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Some people think big. Some people think huge. And then there's Meat Loaf.
For the past 35 years, the man born Marvin Lee Aday has been a towering monument on the musical landscape. His legendary 1977 album Bat Out Of Hell transformed this former high school football player, nightclub bouncer and stage actor into one of the great American rock 'n' roll icons. That record, with its staggering operatic sound and impassioned vocals, has sold more than 43 million albums worldwide - still one of the biggest-selling records ever.
Meat Loaf's reputation as one of music's greatest artists was underlined by such masterpieces as Dead Ringer (1981), Bad Attitude (1984) and the Bat Out Of Hell sequels Bat Out Of Hell II: Back Into Hell (1993) and Bat Out Of Hell III: The Monster Is Loose (2006). Other artists might have tried to match his scale and copy his sound, but no one has come close.
Now, more than 30 years after he exploded onto the world stage, Meat Loaf is back with a new record, Hang Cool Teddy Bear (a title taken from a line in the classic Russ Meyer trash movie Beyond The Valley Of The Dolls). From opener "Peace On Earth" to closer "Elvis In Vegas," its 13 tracks drag the classic Meat Loaf sound kicking and screaming into the 21st century.
"I wanted it big, I wanted it dramatic, I wanted a rock record," says Meat Loaf. "Yes, it sounds like a Meat Loaf record. But it sounds different too - it sounds new, it sounds fresh. It speaks to you in a different way."
Much of this newfound energy can be put down to Meat Loaf's working relationship with his new collaborator, producer Rob Cavallo (Green Day, My Chemical Romance Paramore, Fleetwood Mac). For the singer, it was a chance to work with one of the hottest producers around. For Cavallo, it was an opportunity to work with a childhood hero and a proper rock 'n' roll legend.
"Rob is the Number 1 rock producer in the world because he leaves his ego out of the equation and gives an artist his voice, making it sound better than the artist could even imagine," says Meat. "I was like a fisherman looking for a big mouthed bass. I put on the right worm. The first song I played to him, I hooked him. The second song, I nailed him."
The pair hit it off immediately, and this electrifying creative partnership immediately raised the bar several feet. Meat Loaf brought more than 40 songs to the table, which the duo whittled down to the 13 that appear on the final record, including the furious "Living On The Outside" and hilarious first single "LosAngeloser."
But there was one other piece to the jigsaw: Los Angeles-based screenwriter and director Kilian Kerwin, a long-time friend of the singer. As with every classic Meat Loaf album, Hang Cool Teddy Bear has a bigger concept. It was one of Kerwin's short stories that inspired the singer to come up with the album's striking narrative.
"It's the story of a soldier," reveals Meat Loaf. "He's been in battle and he's lying face down on the ground. He can't move, but he turns his head and starts to see blood run across the ground, and so he thinks he's going to die. They always say you see your life flash backwards you when you're about to die. But his life flashes forward - into what possibly could happen. He sees what his life could be - the good and the bad. The songs are the different scenarios he finds himself in. It's not always the same time or the same place - but it's always the same woman. But I don't want to give too much away - I want people to work it out for themselves."
To flesh out his vision, Meat Loaf enlisted a set of elite musicians to play on the album, including guitarists Tim Pierce, Darkness frontman Justin Hawkins (who co-wrote two songs for the album), Paul Crook and Randy Flowers, legendary bass players Chris Chaney and Kasim Sulton, genius keyboardist Jamie Muhoberac and the world's greatest rock drummer (just ask Rob Cavallo) John Micelli. Hang Cool Teddy Bear also features a stellar array of big-name guests, including Steve Vai (who appears on "Love is Not Real"), former Queen guitarist Brian May (who appears on "Song Of Madness" and "Love Is Not Real"), American Idol presenter Kara DioGuardi (who co-wrote and sings on "If I Can't Have You") and Hollywood star Jack Black, who duets with Meat Loaf on "Like A Rose."
But the most surprising guest is Hugh Laurie - the English actor famous for starring in Blackadder and hit US TV show House. It was while making a guest appearance on the latter that Meat Loaf met Laurie and discovered that he was a classically-trained pianist. What else could he do but ask the actor to play piano on the song "If I Can't Have You?"
"He was really nervous at first," recalls Meat Loaf. "It was strange seeing someone so confident on a TV set walk into the studio like he's a quivering mess. But he nailed it. He's talking about playing it with us if we ever go on American Idol."
"What I love about Hugh, Jack and Kara," says Meat Loaf, "is that sometimes you get people coming to the studio, and they have their manager and a bodyguard and an entourage - it's this endless stream of people. The three of them, they just drove up to the studio in their own cars, no bullsh*t no fronts, just real people. And I love real people."
But for all the star guests, Hang Cool Teddy Bear is Meat Loaf's album - his own dirty little secret. More than four decades into his career, the man - and his voice - is as big, bold and important as ever.
"How do I keep the fire burning?" he asks. "I don't know. I just do. I'd bet in advance that if I sat with somebody in a room and said to them, 'I'll give you five pounds if you don't go 'Whoah!' after the first song', they'd forget about the five pounds and they'd go 'Whoah!' You can't help it. And it's like that across all the songs. This record is spectacular!"
It was fun hearing all of the old favorites but Meatloaf lead vocals were struggling. The music and backup vocals were excellent. I would have to suggest maybe it is time to call it a day and stop touring.
This was the worst concert I have ever been to we walked out after 4 songs! To say I was disappointed is a gross understatement. A part of me actually felt sorry for him SMH
Wow, that is literally all I can say! To me the concert was unbelievable and Unforgettable! Meatloaf was at his finest with all theatrical glory! They completely acted out Paradise by the Dashboard Lights as if it were a play. He barely took a breath let alone a break to even take a drink of water. Although he seemed to have a very hard time walking or even standing for that matter, he gave me a show I will never forget! This was not a show full of nothing but drum solos, piano solos and long speaking periods, HE SANG EVERY SONG from both albums and it was amazing! At the end he announced that he is 68 years old and thanked us all for what I swear was 10 minutes.
This was not one of our favorites. The music (mainly bass) was so loud that you couldn't hear the singing. We are assuming that the female had a good voice to be singing with him but we could not hear either of them over the music. The sound mixing was very poor.
I want to start and say that I am a huge fan of Meatloaf 's music and was really looking forward to the show. I also go to alot of concerts so I know what to expect. This show was terrible. Meatloaf's mic was turned way down, and I found out it was because his voice was terrible. He sang off key with terrible timing, barely moved on stage and looked disoriented and like he was having a heart attack. He told the audience he was getting over the flu and I realize he is 68 years old, but his performance was embarrassing. Plus there were no extras such as stage production or light show, just bare bones band on stage with really nothing to look at. Even the tshirt guns malfunctioned which at that point didn't surprise me at all. The only positive of the night was the female singer, and I don't even know her name. She was a beautiful and shapely woman with a strong voice and multiple costume changes who really shined when she took center stage. She was amazing and the musicians were capable. Meatloaf, however was a disaster.
With all the health issues O'Day has experienced, he should end his singing career. Which actually is his screaming career. I'm not sure if it's his hearing or his vocal chords, but the Meat Loaf I saw had the worst pitch I've heard in a performance. The majority of the show was him screaming into the microphone almost incoherently. If not for the band most songs were unrecognizable vocally. I like the Meat Loaf I grew up with in the seventies and still enjoy his studio music, but I will not waste my money on another live Meat Load performance. This Meat Loaf is overdone and should be tossed!
meat could barely walk,could not hit hi or low notes band pretty good
I have been wanting to see Meat Loaf live for quite some time and jumped at the opportunity to see him when he came to the Hard Rock Rocksino in Northfield, OH. His show started right on time, which seems to be a rarity nowadays. His show was full of energy! The entire band was on fire! Paul Cook is an amazing guitarist! Cian Corey sang all the female vocal parts and she was incredible. Meat Loaf sang 11 songs in his set with a 6 song encore. He energy, crowd interaction and passion were unrivaled. I hope to see him perform again on this tour!
Meatloaf said he is 68. I have seen him 3 times. He is still Astrofreakingnomical live and in concert!!!!!
It was like "Weekend at Bernies". The rest of the band carried him through song after song as he forgot words, lost tempo and sang way off key. It was my 1st time seeing him and I was so looking forward to it I purchased 4 tickets to go with friends and dance and sing. Instead it was so sad to sit through and watch him struggle so badly. We didn't even get a t-shirt...felt like we would be condoning this tour when clearly they need to let this poor man retire with dignity.
He did a wonderful job. Was making eye contact with the crowd, talking directly to everyone, appreciating the fans. He was very energetic and entertaining. He reminded the fans he was 68 years old and for that age, I think he was great. To see a rock icon, even though he isn't what he once was, WHO IS. He does his very best to give a good show. Keep that in mind and go to see him. It is only 90 minutes long but packed with all our favorite songs. I read a lot of reviews before I went and he does sing in a different register now. Almost all older performers do. Just go and enjoy.
Meat Loaf always puts on an amazing performance! He never fails in the best rock show category. He always gives the most memorable and most beautiful energy! Always my absolute favorite!!!
Time has taken its toll but not his spirit rock and roll Loved the show. The female singer was spot on
We were so excited to see Meatloaf, listened to his music on the way to the concert; we enjoyed the cd much more than the live show. He could not catch his voice up to the tempo of the music, which the band played perfectly. Some comments from the evening included "is he drunk?" "has he had a stroke?" "Worst $80 ever spent, where's the refund?".....
He was horrible. His voice is NOT the same or even close. The band was good. The female singer was great. But Meatloaf was really bad. I don't recommend his show for anyone. Very disappointing.
Ok so the venue is great and we had fun. The backing band and Cian Coey very good. Meatloaf however has had it. His voice is beyond gone. That was always his draw that great voice and it is not just diminished with age it's gone. It was fun to see him in person but he was so bad it was cringeworthy and to pay those prices was not worth it. So if you want to see the show fine but don't expect the Meatloaf of old.
Excellent show. Meat loaf gave 100% into this concert. Although his voice is not what it once was, the band and his back up singer more than made up for it.
Great high energy show. Paul Crook is an amazing guitarist. Set could have gone a little longer but I don't think Meat can really do more than about 90 minutes.
Although the backup singers and the band did very well, Meatloaf's voice and his timing was way off. In addition to this, the two large screens on either side of the stage were not working and this is a bad venue for that to not be working. We could not see the stage, everyone was standing in front of us and we should have been able to at least see the stage on the screens.
I wanted him to good so bad but he coudent hit any notes, time to retire
