The night the "incomparable" Meat Loaf played Crosskeys

Meat Loaf, the booming voice behind one of the most popular rock albums of all time has passed away.

The singer born Marvin Lee Aday, passed away aged 74 on Thursday night with his family by his side.

He announced his arrival on the world stage with his 1977 debut album "Bat Out of Hell". Penned by songsmith Jim Steinman, it is one of the biggest selling albums of all time.

A family statement read: “Our hearts are broken to announce that the incomparable Meat Loaf passed away tonight with his wife Deborah by his side. Daughters Pearl and Amanda and close friends have been with him throughout the last 24 hours.

“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!”

However his incredible career had some troughs along with the many peaks. Meat Loaf played numerous smaller venues during a tour of Ireland in 1990, one of which was Carrig Springs in Crosskeys.

The Anglo-Celt article closes: "For the past two years Meatloaf and The Neverland Express have been touring worldwide from Iceland to Bahrain, from Oman to Canada promoting their 'live' album recorded at Wembley and now he comes to Ireland and to Carrig Springs on February 15th."