If get this right, there will be many cover versions by future bands. I shall try and link live versions if they exist from the tellybox or a film, the sound quality may not be the best, but there is nothing like watching a real talent live.
So, in a sort of chronological order, my twenty-second legend is: Meatloaf
The featured song Paradise by the Dashboard Light features Karla DeVito, super singer, DeVito went on tour with Meat Loaf and Jim Steinman with their album Bat Out of Hell. She is seen singing with Meat Loaf in the video clip of “Paradise by the Dashboard Light” and “Bat Out of Hell“, although synced to the original vocal by Ellen Foley.
Michael Lee Aday (born Marvin Lee Aday, September 27, 1947), 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. 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.
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.
I do not think it right that I do not include Jim Steiman in this article, so:
I think all credit and praise to Jim Steinman – James Richard Steinman was an American composer, lyricist, record producer, and playwright. He also worked as an arranger, pianist, and singer. His work included songs in the adult contemporary, rock, dance, pop, musical theatre, and film score genres.
His work included albums such as Meat Loaf‘s Bat Out of Hell (one of the best selling albums in history) and Bat Out of Hell II: Back into Hell, and producing albums for Bonnie Tyler. His most successful chart singles include Tyler’s “Total Eclipse of the Heart“, Air Supply‘s “Making Love Out of Nothing at All“, Meat Loaf’s “I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That)“, the Sisters of Mercy‘s “This Corrosion” and “More“, Barry Manilow‘s “Read ‘Em and Weep“, Celine Dion‘s cover of “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now” (originally released by Steinman’s project Pandora’s Box) and Boyzone‘s “No Matter What” (the group’s first and only single to be popular and chart in the US). Steinman’s only solo album Bad for Good was released in 1981.
Jim Steinman’s work also extended to musical theatre, where he began his career. Steinman was credited with the book, music, and lyrics for Bat Out of Hell: The Musical, as well as lyrics for Whistle Down the Wind, and music for Tanz der Vampire.
R.I.P Jim, died 19th April 2021 (aged 73).
A full discography is here: – Meatloaf
You Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth (Hot Summer Night) – Promo vid, good quality.
All Revved Up With No Place to Go – Live version from a Wembley concert in 1982
Two Out Of Three Ain’t Bad – Promo version. There are a few live versions around but none with that good a quality.
I’m Gonna Love Her for Both of Us – Not a big hit in the UK, from the Dead Ringer album.
Dead Ringer for Love – Live with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (2004), with Patti Russo on vocals. Awesome
Midnight at the Lost and Found – Another from the Dead Ringer album.
Modern Girl – From the Bad Attitude album
Heaven Can Wait – Live in Holland, 1994
For Crying Out Loudv – With MSO
Not a Dry Eye In The House – Live performance – Lovely ballad.
Here he is performing in the Rocky Horror Picture Show with Hot Patootie-Bless my soul
I finish my list with an all-time favourite which is of course:
Bat Out of Hell – From the original Bat Out of Hell tour.
Singalong, enjoy and be happy!
Links to previous Legend articles:
Featured album: “Meatloaf Bat Out of Hell Album Coasters” by McCoyCreations is licensed under CC BY 2.0
© Phil the ex test manager 2021
