Meatloaf - A Larger Than Life Performer

The first time that I heard "Paradise By The Dashboard Light" I was just a young boy. I really didn't completely understand all of the double entendres of the song. But even in my naivety, I knew that there was something extraordinary about it. I remember seeing a performance of the song on my parent's 25-inch console television. I can't quite remember the name of the show. But this was years before MTV, so I'm guessing that it was "America's Top 40" or something like that.

The song began with this infectious guitar riff and then transitioned into a familiar boogie-woogie progression. The vocals were delivered by this large man who looked like he could play offensive lineman for the Green Bay Packers. He wore this half-buttoned tuxedo shirt which would soon be saturated with sweat. The guy had a stage presence that was immediately noticeable. He traded off vocals with a young woman as the song progressed. The banter between the two of them pulled me even deeper into the song. 

The lyrics of the song told the story of a young man's intimate quest for the affection of a young woman. The entire episode took place inside of the man's car. He was willing to do or say almost anything to get his way. The woman was about to give in but there was a commitment that had to be agreed upon first. And this is when the guy began to have second thoughts....

As the guy contemplates his final decision, legendary baseball announcer Phil Rizzuto chimes in to give us the play-by-play. It was a brilliant segue!

After the woman continued to pressure the guy, he eventually responds with, "Let me sleep on it." I still laugh out loud every time I hear that line. It is pure comic genius!

In the end, the guy gives in and agrees to stay with the woman forever. And before long, he's "praying for the end of time". Another great line!

The lyrics along with the energetic performance was an instant masterpiece. I immediately wanted to watch it again. But this was in the pre-DVR days so I had to wait to catch it on the radio, And every time I've heard it since my boyhood days, I instinctively reach for the volume knob. It remains one of my all-time favorite songs. Although vastly different, I rank it right up there with "Bohemian Rhapsody" in regards to epic songwriting and storytelling.

Of course, the main performer of this classic song is none other than Marvin Lee Aday, who is better known to the world as Meatloaf. Whether he was debating with Ellen Foley in "Paradise" or he was playing a part in a film, his passion could always be felt. He was a bona fide rock star from day one.

Unfortunately, Meatloaf left us yesterday at the age of 74. He accomplished so much as an artist and performer. His 1977 "Bat Out Of Hell" album is one of the best selling albums of all time. He has appeared in many movies and TV shows. One of his earliest but most memorable roles was "Eddie" in the "Rocky Horror Picture Show". And, of course, he also played a rather interesting character in "Fight Club".

And here's something that a lot of music fans might not know...Meatloaf appeared on Ted Nugent's "Free For All" album, delivering lead vocals on several songs. He is universally admired and respected by everyone in the music world. But oddly enough, Meatloaf is not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. How is this even possible?? 

When you mention the word "meatloaf", I'll bet more people think of Mr. Aday than the actual food product. That's what I would call making an impact. Thanks for all of the memories, Meat. I will continue to reach for that volume knob every time I hear that familiar guitar intro....

May you rest in eternal peace....

kw