Every Label REJECTED Him... His DEBUT Sold 45 MILLION COPIES! | Professor of Rock

Coming up we celebrate the larger than life legend Meatloaf and his musical legacy the Bat out of Hell Trilogy. How Meatloaf and Jim Steinman proved all the gate keepers wrong. They had one of the most powerful rock chemistries of the 70s, 80s and 90s. How they created classic like Paradise by the Dashboard Light, Two out of Three Ain’t Bad, I’d Do Anything For Love and others classics that made us who we are.
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​#70s #Rock #Story
Hey music junkies and vinyl junkies Professor of Rock always here to celebrate the greatest artists and the greatest 70s songs of all time for the music community and vinyl community with music history video essay's. If you’ve ever owned records, cassettes and CD’s at different times in you life or still do this is your place Subscribe below right now to be a part of our daily celebration of the rock era with exclusive stories from straight from the artists and click on our patreon link in the description to become an Honorary Producer.

[@ProfessorofRock]

What if your favorite MEATLOAF song over his amazing body of work?

[@DANWRIGHTITIS]

I love Modern Girl!!

[@retread1083]

The first time I heard Paradise by the Dashboard Lights was in a car while ... uhh ... let's just say we were in a car and leave it at that. So that's definitely my fave.

[@suzannerobbins6293]

Professor….I love Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad. Meat Loaf had a way of making you feel he had lived his songs….that alone is a gift!

[@michaelrochester48]

You took the words right out of my mouth, especially sung live by meat loaf. It becomes almost religious experience when people just sing that song so beautifully with the clapping sound.

[@stephenbrown4211]

My favourite Meatloaf song? You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth as I love the corny spoken word part at the very beginning.

[@nektariosh3470]

The fact Meat Loaf and Jim Steinman are NOT in the "Rock and Roll Hall of Fame" tells invalidates the Hall of Fame. How utterly absurd. Meat and Jim, thanks for giving us such phenomenal music to enjoy.

[@josephconciatori9824]

I could not agree with you more. Meat Loaf and Jim Steinman shouldn't just be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame; they should've been inducted years ago. May they both rest in peace.

[@LoboR1]

I’m in shock both aren’t already in....what a disgrace.

[@fezzik7619]

“Tells invalidates”? Get caught between thoughts?

[@n3Cr0ManCeD]

I was thinking the same. Meatloaf and Iron Maiden missing from the Hall of Fame and NWA being in the Hall of Fame just tells me that the Hall of Fame lost all credibility long ago. )Not taking anything away from NWA. They were pioneers.... of Rap, not Rock.)

[@StephanieMT]

a lot of females arent in there either

[@susantownsend8397]

He didn’t do songs, he did mini-musicals. Brilliant singer/actor.

[@upat65]

Yup, well said

[@krissymarklewis1793]

too right.

[@NickNicometi]

Apt definition.

[@tinaforbes1059]

Outstanding 👍.

[@scottjeune154]

Funny you should say that. Bat out of hell was made of songs from a musical based on peter pan that steinman was penning.

[@frankcarlone5130]

I was in a record store in 1977 when an employee was unboxing "Bat Out of Hell". It was as they say "hot off the presses". Having never heard of Meat Loaf or Jim Steinman, I bought the album strictly because of the cover artwork. The first 113 seconds of the album blew me away. What an introduction! It was the best first song on a first album I had ever heard...it STILL may be the best ever.

[@sarge420]

SCORE!

[@nitaishcomer9431]

@UChiMltWDjkIjEE_TdyiOUDA 10 - 4 GOOD BUDDY

[@MrDxm253]

Same for me

[@kimgatlin8371]

Still have my original vinyl. I wore that thing out. Legend!

[@l.t.w8985]

The day he passed away for the next two days I listen to that album. I have a Target exclusive red marble vinyl and it sounds so good

[@deadpoet4]

Meat had more power, presence, and passion in just one of his songs than most artists have in their entire discography. He will be missed.

[@cathyheston3029]

Remember when he sang our NATIONAL ANTHEM? ❤

[@jamesha175]

because he was "as heavy as 2 Jesus's"

[@fezzik7619]

*Jim’s songs

[@richardaylesworth1460]

@@vandalayindustries3057 I'm told that you are behind on your dues. Just saying.

[@PFCD]

This guy broke the mold of what a lead singer was supposed to look like, act like and be like. He has long had his well deserved place in musical history.

[@JamesRichardsPlays]

Meat Loaf was my Hero growing up. Being overweight and bullied a lot, I saw this man on TV. I remember his Bat Out of Hell II debut, and I was in awe. I begged every chance I got to be able to see him live I only got to see him live twice back then. After I was on my own, I went to as many shows as possible I shook his hand four times. I saw him at the Hard Rock hotel in Vegas, where he called out "Hey! Look who it is!" and proceeded to sit next to him for about 20 minutes, just chatting. I own all his records, several singles and the Stoney and Meat Loaf record (still trying to find the first pressing). I will miss him.

[@annamariepoppa3536]

Beautiful man, beautiful!

[@actionfaction2558]

That’s an awesome story…

[@WastedTalent-]

I met him when I was 14 back in 1990. I learned to play guitar when I was 5 because of Bat. Learned the whole album by the time I was 10. He was and always be my all time favorite. He was the nicest person you'd ever meet. He also gave the best hug. I said to him, "You don't know how much this means to me." He hugged me and said, "No, you don't know how much this means to *me*."

[@TakersMissy]

@@WastedTalent- Nice!! 😀🥰

[@Johnny96ri]

@@WastedTalent- Meat was a GENUINELY nice, humble guy.

[@williamjackson6705]

The cover-artist for the first album " Bat Out of Hell", Richard Corben, passed away back in December of 2020. Meat Loaf & his amazing voice will never be forgotten.

[@dkeith45]

Corben was a great artist. I love his DEN series.

[@davidskutches5238]

Bat out of Hell was the go to album at parties back when I was in high school. Whole album could play straight through and everyone would sing along word for word. God, those were good times!

[@VauxhallViva1975]

Yeah, ,me too. .......but music company CEO's know so much about what music REALLY is and what will sell, don't they..... The success of Bat Out Of Hell should serve as a complete FUCK-YOU to the music industry CEO's who really know nothing at all about what the people want music-wise.

[@joeb5507]

They were both under appreciated by the music industry. Both do deserve the music hall of fame.

[@glance302]

Everybody seems to forget MeatLoaf and Steinman's 2nd album together: Dead Ringer, 1981. Terrific album

[@stephenhanft1226]

I agree. Dead Ringer is an excellent album that's very much underrated. I think that's because it was the follow-up to the Bat Out O Hell masterpiece.

[@inlakesh555]

@@stephenhanft1226 Steinman released "Bad for Good" before "Dead Ringer", and ML's health problems lowered the momentum gained with Bat out of hell.

[@lensnart1303]

I didn't. I bought his albums when it wasn't cool anymore. Bad Attitude is another great one.

[@gregoryphipps2388]

Absolutely! Such an underrated album.

[@ossiandash]

It is so underrated that it was not even mentioned in this episode. Definitely their best work after Bat out of Hell. Not a Cher fan at all but she kills it on this song!

[@DukesMusic84]

RIP Meat Loaf, Bat was an all-time rock opera. His vocals on that record still give me chills.

[@celebro469]

I found Meatloaf when a girl was checking out my dad's albums and said "you gotta listen to this." I was hooked from the first song to the last of Bat out of Hell. Got my own CD and listen to it almost every day while driving to college. The rock gods smiled on me and he was opening for Extreme in the 90s. I had the best concert experience, you could not stop me from smiling.

[@nancysawyer9307]

Where did you see them together?? I also think Extreme has been undervalued. Nuno isn’t Eddie, but loved and learned from him. The 4 guys in Extreme had a fantastic energy together and are/where good people! Meatloaf & Extreme must have been a great show. 🙏🏼💖💥💝🙏🏼🎵🎶

[@sblagg527]

A guy that was a rock icon for over a decade was opening for an up and coming fledgling band? OK...

[@davidwoodard4113]

At my wedding in '92 we discovered that the DJ didn't have a copy of the wedding march. My wife and I looked at each other and said, at the same time, "Anything for love." That's what my wife walked down the aisle to. Meatloaf held a special place in our lives and we played his music at my wife's memorial service. A great loss to music.

[@sakostwwy1903]

Man that’s quite the story. Sorry for your loss. I would bet big money Meat was honored when he found that out on the other side.

[@TheOneTrueChris]

That song wasn't released until August/September 1993.

[@WastedTalent-]

How long was that walk?

[@Nyet-Zdyes]

@@WastedTalent- about 11 minutes 59 seconds... roughly

[@kennedy6971]

That is awesome! I'm sharing it with my ex wife. Wish we had used meatloaf in our wedding

[@lorinwold6473]

Meatloaf and Jim Steinman proved something that more singers and bands should always remember and that is it doesn't matter in the end what any critics say because they aren't the ones who will buy and listen to your music it's the fans and they are the ones that really count. Make music that is true to you and the fans will always know it and that was the essence of what made Meatloaf who and what he was to the public. RIP Meat. You and Jimmy are together again in the great beyond and I doubt not making more great music. Thank you both for sharing the great talents that you possessed we are forever grateful.

[@ChipmunkRapidsMadMan1869]

Meat Loaf not meatloaf

[@dampergoldenrod4156]

Mongolia during it's communist years was producing more good music than what the United States has been producing the last 25 years with these weird freaks like Eminem like an angry mentally Disturbed 10-year-old child trying to get attention

[@cherylhuot4436]

Meatloaf has a voice like no other. Two notes and you know it’s him. Bat Out Hell will always be one of my favorite albums of all time.

[@jjakjjak5231]

Similar for Steinman. His compositions are easy to recognise as his. They are missed.

[@arose58]

In 1978 I worked as a building operator at the Calgary Corral and had to work night shift 7 pm to 7 am and ensure that since there was a music show that night the air flow and heat was working properly. I remember the start of the show waiting for the mussel bound signer to come out after a long intro and then seeing the Fat Guy who had been walking around the back come out. When he entered I never took my eyes off the stage as I had never seen anything like this before and was totally mesmerized. Meat changed music for me that night and may have led to my fondness for musical theater. RIP.

[@stevegallo8483]

RIP Meat Loaf! He was a one of a kind legend, described as the Caruso of operatic rock. The song "It's All Coming Back To Me Now" was written by Jim Steinman, initially recorded by the girl group Pandora's Box in 1989 and then recorded in 1996 by Celine Dion, and the song is associated with her. However Meat had a version of it with Norwegian singer Marion Raven on 2006's Bat Out Of Hell 3.

[@eightiesmusic1984]

Interesting interview with Lorraine Crosby on the BBC after he died, speaking about her vocals on 'I Would Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That)'. She spoke well of him. I will always associate the song with moving to London to start work in 1993. His music will endure.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very cool!

[@NickNicometi]

How'd London work out for ya?

[@eightiesmusic1984]

@@NickNicometi Mixed. It was difficult finding my feet in my twenties in the capital city but it was the making of me coming from a small provincial, inward looking town. I am forever grateful for my time in London. I met my wife there and we are still together twenty four years later. She is French and this opened up a whole world for me by stepping into a wonderful culture , however it is my fault that she is stuck in the UK. London was also the cause of my biggest regret- I bought a flat in Wimbledon at a low price and sold it for a profit but it is worth a fortune these days, which would have been enough to retire on if I had kept it. We would be retired on it and some bad things that have happened to both us in the last two years would have been avoided because we would have been in France. Life. Thanks for asking.

[@NickNicometi]

@@eightiesmusic1984Thank you for your reply. (70's music was much better than 80's, IMHO.) Perhaps The Fates have a bigger calling than settling-down in the French countryside into retirement. As an artist, I will NEVER retire, partly due to being a late-bloomer, lack of resources, personal losses via deaths, and yet-to-be-achieved commercial success, but mostly because I'm on a mission from God. Outside of winning the lottery, I'd have it no other way. I hope that you find your 'calling' through your trials. Be like water and never give up searching for your purpose. Best of luck. 😀👍

[@dampergoldenrod4156]

Seems like 1993 was the last Good Year for many things in life everything just got worse certainly it did in music

[@scottburton9701]

With his recent passing,Meatloaf deserves to be posthumously inducted into The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame.

[@stimpy_thecat]

Meh. The rock hall is run by the same non-rock corporate suit types who rejected him at the start of his career. Maybe I'm wrong, but I don't think Meat Loaf would have cared about induction into that synthetic "hall of fame".

[@johngreener9784]

Isn't it crazy how the music industry "experts" didn't "get it"?? I enlisted in the Air Force in 1980. When I got to my tech school, my roomie tells me I gotta listen to Meatloaf and puts on "Paradise by the Dashboard Light". I had known Meatloaf only for "Two out of Three". After a few times of listening to "Paradise" I was hooked. When I got to listening to the whole album, I realized (along with many of my tech school friends) that the damned thing was a f**king masterpiece. Really. It is rare that you get a whole album which is great. Think Rumors, Thriller, Dark Side of the Moon, to name a few (and also ELO Time which to me is a great concept album, IMHO but a lot of ELO fans are kinda meh). And of course so much of the credit goes to Jim Steinman. He was such a great writer/musician. To love Meatloaf is usually to love Steinman. I was really bummed when I saw that Jim Steinman had passed away last year. He was on my bucket list of people I would love to meet and talk to. I think one of the greatest Meatloaf songs is "For Cryin' Out Loud". That is just one bad ass song. My two cents! Thank you Meatloaf and Jim, you both are sorely missed.

[@chuckhutton5087]

Great recollections, John . I found our Air Force dorm to be a great way to be introduced to classic rock albums. Rush 2112, Meatloaf’s BOH, and yes indeed, we wore out ELO’s Time in 1982. Stereo’s were oft-times bought through the AAFES overseas catalog for hundreds of dollars less than local stores. Great times!!!!

[@johngreener9784]

@@chuckhutton5087 Hey! Yeah, definitely. I just turned 60 (OUCH! WTF happened? I was just at my tech school?? Now it's 40 years later???) and I can remember getting turned on to all sorts of different music! The Cars, Fleetwood Mac, Journey, Foreigner, Blue Oyster Cult, Bruce Springsteen (The River had just come out) Jefferson Airplane/Starship to name a few plus some avant garde like B-52s and the Motels. Loved getting influenced by all my friends. Then, when I got to my first duty assignment, Eielson AFB, AK, we got MTV into our dorms and were glued! 1983 was kind of a magical year for music/videos!

[@joemachine4714]

My tech school was at Keesler 1989. Such greats as Milli Vanilli and Vanilla Ice 🎵🤣

[@crs290]

ELO’s Time holds up against pretty much any concept album out there.

[@johngreener9784]

@@crs290 Also, when I listen to it now, it is strangely prophetic! Especially songs like "Here is the News"

[@RealGriz]

As amazing as his albums are, seeing him live was on another level. I was able to see him twice while he was in his prime, once in Dallas, TX and once at the Fox theater in Atlanta. There are singers, and there are artists, but Meat was something else. He dripped charisma as much as he dripped sweat from putting EVERYTHING into every performance. He had that IT quality of the best showmen and women, the ability to hold an audience in the palm of his French cuffed hand and have them hanging on his every word. He was unique.

[@krissymarklewis1793]

would have loved to have seen him live.

[@johnlewis9850]

I saw him and Jim live at the Metropolitan Theater in San Antonio. First they played " The Rocky Horror Picture Show " then the screen dropped and Jim came out sat around the piano, pulled on a pair of white gloves and it was on. I will truly miss them.

[@redsidebiker]

I saw them together in Cardiff once (Bat II Tour, about 1993) and Himself several times after that. The absolute best entertainer that I have ever seen (and I've seen lots!). My family could tell if I'd had Bat II on in my car on the way home from work, by the state of my hair 🙂

[@Johnny96ri]

His doctors didn't want him to tour, he had a bad heart. I'm pretty sure he WANTED to go out on stage at a show.

[@suzannerobbins6293]

Meat Loaf is one of my all time favorites! He was truly one of the sweetest personalities! A truly gentle man who had a big heart! RIP to one great singer, but more importantly one great person!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Agreed! Thanks Suzanne...

[@theodoreritola7641]

THE 70s Meat Loaf

[@billg3356]

This was a great episode, Professor! Thanks for giving Meatloaf (and Steinman) their due.

[@sonicfoxxmusic4281]

I second this...well said sir.

[@jamessveinsson6006]

I love it when professor of Rock Gets personal and emotional while telling us the story behind certain legend

[@nashburnette7247]

Accept that he unacceptably neglected to mention Meat Loaf's very first album, the 1971 STONEY & MEATLOAF album on Motown's Rare Earth Records. (( Yes, Meat Loaf started out as a Motown artist )) ..... It included Meat Loaf's first chart single, "What You See Is What You Get", which charted at #71 in 1971. (( Stoney was Shaun Murphy, a singer from Detroit )).

[@jimmymelendez1836]

@@nashburnette7247 Yeah, that should have been part of this episode. I've heard of that track on on the Motown singles set on Amazon Music. And never heard of Stoney & Meatloaf, just Meatloaf.

[@nashburnette7247]

@@jimmymelendez1836 ...... Stoney is Shaun Murphy. In 1973 she started singing backup for Bob Seger both in the studio and on tour through 1978. In 1993 Shaun Murphy joined Little Feat and stayed with them for the next fifteen years.

[@DorianXLII]

For years, my favourite work of Meatloaf was I Would Do Anything For Love, the 12 minute version. Then Bat Out Of Hell III came out, and I shamelessly got an MP3 copy from a friend of mine. I listened to it, and remembered just how powerful his vocal emotion was... Then it hit the surprise of my life... In an absolute mind-blowing reformatting, of an almost unbearably melodramatic Celine Dion. Meatloaf turned that haunted ballad "All Coming Back To Me Now" into a DUET. And to this day, as much as I was basically raised on Celine's (now obnoxious to me) voice, here in Canada, I credit Meatloaf's version to be the most compelling, musically important, and HISTORICAL exemplar of what Rock Music can do to elevate an individual's soul! I will grieve for a while, but I'll always have the music. I plan on going on a buying spree some time soon, so I can have the CDs of everything... assuming the world will allow me to do that, some companies no longer making new CDs of these works. I always wanted to buy them all, but there's only so much time in one person's life, and I wasn't even alive when his first works came out... but Bat Out of Hell II hit just as I was finishing 6th grade... I knew this man was an epic Musical treasure from the first beats, to the highest C's being hit... I was hooked and it bonded me with so many of the other, older, Men in my family. A love of Rock, and a love of Theatrical Music... It was our Manly Language with eachother... Though many of them are now gone, I know now that they'll pass on my appreciation of him personally at whatever stop he parks his bike in the sky. They'll be there to welcome him with open arms, and praise beyond his wildest dreams. Truly, a Legend among mere insects in the music business of today.

[@Johnny96ri]

Celene Dion's was a cover-the original It's All Coming Back To Me Now was by Pandora's Box, Elaine Caswell on vocals. Dion's was actually her vocals over the ORIGINAL PANDORA'S BOX instrumental and backing tracks.

[@marklowther3228]

One of my faves. I was fortunate enough to have met him a few times and have his autograph hanging up here in my office. Thanks, Prof. For this look at another music legend that is gone way too soon.

[@gibblespascack1418]

Bat out of Hell was the first album that I spend my money on in 1977. At 13, it was still one of the best decisions that I have made. It is only of a very few albums where I loved all of the songs(Asia's first album was another). Saw Meatloaf live US Thankgiving night 1993, in Montreal at The Forum. That was a great show!

[@sherrythomas3028]

This was done beautifully. I got to see him 18 years ago, here in Cleveland. I always wanted to see him again. But I am glad I got to see him just the once. He gave everything he had and left it all on stage. I have been to so many concerts, his will always be in my top 5. I always told people to go and see him, they wouldn't be disappointed.

[@andreadeamon6419]

Cleveland gal here. Did you know it was Cleveland people who gave him his start. I'm always so proud of hearing that

[@alvon911]

Hello from N Royalton

[@andreadeamon6419]

@@alvon911 hi. Cleveland, then grafton, elyria, north Canton, now southern Ohio

[@kentnebergall3156]

For Crying out Loud is my favorite among many. The tribute at the end is so full of agony or joy depending on who you sing it for and under what circumstances.

[@notyourordinarygran]

I also love song...good choice

[@edryba4867]

When Meatloaf hit Radio like a “Bat Out Of Hell”, the FM station that was my employer at the time had ALL the DJ’s (myself included) all over “Paradise By The Dashboard Light”. What a voice! I must admit, the way that song tells its story, it quickly became my favorite. It’s one of those songs that was so well-written and impeccably performed and produced that it couldn’t help but become a favorite song of a LOT of people on the very first listen. “Meat’s” subsequent material was usually just as good, but as they say, “You never forget your first.”

[@jimmymelendez1836]

*you're

[@WeaponsEducation]

Buy the Meatloaf DVD Storytellers. He explains the background of all of his magical songs.

[@jimshelatz4814]

I have watched that DVD a number of times......AMAZING!!!!

[@roxannemoser]

The songs weren't his!

[@andywilliams6224]

@@roxannemoser No one has ever tried to hide that, Jim Steinman wrote most of Meatloaf's songs but Meat collaborated with Jim on them , Not all but allot.

[@WeaponsEducation]

@@roxannemoser What a hateful comment. Is that why you go online with your keyboard? Did Elton John have any "Magical Songs" How about Elvis? Frank Sinatra? Who cares who wrote the lyrics, it is the finished product that counts. This has been going on in music for many years, I guess you do not like Brad Delp either! Do you like the song "Love Hurts" by Nazareth?

[@jimmymelendez1836]

@@WeaponsEducation That wasn't a hateful comment, just an ignorant one.

[@jimmyramone7396]

Total Eclipse of the heart was written for him. Wish he had sung it.

[@lauriesolonka2477]

That would have been Amazing !! R.I.P. Jim & Meat Loaf✌

[@ProfessorofRock]

I think it worked out the way it was supposed to though...

[@heavychevy4616]

thats been my nickname because of mr. loaf for 35 years... i wont bore u with the long version of the embarrassing story of "how" but i worked as a stagehand/rhodie for 35 years & when i started as a teenager everybody had a nickname but me... a short time later i "earned" mine ...the short version, i was 225lbs with hair down to my belt so... i rekon a perticular young lady thought i looked like, u guessed it... MeatLoaf ...i have always loved meatloaf & his music, so i wore that nickname as a badge of honor! thanx professor

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for sharing!

[@j.v.5499]

Thank you so much for your wonderful retrospective on Meat--he has been, and will continue to be, one of my favorite performers. Your episode on him is much appreciated.

[@michaelrochester48]

Thank you for your tribute to one of my favorite singers of all time, and a pretty good actor at the same time. This man should be in the rock ‘n’ roll Hall of Fame and is not. He created a new type of rock ‘n’ roll, almost rock ‘n’ roll opera. Pete Townsend tried and pretty much succeeded, but meatloaf actually nailed it!

[@ProfessorofRock]

You're welcome Michael! Thanks for watching.

[@atomiccritter6492]

I think it was Lou Reed who said that Bat Out Of Hell 2 was the future of rock n roll

[@RobinMarks1313]

My uncle was a hardcore biker and criminal. You can't choose your relatives. But, he was good to me. He helped shape my musical tastes and bought me albums. (I am still upset with him. RIP, because he said bad things about disco). He had the weirdest taste in music. He said there were only two bands that were good. Captain Beefheart and Dire Straits. He must of also liked Steppenwolf because he left behind an album when he went to prison. I still remember the day he came to visit and threw a an album for me to catch. He said, "You need to listen to some good music.". I caught the album and looked a the cover. OH MY GOD I LOVED THE COVER. I was about twelve years old and I had always been a horror geek, so the bat was so cool. I listened to that album countless times. I know every word and sing along. Bat of Hell was a masterpiece and still gives me chills. Since my uncle was a biker, I understand why like Meatloaf. My uncle wanted to be that biker who goes out in a blazing glory. Be free everyone. I didn't like many of my uncles views, but I admired his rebellious spirit, even if I myself didn't want to end up in jail like him. Live life, be yourself, no matter the cost. It's better to burn out, than fade away.

[@allwaizeright9705]

Meat Loaf was EPIC as EDDIE in The Rocky Horror Picture Show.. I had to play that part in a local production - It was NOT EASY wrapping my voice around Hot Patootie..

[@johnhamilton2588]

This is my Meat Loaf story. In early 1978, we hired a file clerk to work in my department. He found out quickly that I was into music, and told me I had to listen to this album he had just bought. I asked what it was like, and he couldn't explain it, he said I just had to listen to it, and he guaranteed I would love it, even vowing to pay for the record if I didn't. Well, I bought it and was blown away. A month later, the album took off and the rest is history!

[@ericbgordon1575]

When you think about the way Meat Loaf met his end, he saw himself tearing down the road faster than any other boy had ever gone. His skin was raw, his soul was on fire and no one could stop him as he made his state. He never saw the side of the curb till it was way too late. The last thing he could see was his own heart still beating, breaking out of his body and flying away like a bad out of hell. Almost literally.

[@redsidebiker]

Well scribed

[@ericbgordon1575]

Thank you @@redsidebiker!

[@henryjewell3900]

Todd Rundgren played guitar Kasim Sultan played bass ,Roy Bittan keyboards, Max Weinberg drums, Willie Wilcox drums, Edgar winter saxaphone,Ellen Foley on vocals on this album. on this historic album and backed it up

[@shawnmcvey7789]

Part of the charm that Bat Out Of Hell has is from Todd Rundgren. He apparently thought it was a satire, but still put his all (and some of his own money) into making it. It's honestly some of my favorite guitar work from him. "You really want a motorcycle?" *Todd sighs, then proceeds to plug the Fool SG into a giant dimed out Fender stack, not only nails the motorcycle sound but flawlessly transitions into iconic leads* "There"

[@LockeTheCole]

His last album Braver than We Are is surprisingly great even though it's painfully obvious that Meat's voice was all but gone. It's still a great album and his diminished voice manages to fit well. It works really well as a swan song for his and Steinman's career...

[@DM-hk4cw]

You had a slight mention of his stint with Ted Nugent. He sang on the Free for All album. "Hammer Down" and "Street Rats" off that album are worth a listen. They show his raw abilities to sing any genre and he sings it well.

[@charlayned]

These guys wrote the soundtrack of my life, almost literally. I fell in love with his work with Bat 2, went back and grabbed everything I could find. I played it in the car; my kids grew up with it. One afternoon I was picking the grandkids up from school and had Bat 2 on in the car. The kids started singing along with it and we had a blast driving around so they could listen and sing along. I told my mom about it and she, who was a huge country fan with k.d. Lang as her favorite, and she told me she loved Meatloaf's songs too. Four generations of fans. I always wanted to see him in concert, but never got the chance. I wanted to tell him how much Rock-n-Roll Dreams (come true) kept me going when things got hard, it is still my go-to when I'm down. The world lost two of the brightest stars in the music cosmos when Phil Steinman and Meatloaf died. And the fact that they are not in the rock & roll hall of fame means that those who do the nominating and voting have passed over some songs that define what Rock is.

[@janet4498]

One of the more underrated Meat Loaf songs (in my opinion) is "I'd Lie for You (and That's the Truth)" from the 1995 Welcome to the Neighbourhood album, a song written by Diane Warren by the way. I actually remember going to Sam Goody to get that album because I loved Bat Out of Hell II so much.

[@kyliepollert8341]

That's a great and very underrated power ballad that should've had a bigger chart success, indeed. I agree with you, and I didn't know Diane Warren wrote it!

[@fnjesusfreak]

It's probably as close as anyone got to emulating Steinman's formula.

[@notyourordinarygran]

I was fortunate enough to see him live on the Bat out of Hell tour. I remember rigging up a tape deck in our motorbike luggage box with speakers I installed in my helmet so I could play this at full blast as we bombed down the motorway....oh what it is to be young. I saw him live again a few years later. Together with Jim Steinmann he was the soundtrack to my late teens/early 20's.

[@kenduncan3221]

For me it's "Read 'Em and Weep"

[@atomiccritter6492]

I would say the most underrated MeatLoaf song is I'll Kill You If You Dont Come Back from Deadringer

[@freethebirds3578]

Meatloaf and Jim Steinman were an incomparable pair, and I'm glad their time working apart wasn't acrimonious. I have never heard a negative thing ever said about Meatloaf. Thanks for this tribute.

[@bradparnell614]

From all the TV interviews I saw of Meat Loaf and from following him on social media I can only imagine how awesome a live with the two of you would have been. I bet he would have had a great time doing it and been so entertaining in the process. When Jim Steinman passed away I had said that his and Meat's partnership was one made in heaven and forged in rock and roll hell. Now it appears they are both in that rock and roll heaven. Thanks for the warm tribute.

[@michaelrochester48]

By the way, Mimi Kennedy is from Rochester New York, she is best known probably for playing the mom on Dharma and Greg. My stepfather went to Catholic school with her

[@Elwaves2925]

I always liked the hits and some albums but that was about it. Then a mate persuaded me to see him live, which I was unsure of but went along as the spare ticket would have been wasted. What a show it was. It wasn't just a run through of his songs, it was a whole performance. An ideal example of rock opera, telling a story along with the music. So glad I got to see him live.

[@ProfessorofRock]

We had him lined up to be a Professor of Rock live event. So sad.

[@Elwaves2925]

@@ProfessorofRock That would have been cool to see. What a guest to nab for your show.

[@Undertaker67203]

I heard Meatloaf for the first time listening to the radio one evening at Boy Scout camp in the summer of 1978. I was mesmerized and knew then that disco did indeed suck. I have loved Meatloaf ever since. My wife, who generally has horrible taste in music, and likes nothing old, was saddened and upset when I told her Meatloaf had passed. One of a kind talent. I am sure he slid into heaven like a bat out of hell.

[@arthurgearheard4701]

Donna Summer and Chic were exceptions! Hot Stuff and LeFreak are superb dance songs!

[@DavidBMaas]

I loved Meat Loaf playing the uber disciplinary father in the film "Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny."

[@ProfessorofRock]

That scene where he's tearing all of the poster down is classic!

[@goh2499]

I remember my cousins introducing me to bat out hell in the late 80s as i was getting ready to start HS and then after I graduated and bat of hell 2 was released buying the CD and playing it over and over again. Loved his music and his presence will be missed.

[@RandomPerson-su3xg]

I can remember hearing the cassette when I was two. An odd memory in my mom's jimmy on the Kansas turnpike in 1994. My dad made so many mixtapes, including one with MeatLoaf, and a few still survive. Even now, if there is a trip to be taken on the highway, I can't help but put that masterpiece on. It's amazing how songs or artists can be a powerful trigger to distant memories.

[@williamfricke4464]

Thank you for this. I remember my mom had to listen to Bat out of Hell, the whole album, before she let me listen. lol Turns out it was our favorite music to listen too together. I grew up to his voice, his music. I miss this legend of a man.

[@stephenhanft1226]

Adam, thank you. I was waiting for your tribute episode to Meat Loaf and, you came through as always. Great job. Meat Loaf's 1977 album Bat Out Of Hell is very special to me. In 1978, my mom bought it for me for my 13th birthday. It is one of the very first albums I got which started my extensive record collection. It is my all-time favorite debut album from any artist. The whole album is such a masterpiece. Over the years, I've played this album numerous times over and never get tired of it. I love that album just as much today as I did back in 1978 when I was 13. I consider it one of the most special albums I own. From the title track "Bat Out Of Hell" to "2 out of 3 Ain't Bad", "Paradise By The Dashboard Light," to "You Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth" and so much more, it is cinematic, operatic, rock at its very best.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks Stephen!

[@catherine6653]

Nice comment and memories ❤😊

[@Pretties4alice]

At a huge party wknd, in the middle of a farm, i ended up with an evil eye infection, i was in agony and no one was sober all wknd to get me to a hospital, i drank to numb the pain. While lying in my tent, in agony, the DJ put Bat Out Of Hell on, and everyone there belted it, about 150 peeps in the middle of nowhere with this Massive sound system, it was epic, so this song will always remind me of agonizing pain but one epic time in life.

[@wyrmridr]

A friend of mine was waiting tables in the restaurant at the old Holiday Inn in Oxford, MS, when Meat Loaf came in for lunch. Tom recognized him, and asked, "What can I get for you, Mr... do I call you Mr. Meat, or Mr. Loaf?" Meat Loaf chuckled and said, "Let's just go with Marvin Lee, OK?" No histrionics, no "Do you know who I am?" Just a laugh and get on with life. He has been and always will be one of my favorite musicians.

[@surlechapeau]

Amazing story Professor! thank you Sandy Beach!!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for listening!

[@mdanam]

I remember bat out of hell like it was yesterday. I discovered it when I was 15 just about to turn 16 before it broke big. At the time, the only radio station in New York playing it was wnew-fm. Being a huge Springsteen fan at the time, the fact that Max Weinberg and Roy Bittan were on that record made it appealing to me before became popular. Wnew also had it in heavy rotation. I remember playing Paradise by the Dashboard Light for a lot of my friends up in my room and watching their faces once "now I'm waiting for the End of Time" part started. Interesting tidbit I I'm surprised you didn't mention. On the title track, when the motorcycle effect was needed, which a lot of people stil think was a sound effect of a motorcycle, was actually Todd Rundgren playing that sound on his guitar. 2022 is getting off to a rough start. Last week Ronnie Spector, and now meatloaf. R. I. P. To both of them

[@KeavyGoesLive]

Bat Out of Hell II hit a 13 year old me like, well...a bat out of hell. From that moment forward I was OBSESSED with Meat Loaf and Jim Steinman, which got me into Rocky Horror and has guided my musical taste ever since. Like my good friend and co-worker told me yesterday "With Meat and Steinman gone, theatrical rock may as well die." It's sad to think about but we'll always have their albums. Welcome to the Neighborhood will always be my favorite Meat Loaf album but Bat Out of Hell II will always have a special place in my heart.

[@markbundy1694]

I can definitely hear Meat singing “Total Eclipse Of The Heart”… Adam, you’re Outstanding!!!👍🤘🏼🎤

[@MP-od1zz]

And also, Air Supply’s Making Love out of nothing at all. Another Steinman song, that should have been Meat Loaf.

[@markbundy1694]

@@MP-od1zz … I can hear that also…👍

[@musclecarmitch908]

Great episode and celebration for Meatloaf Professor! His music was such a big part of my teenage life! I will always remember listening to "Paradise by the dashboard light " with my group of teenage friends and how much we liked it! Great story Professor! Thanks for sharing!

[@rayquintal403]

Such a sad loss, so lucky to have been blessed with his life and talent. He proved that if don’t give up on dreams and are willing to do something beyond everything. You can achieve amazing things. What a trip through history. Iconic songs and characters. Only he could pull off. We love you Meatloaf and will miss you always. God Bless you for touching our lives and hearts.

[@mza2195]

His voice in Rocky Horror was unforgettable! SNL has magic with that stage, many artists have launched from a performance there. Belushi is a good champion to have rooting for you. Bat 2 was amazing to me! Anything for love had us wondering what, “that” was. It was so big and loud, yet gentle and loving. I was deep in my grunge phase too, so to break that spell was a minor miracle. Thanks for giving new information and perspective on an old musical friend. You rock Professor of Rock!

[@ProfessorofRock]

YOu're welcome!

[@hamerplayer1229]

In 1986 I bought a CD player. I was a college student and it cost $400. CD's were $17 each back then a lot of money. I had to get Bat Out Of Hell on CD because the only other copy I had was on 8 track. Let's just say the girls loved to come and hear Meatloaf on the CD player and my sophomore year of college was amazing!!! Thank you Meat Loaf my 18/19 year old self owes you!

[@LaurenWatkinsArt]

I love meatloaf so much! When I was pregnant with my 2nd kid I only wanted to listen to meatloaf. I also love his version of “it’s all coming back to me” from bat out of Hell III.

[@hogtownbiker3560]

I think something that sets it out as a one of a kind album is can you name anyone who covered any song and was better? The bar was set at a level no one could reach. No one has done a cover of Paradise by the Dashboard Light that is anywhere near Meat's version.

[@bryantrowan6799]

I've been bummed out since Meats passing, in high school we would skip out of school early to go down to the theater on Wednesday through Friday to watch Rocky Horror Picture Show plus they had on stage acting out the movie and the audience would all be dressed in their favorite carecter and we would all act out parts sometimes getting to go on stage which was considered the highest honor. Really gonna miss ya meat RIP

[@ralfklonowski3740]

There is one of Joe Jackson's LPs in the stand. Fun fact: He published the only three-sided double vinyl album I know of. Side 4 showed a label "There is no music on this side". Joe had started in the vinyl age in 1978 and somewhere in the 80s was about to publish his first CD. But vinyl was still so big that it couldn't be ignored. Joe did not have enough material for a real double album, he had finished precisely the amount of music to fill a CD. But he was also loath to discard songs from the CD lineup in order to cut it down to LP length. Hence the somewhat odd solution. His probably best known singles were "Is she really going out with him?" from 1978 (later a favourite of many student acapella groups) and "Stepping out", taken from his fantastic "Night and Day " album. He toured in Germany as late as 2018, I believe, so I guess he is still around.

[@joejackson6205]

Yes, David 'Joe' Jackson is still alive and recording. He is up to 21 albums now. There is a Utube channel with a lot if his music, if you dont want to enrich amazon.

[@ralfklonowski3740]

@@joejackson6205 Thank's for hinting me to his VEVO channel. I somehow missed that. I need to get a new record player so I can listen to his earlier albums again. I own most of them in vinyl only. And no, I don't want to enrich amazon. ;-) Greetings from Germany!

[@mournblade1066]

Holy hell! I heard that story about how Meatloaf got his name when I was in college back in the 1980s. I never seriously believed that. . . until now. To be fair, the engine of a VW Beetle is in the back, so the front wouldn't weigh as much. Also. . . a $100 ante in the early 1960s was a helluva lot of money.

[@ProfessorofRock]

There are several iterations of the the story. Thanks for watching.

[@bwcbiz]

RIP: The last thing he saw was his heart, still beating... and thanks for giving Jim Steinman the recognition he deserves. Meat Loaf may have still had a successful music career without Steinman, but it would have been very different.

[@jacqueline1598]

Well said. 👍

[@LJScott]

Great Tribute, you knocked it out of the park :) So glad you included Jim Steinman prominently as well. Both were so influential to me personally together and separately

[@mochi4318]

On top of being super talented he was such a nice guy. I got to meet him in 2017 at a convention here in Orlando, he met every person with a giant smile, made sure he got your name, and was just awesome to talk to. Losing him so suddenly was a huge blow and he is sorely missed.

[@lilymoon2829]

Professor of Rock lecturing me on one of my favourite artists while wearing a t-shirt of my all time favourite band for 23 minutes? HECK YES PLEASE!

[@kenlee5015]

Meat has got to be looking down and smiling at all of the tributes and happy to see us going through his catalogue. I even went back to listen to Uncle Ted's Free-For-All to hear Meat Loafs contributions. It's been over 40 years since I've heard that. Though, I did read he was only paid $1000 for his efforts. Hope that's not true.

[@wordsmythles]

I was 16 years old when a young lady took me by the hand and took me up to her bedroom and promised to change my life. She put Bat Out Of Hell on her record player. I grew up that night to a Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf sound track. Thank you so much to both of them. Xx

[@xray7908]

Hey Prof - Ellen Foley was indeed the fabulous female vocalist on Bat Out of Hell, but Karla Devito appeared with him on Saturday Night Live as well as touring with him. I was luke warm on Meatloaf, but I'll remember Karla Devito forever. I was love struck and then disappointed when I found out she had not performed on the album. You really should give her props. Her supporting performance on stage giving that duet its passion was a critical part of the raucous spectacle that gave Meatloaf his big break, despite Ellen Foley having done the original vocal on the album.

[@Kblmquist]

Meat was an amazing artist. I remember when I would do anything for love came out. I was with a group of friends and someone ask “what is that” right away another friend answered “cheating”. I said I thought it was little things like wash the dishes or take the garbage out. Those that have been in long term relationships know what I’m talking about. From what I’ve recently read we were all wrong, but I find my interpretation kinda funny.

[@TheShadowKarl]

It is amazing to me given his accomplishments in music that he wasn't inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. They're failing in their mission. He really did add a lot to the Rock and Roll tapestry.

[@tlphoto]

1978 SNL was my first introduction. I scraped every penny I had and purchased the 8-track. By 1980 I had purchased the LP, 83 the cassette tape, when Apple Music released it I had purchased it the first week. It is the only album that I can say I have had in all formats. I still have the LP. I have been a fan of this channel for over 2 years. I have wanted a few words about Meat Loaf, I was so excited to see this release, but my heart sank when I learned that he passed away just this year. He was the last concert that my wife and I went and seen. Just a short time before I lost her to a blood clot from a broken ankle.

[@kevinf6669]

I was fortunate to see Meatloaf live at a bar outside of Buffalo in the summer of 89. The crowd was probably only about 500 people ( he hadn't had his resurgence yet). It was easily the most powerful & passionate show I've ever been to. Meatloaf definitely gave his all that evening. Thanks again for the memories Professor!

[@dcarbs2979]

Bat Out Of Hell once held the record for most weeks on UK chart of any album (studio or otherwise). It no longer does, but it is the drama in his whole catalogue that I love so much. Only the 3rd album I ever owned, it's been in my life a long time!

[@t.o.3522]

An appropriate tribute! Your last sentence was quite poetic, Thank You Adam!! Ill share a few of my memories of Meat Loaf! Just before USMC I was finishing HS, I bought the album around Dec77 and discovered that it was a great album!! I had it on (get this!) 8 track, and I had my ‘72 Chev Vega Wagon wired with some serious stereo box speakers. I remember one night at the roller rink, It was snowing and freezing rain. I was waiting for the car to warm up and clear a thick layer of ice off the windshield. Well what better to do with my girlfriend than make out and play “You Took the Words…”. I would to do the Steinman narrative at the intro.. she got a kick out of it! The album got very popular in 1978. And when I was stationed in DC I put many a dime in the jukebox to play “Two Out of Three Ain’t bad”, and of course I would sing along to it while it played in the background. I could do it flawlessly and my friends really liked it. I was blessed to inherit an operatic type tenor voice from my paternal grandmother. Moving forward, I took my son to see MEAT in concert July 11, 2003. What a show!! Meat put it all out there! And Patti Russo played her parts better than anyone before her (I think I watched her more than Meat Loaf). To this day I will sing those 2 songs when I am out and if I can find a girl to be a willing accomplice, I will do “Paradise… It is very sad that we are loosing so many artists. I have learned that we really don’t cry for the lost, for their pains are over. We however cry for ourselves, because of demons trying to injure or tear our happy moments and memories away from us. They can only try. Thank you again Adam for your fine productions. Be well and may God bless you!

[@LindaSmith-vq1br]

The Bat trilogy is one of my go to sets to get me through working late. I can blast the music, sing along and have my work go smoothly. I have the first Bat in vinyl, cassette and cd. It and Rumours are the only two albums I have ever had in all but 8 track format. The loss of the two amazing collaborators in 2022 has been a true loss. I think you are right, they are sitting in heaven figuring out Bat 4….

[@AlexBarregon]

My favourite Meatloaf song is’Two out of Three Ain’t Bad’ . I went through 2 tapes of ‘Bat out of Hell’ whilst on my motorcycle via a Walkman plugged into a helmet to helmet communications unit. May they both RIP and thanks for the music ❤️🎸🎸

[@johnpearson4899]

My favorite Meatloaf song was the one where he opened his mouth when there was music playing. Pretty much any Loaf tune you name could be a page from the diary of almost anyone's life. Meat was a much bigger deal, especially in his early days, than most people realize. He had a hellacious voice and presence. The Meatloaf/Steinman partnership was at least as meaningful as Elton John/Bernie Taupin. Maybe a little more. I've been a fan since the mid 70s when I was a young kid of around 8 or 9 years old. Before I even understood all the meanings of the lyrics. I can't explain why. But, as we all know, if it has to be explained to you.........

[@robster7316]

Meat broke the mold and paid his dues along the way-a great story of how hard work and perseverance pays off. Bat Out of Hell wins my vote for best cover art ever! Brilliant idea to keep the same theme for his next couple of albums!👍

[@dclark4422]

Two Out of Three Ain't Bad is my favorite song. It gets me in the feels every time I hear it. May Meatloaf and Steinman rest in peace.

[@inerlogic]

i'd seen him in concert a bunch of times, including a "storytellers" style show... met him a couple of times and he was an awesome, friendly, open guy... R.I.P. Meat.

[@ciconneannamae9599]

🎼 the very first song I listened to intently by Meat Loaf was Modern Girl, released in 1984, on a UK compilation album The Hits Album. I was hooked!! And later on I learned about Bat Out of Hell album, due to its association with Jim Steinman who was producing monster ballads for Air Supply and Bonnie Tyler. And when I saw him in Rocky Horror Picture Show in the 2000s after a ban on that film was eventually lifted in Singapore, I was blown away. I had the chance to get his 2-CD greatest hits compilation in 1998 at a record store in Camelback AZ. The was one song that I really like and it was not on that collection - it’s Read ‘Em And Weep, which was a huge hit for Barry Manilow. 🎶🎵

[@jasontaverner391]

Technically, it's his first SOLO release. He did release a duet album "Stoney and Meatloaf" in 1971 (re-released as "Meatloaf, featuring Stoney and Meatloaf" in 1978..

[@TomRoyce]

WABC in New York would play "Paradise by the Dashboard Lights" at 12:30 AM every night one summer. The Yankees were broadcast on that station with Rizzuto calling the games. I was 11 or 12 and would lay in best waiting for the song to come on every night that summer.

[@MadHatter-cj8bh]

Bat out of Hell was the second album I ever purchased, behind KISS' Destroyer. I remember running town with my friends, playing the KISS pinball machine at a local hangout and listening to Paradise by the Dashboard Lights on the jukebox. Miss those days.

[@ronshaw80]

I thing Meatloaf was too under rated by many. I love his music!

[@antonnym214]

I was 17 in the Atlanta area when Two out of Three hit the radio. It was EPIC! OMG, even today I can't believe the highest it ranked was 11. To me and everyone I knew, it was number ONE. In an interview with Meat, he paid Steinman the most amazing compliment I ever heard about a songwriter, "To do justice to a Jim Steinman song, part of you has to leave, and something else come in." WOW! I sure do miss them both.

[@timevans9529]

Riding the back roads. Windows down. Full moon. Meat Loaf cassette cranking. Those were the days

[@lauriesolonka2477]

Love Jim Steinman & Meat Loaf !❤ Their Legendary collaboration was once in a lifetime. Rest In Peace✌ " You Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth" is my all time favorite...(with help from my sweetheart, Scott😀❤)

[@ProfessorofRock]

One of the best duos of the rock era... Created so many great songs.

[@lauriesolonka2477]

@@ProfessorofRock I agree..maybe some day they will be inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame😀✌ question... Who can you see performing any of Jim & Meat Loaf's Legendary classic Masterpieces? 🎹🎸✌

[@edina-rene]

Why has the second Meatloaf/Steinman album "Dead Ringer" been all but totally erased from the story of their collaboration? No one ever mentions it EVER! I would be interested in hearing why this is, since I kinda liked that one.

[@atomiccritter6492]

I think Deadringer is a better album lyrically than Bat but lacks decent production and Meats voice isnt that great

[@robpaige4122]

I will never forget buying Meatloaf Bat Out of Hell because it has a motorcycle on the cover and being blown away by the music. Every song has enough clever lyrics for at least 3 songs. I never heard anything like it before or since.

[@Laszlo34]

Another serious tearjerker! As the massive album sales numbers are quoted I turn my head to see the Bat Out Of Hell CDs I have and I smile. Great video. Thank you!