Andrew Polec Sings Bat Out of Hell for the Last Time

This is me (Andrew Polec) performing Bat Out Of Hell at the 25th Annual Lotte Lenya Competition in Rochester, New York at The Eastman School of Music (Kilbourn Hall).
The performance happened on April 29th 2023 and may very well be the last time I perform this song (I cannot begin to explain how hard this song is to sing successfully). I think Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf would be having a good chuckle that their song made it to the hallowed halls of education and classical music.
I've debated whether to share this for a while - this performance was posted on a fan page last year and I was body shamed for taking my shirt off. I was shocked to read those comments. They definitely hurt.
I'm a big fan of body positivity and I'm hoping to post this here in hopes that we can have a better conversation around Steinman's music and Meat Loaf's beautiful, original execution of the song. I do my best to honour them in this rendition. Miss you guys and sending lots of love.

[@SVSG98]

The way you can take us into the role even wearing a suit on an empty stage is awesome. Your interpretation of Jim's world is perfect. Your voice makes the lyrics ROCk just as Meat did. Thank you for sharing. 🦇🤟🏻💜

[@andrewpolec.]

Thanks always for your wonderful support Anna. I'm grateful.

[@mandykinnen-hoffmann6804]

Andrew I'm glad you uploaded this video and let people talk...you look good! I think people can only live today if they hate against someone .... Please don't let this get too close to you. In any case, I'm glad that you performed Bat again and shared it with us. lots of love

[@andrewpolec.]

Thanks for the love Mandy and the lovely comment. Hope you're taking care.

[@gaildbennett]

OMG! Brought me back to your incredible performances in BOOH Toronto in 2018 then at City Center in 2019. My daughter Tiernan was in that show. It was EPIC. You are a legend. Hands down the best musical ever made. ❤❤❤

[@andrewpolec.]

You rock Gail. So fun to see this comment. Hope you're well! Tiernan is wonderful and she is rocking "& Juliet"!

[@gaildbennett]

@@andrewpolec. thank you so much!

[@Allz1111]

Thanks for sharing. The fact you perform the song so perfectly and are still bringing that rock energy to the stuffy auditorium is great 😂 f the haters

[@andrewpolec.]

Haha. It was indeed a "stuffy" auditorium. I think Meat Loaf and Steinman would be pleased that some feathers were ruffled.

[@tenshialpha]

I guess there always has to be a last time for everything. :( But this song, you've been electrifying every single time you've done it. I like the bit at the end where it's like... the spirit of Strat leaves, and you just woke up to find yourself half naked in front of an audience, and quickly scoot off. Hahaha!

[@andrewpolec.]

I really like that ending description! I need to clarify and say that this is not the absolute "last" time I'll sing it - but it's definitely a special occasion song. The stamina and strength needed for it is just insane.

[@ksharkey6891]

This guy, private audience with his voice. Yes please, flights included!

[@andrewpolec.]

“Audience” like one would have for royalty? I’m flattered. Thank you. 🙏

[@JASumna]

uou are my favorite Strat and you K I L L this song (meant in the best way possible). I have no doubt Jim and Meat are both rocking out to your performance. im so sorry you had to deal with body shaming. while its easy to say, try not to let haters get you down. one of my mantras, if you will, is "other people's opinions of me are none of my business". its hard to remember but gets easier (though never easy) with practice. 🤘🤘🤘

[@andrewpolec.]

I like that philosophy! I'll definitely do my best to use it from now on.