had some form of story to tell but unfortunetly I don't.

However I can rustle up a quick 3D Model or Vice City Texture In Celebration of Meats Birthday. Anyone got any ideas?

And By the way that is one great story above.

[sherrie87]

Leah,

Your story gave me chills, thank you so much for sharing it! That is most assuredly something that you will never forget- what a great "gift" that Meat gave you. I also have hypothyroidism, so I absolutely know what sort of struggle is involved in keeping your weight that low. I have not been that successful, but my chosen career is librarianship so fortunately it is not an issue. You must replay that night of dancing with Meat so often in your mind- I know I would! What a good guy.

Sherrie

[shadow1000001]

That was an AWESOME clip MB Thank you for sharing from your personal collection

Leah,
I loved your story as well. There is definately no need to be embarrased.


Maria

[sherrie87]

I finally got home to a decent computer so I could watch the clip- thanks MB, it was very cool! Am I right that the bass player was John Entwisle of The Who and the guitarist was Andy Summers from the Police? I didn't recognise any other luminaries in the band, but I bet there were some there. It was good to see a 1987 clip, since I have been accused of being overly nostalgic about that era. (I graduated from high school in 1987, and I still don't think fashion, music and big hair will ever be better than they were in 87!) :P I'm looking forward to more surprises in the coming days, and to hearing some more of these great stories that fans have been posting. I can't imagine a better birthday gift for ML then to tell him here how he has made a difference in so many people's lives.

Sherrie

[MBrevard]

Hi! Happy Tuesday to y'all! Hope you are well and Life's being good to you!!

I finally had the chance to relax and sit down and thoroughly read all the amazing comments and stories that have been posted here so far. Whoa!! I'm exhausted!! You guys made me laugh; you made me cry!! My mind is whirling! Thank you SO MUCH for taking the time to share these things with all of us!

Just a few comments, although I wish I could address each message individually:

Vicki, I'm SO sorry to hear about what happened to your family's business!! And to have it happen so close to the holidays... I can only begin to imagine how utterly devastating this has been--after building something with love and hard work for over 40 years!!!! I know there's little comfort in knowing that at least no one was hurt. But I hope and pray that you all will find the courage and the strength to either rebuild or find a way to move forward in your lives!!!

TRex2000--HAPPY belated BIRTHDAY!! Hope you had a great day Sunday--just the start to a wonderful year ahead!!! Many, many more happy ones to you!!

And an early Happy BDay to Danny! Seems like there's a LOT of this going around right now.

To JCM: I have no specific suggestions to offer you, but to just use your own imagination. And whatever you choose to do, I know it will be very special!! Can't wait to see it!!

To everyone else who has added things so far--too many now to name you all--thank you for not only sharing your Meaty stories with us, but a bit of yourselves, as well. Like Leah said, it's a bit scary to open oneself up to people you've never met, other than in words on pages like these. But knowing we have at least one thing in common should, I hope, make it a little easier.

I've been thinking today about this thread, this board, the upcoming release of CHSIB today in the US and Canada, Meat's birthday....

You know, friends, the Internet has become such a part of our lives, and the world has become so interconnected that it's easy to forget what an absolute miracle it is that we are all here together like this. I mean, we all come from such different walks of life, from different countries; we are of different ages, different ethnicities, different professions...And yet, here we come, day after day, to be with one another, to learn more, see more, hear more about the man whose life and career draws us here....

And yes, I know that because of these differences, sometimes problems arise. We don't always agree with another. We may see things differently, have a different approach to doing things or saying things and we may feel quite strongly about them...and yet, as one wise person said to me recently (thank you, M. ), one doesn't always see eye-to-eye with the members in one's own family. One doesn't always get along with everyone in them. But no matter what, they are still family just as we are all part of Meat's extended family!

And so, with the near-simultaneous events of the North American release of CHSIB and Meat's Birthday coming up in a few days, it feels as though now is the right time for everyone to put aside their personal feelings, whatever they are, to put the differences aside, put away the egos, the personality conflicts, and place the emphasis, the concentration, the focus where it belongs--on honoring this man on his special day, as he deserves to be honored, wherever and however we choose to do it.

With the future always so uncertain, who knows if we will have the good fortune to be here next year to celebrate with one another, to enjoy each others' company, as we can right now, at this moment in time!

There is so much to be grateful for, isn't there?!!!

I have gotten a few messages from people saying that they feel bad that they don't have any stories to share and they don't know what to say. That's all right, friends. Don't worry. You don't have to share stories unless you want to. Anything you wish to say or do for this birthday celebration in the thread will be fine! Even if you just want to wish Meat a "Happy Happy," in your own way, I promise you that it will be meaningful and special to him--to all of us--because it comes from you and from your heart--and because we ARE all family here!!

So, don't be afraid to jump in and join the pre-party festivities!! Okay?

I also hope that you'll be able to come here on the day, itself. I, for one, have several things planned throughout the day. And that would be, obviously, a wonderful time to add your thoughts and best wishes and anything else you wish to do on this birthday thread for Meat!!

Anyway, those were just a few thoughts for love and peace which I wanted to share today...Hope that's all right.

But now....

It's back to CountDown to B-day and only:

FOUR DAYS TO GO!!

Are you all ready for today's surprise, as we continue to look back on Meat's life?

Hope you enjoy it!!

Take good care. And thanks again for continuing to make this thread a very special one for us all!!

Much love to you,
MB
xxx

[dottie]

Found this poem in a 1986 copy of The Neverland Express -

Written by Ruth Roberts M/No. 430

'FEELINGS'

First heard his voice in a crowded place,
Knew not his name nor his face,
And all the world around me faded,
As into my life he invaded.

His voice it blew my mind,
A stronger drug I've yet to find.
I was addicted and needed more,
More, to fill me to the core.

He comes to me in the dead of night,
I hear his vocals but cannot fight
This awesome power that takes its toll,
Over my body, my heart, and my soul.

Then I knew what I had to do,
Tread the paths of the chosen few.
From today and into tomorrow,
He will lead and I will follow.

So now I have a link with others,
Fathers, Mothers, Sisters, Brothers,
And even though he's miles away,
I now feel his presence near each day.

He could a mere mortal take over me.
He's not a god, so why do we
Crave more, more and more I say,
For the voice of MARVIN LEE ADAY.

[heat]

I can honestly say, Meat's music has been the soundtrack to my life.

I was about 11 or so when i first heard about Meat, through my big brother, who's a massive Meat fan, making me watch The Rocky Horror Picture Show. I TOTALLY fell in love with Meat then - or Eddie, his persona in RHPS - he was everything i wanted in a bloke, a biker, longish hair and larger than life :P . It was then that i told myself i'd end up marrying a guy like that.....(OK, i was wrong...but hey...there's still time!!!)

The first time i ever listened to BOOH album, i was doing some housework for my sister, and found a tape and just stuck it in the player, not knowing what was on it, and when i found out it was Meat, was just completely blown away. I thought it was fantastic, and ended up 'borrowing' the tape of my sister. From then on i played it ALL the time.

When i was pregnant with my boys, i played the Dead Ringer album everyday, and i used to put the speaker headphones on my bump, so the boys would get a taste of things to come. When i went into labour i took that album and BOOH with me to the hospital, and when the boys were born BOOH was playing. It was one of the most emotional experiences of my life, and Meat was there to share it with me.


I really hope Meat has a fantastic birthday, and he gets everything his heart desires. I hope the coming year brings him joy and health and happiness. And i hope Meat remembers that he is only as old as the person he is feeling!!!!!

Much Love to Meat,

Heat
xxx

[plukie]

No stories to tell. I just want to say thank you Meat, for all the years of pleasure you have given me with the power of your voice. Have a very Happy Birthday with many, many more to come.

[Kitty Kat]

I don't have any particular stories to tell but the following may bring a smile to your face.
the other day I was gardening and my neighbour's 4 year old was 'helping' me. When we finished she came into my house for a drink and she asked dme to 'play the music that she really likes.' This happens to be CHSIB cd and her favourite is the title track. I played this over and over again as we boogied round the lounge for 45 minutes, then she went home. The following day her mother asked me what music I had been playing and I said Meat Loaf - why? She said her daughter stood in the middle of the kitchen with her hands on her hips, shaking her bum and shouting "You can keep your mouth shut cos it doesn't really matter right now". She asked her what she was singing and she replied "It's Anne's music by err um Mince Pie. Bless

[Kitty Kat]

I think my quote must be very apt - I forgot to wish THE MAN the best of everything on his birthday and hope that the coming year is full of nice surprises.

[Crystal Eyes]

Mince Pie!? Oh dear. I suppose she's only four. Good idea to get them started early on Meat's music.
I've no story to tell but want to join in wishing Meat the best. It's been great reading all your stories; brings a smile to my face.
Crystal

[mariella]

Right now, can't think of anymore stories, either...Just don't have anymore, I think.
Thank you, Kitty kat, this Did bring a big smile to my face (the children Are the future)!

We were all 'drawn' here because of ML. Think it's time 'to celebrate' that fact!...And to just have 'one BIG party' here, in the days to come!
MB, now have I told you...Yes, I have

The release of CHSIB is doing great! YES! We are 'celebrating' Meat's upcoming birthday!...Who cares, What year it was, that's just 'a number'. The important part is, he IS Here!

...Send you all my love,

Mariella

[little_dancer]

Just as an idea for celebrating-let's request CHSIB or 'did I say' that from our local stations on the 27th (maybe even mention to the DJ that it's fireball's birthday.)
That way, we can be enjoying our own little celebrations online, AND hear a bit of Meat's stuff on the radio AND do our little bit to ensure that the newly released CHSIB does well in Canada and the US.
waddya think guys?
Just to make it extra silly, let's all request it at say 2? Then we'll be inundating the radio shows all over the world at the same time, silly little inside joke for us all!!

[sherrie87]

Little Dancer, thats a hella hella hella good idea! What better way to honor Meat on his birthday then to do a mass request of his songs?

MB,
Thanks for the Martin Short clip- dang, ML looks good in that suit and tie! Thank you so much for all the cool stuff you have put up for us this week- it's been like an early Christmas!

Sherrie

[shadow1000001]

I love the clip MB. It was great.
Dottie, that poem was wonderful.
Heat that was a very cute story.
Kitty Kat, that is a very good quote. Sometimes I wish I could live by that one
You have a great idea Little Dancer, we should all DO IT!


Maria

[MBrevard]

Hi, friends!! Can't believe it's Wednesday already, can you?! The older I get, the faster the days seem to go!

Thanks for all the WONDERFUL responses today!! Loved all the stories and the poem!!

And YES! Leah, I LOVE the idea for Saturday!! Don't know how many people will be around at any particular time since we come from all over the world, but it doesn't matter-- it would be a terrific Birthday present to be requesting CHSIB -- wherever people live. If the album's been released in their country, then as Maria (and Meat ) says, Just Do It!!! Great idea!! And if the album has yet to be released, then request another Meaty song!! Let the radio world know "WE WANT MEAT!!!"

Glad everyone is continuing to enjoy the b-day surprises for the day. I'm having a lot of fun going through everything here and picking out things for y'all.

I've been working on my 'birthday post' for Meat, but it's coming very slowly. Did you ever have something that you wanted/needed to write/say, and you KNOW how you want it to be, but it just doesn't come out right? "And I struggle with words but they put up a fight"... It's a little like pulling teeth--it comes a little bit at a time....very frustrating. So, I apologize for not having my story up here yet. It's coming, but it's nowhere near ready to share....soon, I hope, though. Time is getting short!!

But for now, speaking of 'time being short':

It's back to CountDown to B-day and only:

THREE DAYS TO GO!!

I have something very rare for everyone today!! (Feleena, are you out here??? I think YOU're going to enjoy this one!!! )

Hope you all like today's surprise!!

Keep those birthday responses coming in!!

Lots of love to everyone,
MB
xxx

[plukie]

Thanks for all the birthday surprises, they really are good. If I was clever enough I would copy them!!