Meat Loaf's 'Paradise by the Dashboard Light' Collaborator Ellen Foley Looks Back on His Legacy (Exclusive)

Meat Loaf’s ‘Paradise by the Dashboard Light’ Collaborator Ellen Foley Looks Back on His Legacy (Exclusive)

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“He was always a star,” Ellen Foley says of her friend, the late Meat Loaf.

The legendary rock star, whose real name was Marvin Lee Aday, died Thursday at the age of 74. Foley, who was one of Meat Loaf’s longtime collaborators and worked with him on the hit single “Paradise by the Dashboard Light,” reflects on their friendship and looks back at his legacy.

“I finally got a text at 2:40 this morning, and all these things just flood back. Like the image of the first day I ever met him in a rehearsal hall when we were doing the National Lampoon show,” Foley tells ET’s Lauren Zima of hearing about Meat Loaf’s death. “And you know how they sort of say, ‘At the end of your life, your life flashes before you.’ Well, I think my Meat Loaf’s life sort of flashed before me and just how much life and how huge… they say larger than life [he was], and it’s true. So I guess where he is now, he has the biggest palette for his personality that he could possibly get.”

Foley and Meat Loaf were friends for years, frequently working with each other over the years. As for something that might surprise fans about the musician, Foley notes that “he was very lonely.”

“I think he had separation anxiety because his mother died young and he didn’t have a lot of support in his life growing up,” she recalls. “So I think he was a lonely person and needed a lot of love, and certainly got it from his fans and I think the women in his life. But he was a lonely person.”

Also known for his film like Fight Club, Focus, The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Wayne’s World, Foley touched on his many talents as an entertainer.

“He did a lot more movies than I ever I knew that he did, but I think he’s a very good actor because you weren’t seeing Meat Loaf,” she says. “A lot of times, if I like somebody who’s a star…and does acting, you say, ‘OK, well that’s them.’ But Meat was a good actor…Before I knew him, he had been in some Broadway shows and that’s where he and Jim Steinman, who created the music match, [met]. So he wasn’t up there playing Meat Loaf. I think he was a very good actor. He was able to sink into the roles.”

Ebet Roberts/Redferns

It had been a couple of years since Foley had spoken with Meat Loaf, but the last time she can recall being with him was “three or four years ago” while working on music together. “I was in the studio with him and it was really fun,” she remembers. “He had mellowed… and it was a lovely experience.”

As for what she thinks his legacy will be, she expresses, “I think his legacy is the music.”

“It’s the incredible [music]. I think it’s phenomenal that here I am talking to you after what… I can’t do math… it was 1977 [when ‘Paradise by the Dashboard Light’] came out. What is that 40, 50 years? I don’t even know, but I’m still here talking to you and I was just, like, this part of it.”

“He’s got this huge picture that sort of hovers over the planet and something that everybody knows, and has listened to and has had the experience of [listening to him],” she tenderly says. “Yeah, it’s the music.”

For more on Meat Loaf’s life and legacy, watch below.

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Meat Loaf Tributes Led By Singer Ellen Foley

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Fellow performers are paying tribute to Meat Loaf, the larger-than-life singer and actor who died on January 20, 2022 at age 74. The remembrances range from sadness to warmth to humor.

We start with Ellen Foley, who first gained prominence by singing “Paradise By the Dashboard Light” with Meat Loaf on Bat Out of Hell.

Beautiful, feisty joyful friendship. Meat and Jim brought me into the consciousness of the rock ‘n’ roll world. And through ‘Paradise by the Dashboard Light,’ I get to be a horny teenager for all time.

Meat: I will love you forever.

(Photo may be subject to copyright) pic.twitter.com/wI2uNzgNHd — Ellen Foley (@EllenFoleyNYC) January 21, 2022

The vaults of heaven will be ringing with rock. RIP Meatloaf. Give my best to Jim. – ALW — Andrew Lloyd Webber (@OfficialALW) January 21, 2022

From Alice Cooper: “Meat Loaf was one of the greatest voices in Rock N Roll, and he was certainly one of my closest friends in the business. He was really so much fun, truly fun to be around. He just felt like a best friend to everyone no matter how long it had been since you last saw him. We worked together many times over the years and he was always a force. He was a real theatrical character like I was so our shows went really well together.

“I remember when you would see his show, he would treat the audience almost like a Pentecostal Preacher and he was so powerful on stage. Working with Meat Loaf was one of the main reasons I wanted to do the movie Roadie in the first place – I wanted to watch him show off his acting chops. He plays the ultimate roadie on this quest to be the best in the world. But that’s what he did in life too – he always wanted to be the best at what he was doing… And I think he succeeded. There was nobody, and I mean nobody like Meat Loaf. His shoes can never be filled.”

Had So Much Fun With Meatloaf When We Did “Dead Ringer”. Am Very Sorry For His Family,Friends,& Fans. Am I imagining It, or Are Amazing Ppl In The Arts Dying every other Day⁉️

😢 — Cher (@cher) January 21, 2022

From Kasim Sulton, part of the lineup that performed on Bat Out of Hell, said, “Heartbreaking news to learn of the death of my dear friend Meat Loaf. I’m forever grateful for the years spent working with him on stage and in the recording studio.

“His ability to capture and entertain an audience was a gift. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Brian Harold May (@brianmayforreal)

R.I.P Meatloaf. Love and prayers to all his family and close friends. He once turned me upside down in a Chinese Restaurant in St Johns Wood. — Boy George (@BoyGeorge) January 21, 2022

Debbie and Meatloaf in a limo around 1979-80 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/ZuYIiHJj3a — Cʜʀɪs Sᴛᴇɪɴ (@chrissteinplays) January 21, 2022

I am shocked & saddened by the sudden death of Meat Loaf. He was, as you might imagine, a larger than life character with a voice & stage presence to match & is one of those rare people who truly was a one off talent and personality. Rest In Peace — Bonnie Tyler (@BonnieTOfficial) January 21, 2022

Meat Loaf had a starring role in the 1999 feature film, Fight Club. The film’s lead, Edward Norton, shared this memory.

I don’t keep pictures from films around home. But I have this one in my office in a frame bc it makes me smile every time. It’s engraved ‘Love and Hugs, Meat’ it sums him up well. He was so funny. And gentle. And warm to everyone. A sweet soul. RIP Meat Loaf pic.twitter.com/aMrIgXByEc — Edward Norton (@EdwardNorton) January 21, 2022

I hope paradise is as you remember it from the dashboard light, Meat Loaf. Had a fun time performing a sketch with him on Saturday Live way back in the last century – https://t.co/RxoH36OYHw — Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) January 21, 2022

From Bebe Buell: “I first met Meat when he was staying in Bearsville NY while Todd Rundgren was recording and producing his Bat Out Of Hell masterpiece. I was still living with Todd at that time and I was pregnant with Liv [Tyler].

“He was a really nice guy. He and Jim Steinman sort of turned Woodstock on its ear for the time they were in town and I nicknamed him ‘Mighty Meat’ after Mighty Mouse and he loved it! We shared a love of the paranormal and he believed there were ghosts at the Bearsville guest quarters where he was bunking. The house and studio Todd had in nearby Lake Hill wasn’t far away and one night he called me screaming to come get him! Todd was working so I threw on my coat and went to fetch him and bring him to our place on Mink Hollow Road. He said that some presence had come into his room and pulled his covers off! Well, I believed him because it had long been legend that the house was haunted.

“My heart is with those who loved him and now he’s with Jim Steinman where they can create more heavenly musical rarities… 💔💔💫”

The company of Jim Steinman’s Bat Out of Hell the Musical here in the UK is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of their great friend and producer, Meat Loaf. The beat is yours forever. pic.twitter.com/pmPfQAXbAC — Bat Out Of Hell (@BatTheMusical) January 21, 2022

Meat Loaf’s death was on the same day that Paul Stanley turned 70. He wrote, “He was one of a kind. Who could you compare him to?? No one. That’s how you define greatness.”

Meat Loaf. What a legend. Rest in peace – Rick x pic.twitter.com/oKfdfetUhh — Rick Astley (@rickastley) January 21, 2022

Three madmen living all in a row. @RealMeatLoaf, @Pat_Boone and Me. Who would ever believe that the 3 of us would have lived next door to each other. Rest well my friend, you will be sorely missed but never forgotten. #MeatLoaf — Ozzy Osbourne (@OzzyOsbourne) January 22, 2022

A gentle hearted powerhouse rockstar forever and ever. You were so kind. Your music will always be iconic. I’m sure you’re singing concerts in the great beyond. Rest In Peace sir. #MeatLoafRIP #Meatloaf pic.twitter.com/9twdJcOeP1 — ADAM LAMBERT (@adamlambert) January 21, 2022

Meat Loaf, (Marvin Lee Aday) passed away last night at the age of 74. Bob and I had the unique pleasure of performing with him, supporting the incredible “Bat Out of Hell” album. He was a uniquely brave and passionate man and a talent that I will miss. @RealMeatLoaf pic.twitter.com/KBGkpROTnb — Bruce Kulick (@brucekulick) January 21, 2022

Wow Meatloaf. His Bat Out Of Hell album blew our collective minds and is still one of best-sellers of all time. Passed away last night at 74.

What a guy, makes you cry.

And I did — Martha Quinn Ⓥ (@MarthaQuinn) January 21, 2022

#MeatLoaf 09/27/1947 – 01/20/2022

You were a sweetheart of a guy pic.twitter.com/AiYAs8guyC — Lenny Kravitz (@LennyKravitz) January 21, 2022

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Rizzuto struck platinum on Meat Loaf’s ‘78 hit

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“OK, here we go, we got a real pressure cooker going here. Two down, nobody on, no score, bottom of the ninth. There’s the windup and there it is, a line shot up the middle. Look at him go, this boy can really fly! He’s rounding first and really turning it on now. He’s not letting up at all, he’s gonna try for second.

Meat Loaf, ‘Bat Out of Hell’ rock superstar, dies at 74

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Meat Loaf, ‘Bat Out of Hell’ rock superstar, dies at 74

Meat Loaf, the heavyweight rock superstar loved by millions for his “Bat Out of Hell” album and for such theatrical, dark-hearted anthems as “Paradise By the Dashboard Light,” “Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad,” and “I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That),” has died. He was 74.

The singer born Marvin Lee Aday died Thursday, according to a family statement provided by his longtime agent Michael Greene.

“Our hearts are broken to announce that the incomparable Meat Loaf passed away tonight,” the statement said. “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… From his heart to your souls… don’t ever stop rocking!”

No cause or other details were given, but Aday had numerous health scares over the years.

“Bat Out of Hell,” his mega-selling collaboration with songwriter Jim Steinman and producer Todd Rundgren, came out in 1977 and made him one of the most recognizable performers in rock.

Fans fell hard for the roaring vocals of the long-haired, 250-plus pound singer and for the comic non-romance of the title track, “You Took The Words Right Out of My Mouth,” “Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad” and “Paradise By the Dashboard Light,” an operatic cautionary tale about going all the way.

“Paradise” was a duet with Ellen Foley that featured play-by-play from New York Yankees broadcaster Phil Rizzuto, who alleged — to much skepticism — that he was unaware of any alternate meanings to reaching third base and heading for home.

After a slow start and mixed reviews, “Bat Out of Hell” became one of the top-selling albums in history, with worldwide sales of more than 40 million copies. Meat Loaf wasn’t a consistent hit maker, especially after falling out for years with Steinman. But he maintained close ties with his fans through his manic live shows, social media and his many television, radio and film appearances, including “Fight Club” and cameos on “Glee” and “South Park.”

Friends and fans mourned his death on social media. “I hope paradise is as you remember it from the dashboard light, Meat Loaf,” actor Stephen Fry said on Twitter. Andrew Lloyd Webber tweeted: “The vaults of heaven will be ringing with rock.” And Adam Lambert called Meat Loaf: “A gentle hearted powerhouse rock star forever and ever. You were so kind. Your music will always be iconic.”

Meat Loaf’s biggest musical success after “Bat Out of Hell” was “Bat Out of Hell II: Back into Hell,” a 1993 reunion with Steinman that sold more than 15 million copies and featured the Grammy-winning single “I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That).”

Steinman died in April.

Aday’s other albums included “Bat Out of Hell III: The Monster is Loose,” “Hell in a Handbasket” and “Braver Than We Are.” His songs included “Dead Ringer for Love” with Cher and she shared on Twitter that she “had so much fun” on the duet. “Am very sorry for his family, friends and fans.”

A native of Dallas, Aday was the son of a school teacher who raised him on her own after divorcing his alcoholic father, a police officer. Aday was singing and acting in high school (Mick Jagger was an early favorite, so was Ethel Merman) and attended Lubbock Christian College and what is now the University of North Texas. Among his more notable childhood memories: Seeing John F. Kennedy arrive at Love Field in Dallas on Nov. 22, 1963, then learning the president had been assassinated and driving to Parkland Hospital and watching a bloodied Jackie Kennedy step out of a car.

He was still a teenager when his mother died and when he acquired the nickname Meat Loaf, the alleged origins of which range from his weight to a favorite recipe of his mother’s. He left for Los Angeles after college and was soon fronting the band Meat Loaf Soul. For years, he alternated between music and the stage, recording briefly for Motown, opening for such acts as the Who and the Grateful Dead and appearing in the Broadway production of “Hair.”

By the mid-1970s, he was playing the lobotomized biker Eddie in the theater and film versions of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” had served as an understudy for his friend John Belushi for the stage production of National Lampoon and had begun working with Steinman on “Bat Out of Hell.” The dense, pounding production was openly influenced by Wagner, Phil Spector and Bruce Springsteen, whose bandmates Roy Bittan and Max Weinberg played on the record. Rundgren initially thought of the album as a parody of Springsteen’s grandiose style.

Steinman had known Meat Loaf since the singer appeared in his 1973 musical “More Than You Deserve” and some of the songs on “Bat Out of Hell,” including “All Revved Up With No Place to Go,” were initially written for a planned stage show based on the story of Peter Pan. “Bat Out of Hell” took more than two years to find a taker as numerous record executives turned it down, including RCA’s Clive Davis, who disparaged Steinman’s songs and acknowledged that he had misjudged the singer: “The songs were coming over as very theatrical, and Meat Loaf, despite a powerful voice, just didn’t look like a star,” Davis wrote in his memoir, “The Soundtrack of My Life.”

With the help of another Springsteen sideman, Steve Van Zandt, “Bat Out of Hell” was acquired by Cleveland International, a subsidiary of Epic Records. The album made little impact until months after its release, when a concert video of the title track was aired on the British program the Old Grey Whistle Test. In the U.S., his connection to “Rocky Horror” helped when he convinced producer Lou Adler to use a video for “Paradise By the Dashboard Light” as a trailer for the cult movie. But Meat Loaf was so little known at first that he began his “Bat Out of Hell” tour in Chicago as the opening act for Cheap Trick, then one of the world’s hottest groups.

“I remember pulling up at the theater and it says, ‘TONIGHT: CHEAP TRICK, WITH MEAT LOAF.’ And I said to myself, ‘These people think we’re serving dinner,’” Meat Loaf explained in 2013 on the syndicated radio show “In the Studio.”

“And we walk out on stage and these people were such Cheap Trick fans they booed us from the start. They were getting up and giving us the finger. The first six rows stood up and screamed… When we finished, most of the boos had stopped and we were almost getting applause.”

He is survived by Deborah Gillespie, his wife since 2007, and by daughters Pearl and Amanda Aday.

Rock superstar Meat Loaf wore his ‘unhip’ status like a badge of honour

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THEY don’t make ’em like Meat Loaf any more.

In 2022, the next chart sensation is more likely be called Vegan Sausage Roll and they’d almost certainly be strumming an acoustic guitar.

2 Meat Loaf was over the top and celebrated being one of a kind Credit: Splash

Theatrical, bombastic, larger than life, ridiculous, Meat Loaf was possibly the most OTT act to scale pop’s dizziest heights.

Throughout his career he wore his unhip status like a badge of honour, defying the prevailing trends with his frilly shirts and attention-grabbing antics set in some mock-Gothic nightmare.

OK, he was a bit of a one-trick pony . . . Bat Out Of Hell, volumes I, II and III, remain the ultimate rock testament sticking to a winning formula. (The results were patchy at best when he veered away.)

Full throttle

The first was released in 1977 at the height of punk, the second in 1993 as Britpop ruled and the third in 2006 when Arctic Monkeys were looking good on the dancefloor.

When that unparalleled holler soared heavenwards from the depths of hell, we sang along, we drove a bit faster and we bought millions of records . . . no matter which era.

In today’s ultra-sensitive social media world, his macho performances may seem outdated and sexist but the women populating his songs like Dead Ringer (Cher) and Paradise By The Dashboard Light (Ellen Foley) were fierce and strong, more than a match for Meat Loaf, in fact.

As for I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That), his only UK No1, people continue to speculate on whether “that” refers to a sex act, but the singer always maintained the less salacious answer lies within the verses.

Initially, it was down to the mercurial Jim Steinman to provide the outrageous songs which came over like a turbo-charged cross between Andrew Lloyd Webber and Alice Cooper.

There was also a distinct debt to The Boss, Bruce Springsteen, who, in 1975, had released the ultimate road trip song Born To Run.

If Bruce romanticised the idea of escaping a humdrum existence, Bat Out Of Hell was altogether darker and the vehicle of choice was a beast of a motorbike on full throttle.

The gory lyrics find the doomed rider being thrown off . . . “And the last thing I see is my heart still beating/Breaking out of my body and flying away.”

And why not, along with the kitchen sink, throw in the sound of a revving bike?

The Shangri-Las had been there first with Leader Of The Pack, but who cares?

Crucial to the first Bat Out Of Hell album was genius producer Todd Rundgren, who sprinkled his magic dust on the recordings.

But Steinman and Rundgren needed Meat Loaf to unleash the monster within to deliver the astonishing, sweat-drenched performance. It’s hard to imagine anyone else coming close.

For certain, there has never been a dead ringer for Meat Loaf.

He was a true and already much missed one of a kind.

2 Meat Loaf recorded Bat Out Of Hell with producer Jim Steinman Credit: Getty