Bat out of Hell musical cast pay tributes to Meat Loaf
They say tonight's performance is going to be special
Performers from the Bat Out Of Hell Musical say tonight's show is in memory of rock legend Meat Loaf - following his death at the age of 74.
In a career spanning six decades, the US singer sold over 100 million albums worldwide.
After selling a staggering 43 million copies and becoming one of the best selling albums of all time, Bat Out of Hell" was spun into a musical hit currently on stage in London.
The show's leading couple, Rob Fowler and Sharon Sexton, say tonight is going to be special.
Sharon Sexton said: "We feel so privileged to have met him and also, on the day that this sad news has come out, we get to go out on a stage tonight in Wimbledon with this amazing show."
Rob Fowler added: "Whether it's all the Harley Davidson riders getting all revved up for Meat Loaf, or all the fans coming out and having their own moment of paradise by the dashboard light, I think as soon as 'Bat out of Hell' starts tonight it'll be very emotional. Even though it's such a rock celebration I think it will be a very emotional celebration tonight."
The musical's twitter account tweeted that they were 'deeply saddened' to hear of Meat Loaf's passing.
'The beat is your forever', the tweet read.
Celebrities react to Meat Loaf's death
Celebrities, from the likes of Boy George, Piers Morgan and Rick Astley have taken to twitter to pay tribute to the rock legend.
Cher says she had "so much fun" working with the singer, while Andrew Lloyd Webber's said the "vaults of heaven will be ringing with rock"
'What a legend. Rest in peace', Rick Astley tweeted.
Jeremy Clarkson tweeted: 'I liked Meat Loaf'.
The former Top Gear presenter later tweeted that he had never heard anyone sing the USA's anthem 'The Star-Spangled Banner' better than Meat Loaf.
His wife Debroah was by his side
A post on his official Facebook page said the rocker, who became a global star with hits like Bat Out Of Hell and I'd Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That), died with his wife Deborah at his side,
It added that his daughters, Pearl and Amanda, "and close friends have been with him throughout the last 24 hours".
The post said: "His amazing career spanned 6 decades that saw him sell over 100 million albums worldwide and star in over 65 movies, including Fight Club, Focus, Rocky Horror Picture Show and Wayne's World. Bat Out of Hell remains one of the top 10 selling albums of all time.
"We know how much he meant to so many of you and we truly appreciate all of the love and support as we move through this time of grief in losing such an inspiring artist and beautiful man. We thank you for your understanding of our need for privacy at this time.
"From his heart to your souls... don't ever stop rocking!"
The singer would eventually go on to land a Grammy in 1994 for his hit I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That).
Besides music, his long career also included roles in a string of films such as Eddie in the 1975 musical film The Rocky Horror Picture Show, 1992's Wayne's World, and Fight Club in 1999.
In 2016 he was honoured with the Hero Award at the annual Q Awards ceremony, which he dedicated to everyday heroes and called on people to "bring love back into this world".
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