Monday 9/26/22 5pm ET: Feature Artist: Meat Loaf

Michael Lee Aday (born Marvin Lee Aday, September 27, 1947 – January 20, 2022), better known as Meat Loaf, is an American singer and actor. He is noted for his powerful, wide-ranging voice and theatrical live shows. His Bat Out of Hell trilogy—Bat Out of Hell, Bat Out of Hell II: Back into Hell, and Bat Out of Hell III: The Monster Is Loose—has sold more than 65 million albums worldwide. More than four decades after its release, the first album still sells an estimated 200,000 copies annually and stayed on the charts for over nine years, making it one of the best-selling albums in history.

After the commercial success of Bat Out of Hell and Bat Out of Hell II: Back Into Hell, and earning a Grammy Award for Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance for the song “I’d Do Anything for Love”, Meat Loaf nevertheless experienced some difficulty establishing a steady career within the United States. This did not stop him from becoming one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with worldwide sales of more than 80 million records.[4] The key to this success was his retention of iconic status and popularity in Europe, especially the United Kingdom, where he received the 1994 Brit Award for best-selling album and single, appeared in the 1997 film Spice World, and ranks 23rd for the number of weeks spent on the UK charts, as of 2006. He ranks 96th on VH1’s “100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock”.

Sometimes credited as Meat Loaf Aday, he has also appeared in over 50 movies and television shows, sometimes as himself or as characters resembling his stage persona. His most notable film roles include Eddie in The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975), and Robert “Bob” Paulson in Fight Club (1999). His early stage work included dual roles in the original cast of The Rocky Horror Show, and he was also in the musical Hair, both on- and off-Broadway.

Meat Loaf died in Nashville, Tennessee, on the evening of January 20, 2022, at the age of 74. No official cause of death was released. He was reportedly ill with COVID-19 earlier in January and reporting by TMZ suggested that he died from COVID-19 complications. After his health rapidly declined, his two daughters rushed to see him in the hospital with his wife being beside him as he died. His daughter had posted to Instagram in early January that: “We are not sick, but we have too many friends and family testing positive [for COVID-19] right now, positive but doing OK”. Notable people that posted tributes included Bonnie Tyler, Cher, Brian May, Boy George, Piers Morgan, Travis Tritt, Marlee Matlin, Stephen Fry, his Rocky Horror co-star Nell Campbell and Donald Trump. The Queen’s Guard performed a rendition of “I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That)”.

Friday 1/21/2020 8pm ET: Feature LP: Meat Loaf – Hits Out Of Hell (1984)

Hits Out of Hell is a 1984 compilation album by Meat Loaf. It comprises seven Jim Steinman songs. The original release also contained the hit “Modern Girl” from Bad Attitude, which came out at about the same time.

Meat Loaf never liked that he never had any say in these compilations and numerous others soon followed in Hits out of Hell’s footsteps. The Australian edition of the album is the only CD release of the song “Lost Love”, which was originally the b-side to “If You Really Want To” from the album Midnight at the Lost and Found. The album was rereleased and expanded in 2009 by Epic Records, adding the tracks “I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That)” (from Bat Out of Hell II: Back into Hell) and “I’d Lie for You (And That’s the Truth)” (from Welcome to the Neighbourhood). “Lost Love” was not included.

“Bat Out of Hell” – 9:48
“Read ‘Em and Weep” – 5:25
“Dead Ringer for Love” – 4:21
“Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad” – 5:23
“Midnight at the Lost and Found” – 3:31
“Modern Girl” – 4:24
“I’m Gonna Love Her for Both of Us” – 7:09
“You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth (Hot Summer Night)” – 5:04
“Razor’s Edge” – 4:07
“Paradise by the Dashboard Light” – 8:28

Friday 1/21/22 12pm ET: Feature LP: Meat Loaf – Bat Out Of Hell (1977)

Bat Out of Hell is the 1977 debut album by American rock singer Meat Loaf and composer Jim Steinman. It was developed from a musical, Neverland, a futuristic rock version of Peter Pan, which Steinman wrote for a workshop in 1974. The album was recorded during 1975–1976 at various studios, including Bearsville Studios in Woodstock, New York, produced by Todd Rundgren, and released October 21, 1977 by Cleveland International/Epic Records. Its musical style is influenced by Steinman’s appreciation of Richard Wagner, Phil Spector, Bruce Springsteen and The Who. Bat Out of Hell has spawned two Meat Loaf sequel albums: Bat Out of Hell II: Back into Hell and Bat Out of Hell III: The Monster Is Loose.

Bat Out of Hell is one of the best-selling albums of all time, having sold over 50 million copies worldwide. It is certified 14x Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). As of June 2019, it has spent 522 weeks in the UK Albums Chart, the second longest chart run by a studio album. Rolling Stone ranked it at number 343 on its list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.

A musical based on Bat Out of Hell, staged by Jay Scheib, opened at the Manchester Opera House on February 17, 2017, before transferring to the London Coliseum and Toronto’s Ed Mirvish Theatre in late 2017. April 2, 2018 till January 5, 2019 it was running at the Dominion Theatre, London, with plans to run the show in parallel in Germany and in a tour of the United States in 2019, however, the American tour was cancelled during its early performances.

1. “Bat Out of Hell” 9:48
2. “You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth (Hot Summer Night)” 5:04
3. “Heaven Can Wait” 4:38
4. “All Revved Up with No Place to Go” 4:19
5. “Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad” 5:23
6. “Paradise by the Dashboard Light”
   I. “Paradise”
   II. “Let Me Sleep on It”
   III. “Praying for the End of Time” 8:28
7. “For Crying Out Loud” 8:45

Meat Loaf – lead vocals, backing vocals (6), percussion (2)
Todd Rundgren – guitar (1, 2, 4–6), percussion (1, 2), keyboards (1), backing vocals (1–3, 5, 6)
Kasim Sulton (misspelled as “Sultan” in vinyl liner notes) – bass guitar (1, 2, 4–7), backing vocals (1)
Roy Bittan – piano, keyboards (all except 7)
Steve Margoshes – piano (7)
Cheryl Hardwick – piano (7)
Jim Steinman – keyboards (1, 2, 6), percussion (1, 2), spoken word (2), “lascivious effects” (6)
Roger Powell – synthesizer (1, 2, 5, 6)
Edgar Winter – saxophone (2, 4, 6)
Max Weinberg – drums (1, 2, 6)
John “Willie” Wilcox – drums (4, 5, 7)
Phil “Scooter” Rizzuto – play-by-play (6)
Ellen Foley – lead vocals (6), backing vocals (1, 2, 4, 6)
Rory Dodd – backing vocals (all except 4)
Gene Orloff – concert master (7)
Marcia McClain – spoken word (2)
Members of New York Philharmonic and Philadelphia Orchestra – orchestra (7)

In Memoriam: Meat Loaf (1947 – 2022)

Michael Lee Aday (born Marvin Lee Aday; September 27, 1947 – January 20, 2022), better known as Meat Loaf, was an American singer and actor. He was noted for his powerful, wide-ranging voice and theatrical live shows. His Bat Out of Hell trilogy—Bat Out of Hell, Bat Out of Hell II: Back into Hell, and Bat Out of Hell III: The Monster Is Loose—has sold more than 65 million albums worldwide. More than four decades after its release, the first album still sells an estimated 200,000 copies annually and stayed on the charts for over nine years, making it one of the best-selling albums in history.

After the commercial success of Bat Out of Hell and Bat Out of Hell II: Back Into Hell, and earning a Grammy Award for Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance for the song “I’d Do Anything for Love”, Meat Loaf nevertheless experienced some difficulty establishing a steady career within the United States. This did not stop him from becoming one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with worldwide sales of more than 80 million records.[4] The key to this success was his retention of iconic status and popularity in Europe, especially the United Kingdom, where he received the 1994 Brit Award for best-selling album and single, appeared in the 1997 film Spice World, and ranks 23rd for the number of weeks spent on the UK charts, as of 2006. He ranks 96th on VH1’s “100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock”.

Aday appeared in over 50 movies and television shows, sometimes as himself or as characters resembling his stage persona. His film roles include Eddie in The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975), and Bob Paulson in Fight Club (1999). His early stage work included dual roles in the original Broadway cast of The Rocky Horror Show, and he also appeared in the musical Hair, both on- and off-Broadway.

Meat Loaf died on January 20, 2022, at the age of 74. His death was announced on his official Facebook page. The statement said the musician’s wife was by his side and his friends had been with him in his final 24 hours. No immediate announcement of the cause of death was released by his family or representatives; however, a source through TMZ stated that he died from COVID-19.

From TMZ: The singer’s manager, Michael Greene, confirmed Meat Loaf died Thursday night. Sources with knowledge tell TMZ … he was supposed to attend a business dinner earlier this week for a show he’s working on — “I’d Do Anything for Love” — but the dinner was canceled because he became seriously ill with COVID. Sources tell us that condition quickly became critical.

Our sources say Meat Loaf has been outspoken about COVID, railing with folks in Australia recently about vaccine mandates. We do not know if he was vaccinated.

Greene added that Meat Loaf’s wife and 2 daughters were by his side when he passed away.

Monday 1/10/22 4pm ET: RadioMaxMusic Special: The Music of 1981 (by title) A to Z – Part 5

This RadioMax special features our Library of music from 1981 A2Z.

We complete letter E and start F. We feature music from: Stevie Nicks, Oak Ridge Boys, Elton John, AC/DC, Michael Stanley Band, Olivia Newton-john, Meat Loaf, Whispers, David Bowie, Haircut 100, Rolling Stones, Jefferson Starship, Triumph and many more. . .

4pm to 7pm ET

Monday 8/9/21 1am ET: Feature LP: Meat Loaf – Braver Than We Are (2016)

Braver Than We Are is the twelfth studio album by American singer Meat Loaf, released in Europe on September 9, 2016 by Caroline International S&D and released in the United States on September 16, 2016 by 429 Records.

Meat Loaf first announced that he had begun working with Jim Steinman again on The Jonathan Ross Show in April 2013. “We’ve been communicating back and forth for the last six months every day by email,” he explained to Jonathan Ross. At this time, Steinman was only contributing two songs to the album, though Meat Loaf was hoping he would contribute a third song. “We’ve cut three tracks, we’re getting ready to cut three more, and then we’ll hopefully cut three with Steinman.” He had planned to begin working with Steinman in January 2014, with an expected release of September later that year.

Ellen Foley and Karla DeVito were approached to record duets on the album. In September 2013, Meat Loaf told BroadwayWorld that he would—with Steinman’s approval—like to record duets with Bonnie Tyler and Lorraine Crosby as well.

1. “Who Needs the Young” 5:27
2. “Going All the Way (A Song in 6 Movements)” (featuring Ellen Foley and Karla DeVito) 11:28
3. “Speaking in Tongues” (featuring Stacy Michelle) 4:23
4. “Loving You Is a Dirty Job (But Somebody’s Gotta Do It)” (featuring Stacy Michelle) 6:09
5. “Souvenirs” 8:17
6. “Only When I Feel” 1:56
7. “More” (The Sisters of Mercy cover) 6:06
8. “Godz” 3:33
9. “Skull of Your Country” (featuring Cian Coey) 3:35
10. “Train of Love” 4:23

Arranged by Jim Steinman, Meat Loaf & Paul Crook
Horn arrangements: David Luther
Backing vocal arrangements: Justin Avery
Meat Loaf – vocals
Paul Crook – guitar, loops, synths
Danny Miranda – bass guitar
Randy Flowers – guitars, vocals
Justin Avery – piano, synth, strings
David Luther – saxophone, B3 organ, strings
John Miceli – drums
Stacy Michelle – featured vocals (3, 4)
Cian Coey – featured vocals (9)
Ellen Foley – featured vocals (2)
Karla DeVito – featured vocals (2)
Rickey Medlocke – slide guitar solo (10)
Alicia Avery – backing vocals

Wednesday 4/21/21 1am ET: Feature LP: Meat Loaf – Bat Out of Hell II: Back into Hell (1993)

Bat Out of Hell II: Back into Hell is the sixth studio album by American rock singer Meat Loaf and was written and produced by Jim Steinman. It was released in September 1993, sixteen years after Meat Loaf’s first solo album Bat Out of Hell. The album reached number 1 in the United States, United Kingdom and Australia. Five tracks were released as singles, including “I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That)”, which reached number 1 in 28 countries.

The album was released by Virgin Records outside of North America, where it was released by MCA. The third part of the Bat trilogy, Bat Out of Hell III: The Monster Is Loose, was released in 2006.

Like the first album of the trilogy, Bat Out of Hell II was a commercial success. It sold over 14 million copies worldwide.

1. “I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That)” 12:01
2. “Life Is a Lemon and I Want My Money Back” 8:00
3. “Rock and Roll Dreams Come Through” 5:51
4. “It Just Won’t Quit” 7:21
5. “Out of the Frying Pan (And into the Fire)” 7:24
6. “Objects in the Rear View Mirror May Appear Closer Than They Are” 10:16
7. “Wasted Youth” (Monologue by Steinman) 2:41
8. “Everything Louder than Everything Else” 8:00
9. “Good Girls Go to Heaven (Bad Girls Go Everywhere)” 6:53
10. “Back into Hell” (Instrumental) 2:46
11. “Lost Boys and Golden Girls” 4:20

Jim Steinman – arranger
“Meat Loaf and the musicians” – co-arranger
Todd Rundgren – background vocal arranger
Mark Alexander – piano, backing vocals
Steve Buslowe – bass guitar, backing vocals
John Miceli – drums
Patti Russo – female lead vocals, backing vocals
Kasim Sulton – guitar, keyboards, backing vocals
Pat Thrall – lead guitar, backing vocals
Kenny Aronoff – drums
Roy Bittan – piano, keyboards
Jeff Bova – organ (8), synthesizer, programming
Jimmy Bralower – drums (9)
Steve Buslowe – bass guitar
Robert Coron – additional backing vocals (2)
Lorraine Crosby – female lead vocals (1, as “Mrs. Loud”), backing vocals (2, 6), additional backing vocals (8)
Brett Cullen – additional backing vocals (2)
Rory Dodd – additional vocals (6), backing vocals (1-5, 9, 11)
Stuart Emerson – backing vocals (2, 6)
Ellen Foley – additional vocals (6)
Cynthia Geary – additional backing vocals (2)
Amy Goff – backing vocals (2), additional backing vocals (9)
Elaine Goff – backing vocals (2), additional backing vocals (9)
Max Haskett – backing vocals (6, 8)
Curtis King – backing vocals (9)
Michelle Little – additional backing vocals (2)
Rick Marotta – drums (6, 8)
Eddie Martinez – guitar (1, 2, 6, 8, 9)
Brian Meagher – bagpipes (8), drums (8)
Brian Meagher, Jr. – bagpipes (8), drums (8)
Justin Meagher – bagpipes (8), drums (8)
Meat Loaf – lead vocals, backing vocals (2, 4)
Gunnar Nelson – backing vocals (2)
Matthew Nelson – backing vocals (2)
Bill Payne – piano (6, 8, 11)
Lenny Pickett – saxophone (3, 9)
Tim Pierce – guitar (1–5)
Todd Rundgren – backing vocals (1–6, 8, 9)
Jim Steinman – spoken word (7), additional backing vocals (2)
Kasim Sulton – backing vocals
Pat Thrall – guitar (4, 5)
Eric Troyer – backing vocals (11)

Sunday 12am: Saturday Night Rock Show

This week on the Rock Show:
Smashing Pumpkins, Robin Trower, AC/DC. Deep Purple, Seether, Allman Brothers Band, Black Sabbath, Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, Electric Light Orchestra, CJ Ramone, Neil Young, Judas Priest, Jackyl, Snow Patrol, Journey, Pilot, Meat Loaf, and many more.  12am – 6am  ET on RadioMaxMusic.