On January 20, one of the most powerful voices in rock disappeared.
The singer Meat Loaf, remembered for the 1977 album
Bat Out Of Hell
-the fourth best-selling in history-, left a great void in the music industry, but also in the hearts of his loved ones.
His wife, Deborah Aday, wanted to honor his memory a few days after his death in an interview for People
magazine
, where she has indicated that she fondly treasures the moments she shared with her late husband, who died surrounded by his family and close friends at the age of 74. "The pain I feel for his loss is heartbreaking," began Aday, who was by his side for 15 years. “It meant a lot to a lot of people, and I'm glad I shared it with the world. As his wife, I also want everyone to know how much he meant to me as my husband."
The woman who was married to Meat Loaf for 15 years has lovingly described their love story. “For me, it has always been him. From the day we met, he became my world, and I loved him. We both told each other how much we loved each day, and there wasn't a single day that we didn't hug each other." The couple married in 2007 and since then Aday has stayed away from the media eye. "One of my fondest memories will always be the way we laughed, and how we so often brought out the silliness and joy in each other," he said. Marvin Lee Aday, the singer's real name, was "a very affectionate and kind man", according to the person with whom he shared his last years. “And I am grateful that it has helped me bring out the best features in me,” she said.
This was the second marriage for Meat Loaf, who married for the first time in 1979 with Leslie G. Edmonds a month after meeting her while they were both working in the Bearsville Records studio. With her he had two daughters, Leslie and Pearl, but ended up divorcing in 2001. He was, however, the first love for Deborah Aday: "I was late getting married because I was waiting for the right man," he asserted. “And, oh my, he was definitely the perfect man for me. I now realize how blessed I am to have been able to share my life with such an amazing person. He didn't hesitate to let me know how much he appreciated me, often saying sweetly to me, 'You're a very good wife.' I will miss hearing that very much”, he has guaranteed with regret.
“Our life together was an adventure.
He was my best friend, my confidant, my lover and I already miss him terribly.
As much as my heart aches right now, it is full of the love and glory we share together.
I will love you forever”, he concluded, dedicating these last words to the man who also became the love of many music lovers, after selling some 100 million albums worldwide and appearing in some 50 films, including
The fight club
, or
The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Bouquet of flowers, messages and photos placed in memory of the late Meat Loaf at the New Wimbledon Theater in London. HENRY NICHOLLS (REUTERS)
It has also been in People
magazine
where Meat Loaf's daughter, Amanda Aday, has previously spoken of the last hours that she and her sister Pearl spent with their father. Both traveled to the city of Nashville (in Tennessee, USA) where he was hospitalized, after receiving an alarming call informing them that his health “was getting worse very quickly. Faster than expected." “We went over to his hospital bed as soon as we could, sat down with him and held his hand,” Amanda recalled, later adding that she is “very grateful” that she and her sister had the opportunity to see his father before he died.
"He was a singer, an actor, a father, a husband, a grandfather," he proudly recounted.
“He was everything”, he has concluded, assuring that his father will not only be remembered for his status as an artist, but also for his big heart, which he did not hesitate to share with his loved ones.
It was precisely his family who confirmed his death through a Facebook statement.
