Judging by the events that transpired at his concert on Wednesday night, it would appear that larger-than-life singer Meat Loaf has quit music–and true to form, he’s done it in the most dramatic way possible, stopping a show midway through to announce his retirement from the rock life before leaving the gig in an ambulance.
Meat Loaf, the rock singer known for his larynx-trembling marathon performances, was less than halfway through his concert at the Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle upon Tyne. The opening bars of Paradise by the Dashboard Light were sounding when he came to an abrupt halt. “I can no longer continue,” he said. “This is the last show I may ever do in my life.” The man who has sung for decades that he would “run right into hell and back” appeared unable to contemplate a visit to Birmingham this evening. Newcastle appeared to have finished him off.
Thousands of despondent fans carried the news out of the arena. Phil Cammish, 23, from Newcastle, said that the singer had “started saying ‘This is my last ever gig, this is my last ever song. Thanks for 30 years, I can’t do this anymore’. From where we were sitting we could see him walk off stage and then a St John Ambulance crew ushered him away.”
Meat Loaf has apparently been getting weaker and weaker for a while, and he’s had an oxygen tank onstage with him for years, ever since he collapsed onstage at Wembley Stadium. Concertgoers said that he “seemed drunk” during the show and was slurring his words Amy Winehouse-style; meanwhile, his manager, who is no doubt flipping out, is saying that he’s just suffering from an illness, and will be back good as new after a few weeks of 24-hour-a-day bed rest. But try telling that to this guy, who one concertgoer spotted outside after the shortened show:
Outside the venue, Mr Cammish thought that he could hear the sound of a heart breaking. “I saw a man dressed up as Meat Loaf weeping on the steps,” he said.
Meat Loaf halts gig to say: I quit [Times Online]
The man who has sung for decades that he would “run right into hell and back” appeared unable to contemplate a visit to Birmingham this evening.
I knew Birmingham had some rough edges and all…
He’s had voice problems his whole career, hasn’t he? I guess this was bound to happen, although it’s really kind of sad, the way powerhouse vocalists eventually hit an age where they just can’t do it anymore. I’m kinda surprised he made it to 60. I hope he does just pack it in and stop singing, as much as I love Bat Out Of Hell I have no desire to hear any new albums and only a little desire to see him live. He should just focus on acting, he seems to enjoy it.
Man, I really missed out this year. He played at Chastain Park and I totally skipped it out of laziness. Just like I missed Steely Dan last year.
And Stevie Wonder.
Leaving a gig in an ambulance is very rock & roll…the only thing that can trump it is leaving in a hearse…
@Mick Kraut:
A UFO.
@GovernmentNames: Agreed on all counts.
My last viewing of “Mr. Loaf” (cf. New York Times) was on the American Idol finale – not this year’s, I think, but last year’s – where he was totally outsung by whatever amateur contestant was dueting with him. I seriously felt embarrassed for him. So, good for him, it’s probably time.
Next question: When’s Steven Tyler gonna hang it up? Talk about a style of singing that fundamentally incompatible with 60something vocal chords…
c’mon Meat Loaf. Why don’t you sleep on it, and give us an answer in the morning.
I’m disappointed no one else posted this obvious joke yet!
@Lucas Jensen: Ranking Steely Dan and Meat Loaf with Stevie Wonder? Hardly seems fair.
Then again all three do have something in common: Nobody’s wanted to hear any of their new music since 1978.
@Lucas Jensen: you don’t want to see anyone at Chastain Park. it’s a loathesome place that thoroughly prevents the possibility of a good concert experience. see: season ticketholders crowding up the front area, sitting at tables and eating snacks, while non-season ticketholders are forced to stand very far away from the stage. also, with people walking around passing out glowsticks, etc.. there’s a real “Six Flags” feel to it. I saw Morrissey there earlier this year and it was so awkward, he scheduled another show (which is something, considering how many he had to cancel).
scheduled another Atlanta show, I meant.
The only difference between The Loaf and “Born to Run”-era Brooce is that the Boss had an ass that looked amazing in tight pants.