Bonnie Tyler paid tribute toMeat Loafin the wake of his death at age 74, calling her longtime collaborator a “one-off talent and personality.”
Tyler, however, corrected the record in July, telling anAustralian radio showthat that’s not how it happened.
“It was supposed to be being written for Meat Loaf, right, but he lost his voice, he also fell out with Jim Steinman at that time — they got back together in the end, but at that time they fell out,” Tyler recalled. “But Jim Steinman started writing that song for a musical, for vampires believe it or, and then he didn’t do anything else about it.”
Bonnie Tyler and Meat Loaf.Adam Head/Newspix/Getty Images; Gabe Ginsberg/FilmMagic
“Meat Loaf was gutted, I think, because he always used to say, ‘That song was meant for me!'” she said with a laugh. “I’d say, ‘Tough! Tough! I got it! It’s miiine.'”
The track went on to be the biggest hit of Tyler’s career, reaching No. 1 on theBillboardHot 100, where it stayedfor four weeks. (For what it’s worth, Steinmantold PEOPLE in 1993that he wrote the song “to be a showpiece for [Tyler’s] voice.”
Meat Loaf.Pete Still/Redferns
There was no bad blood between Tyler and Meat Loaf, however, as they later teamed up on a dual greatest hits compilation album calledHeaven & Hell. Though the album — which mainly featured Steinman compositions — was released in 1989, it was a long journey to success, and didn’t chart until 1994, and was not certified Platinum until 2013, according to the 2017 bookEverything Louder Than Everything Else: Meat Loaf Guide.
It continued: “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!
source: people.com
