As a singer, he’s the voice behind Bat Out Of Hell — the fifth biggest selling album of all time. As an actor, he’s braved Shakespeare and working with David Fincher. But, on first speaking to Meat Loaf about his new album Hell In A Handbasket, (out in the UK on February 27) the most pressing question isn’t about any of those things…
Before we start, how do we address you?
Meat. I’ve been called that since I was a baby [laughs]. It’s not a stage name. Then, when I was about 13, I stepped on a coach’s foot and he screamed, “Get off my foot, you hunk of meatloaf!” And that was it. The only time that I’ve ever been called Mr Loaf was in a 1972 theatre review of As You Like It.
How does Hell In A Handbasket stand out from your previous material?
I have Chuck D rapping on a version of Tom Cochrane’s Mad Mad World. I already had Lil Jon on the record, and when I started to research the rap and hip-hop world, I began to appreciate the art form and the poetry involved, so I wanted a rap guy to do Mad Mad World. The producer said, “You want Chuck D. Your son-in-law is one of his best friends.” So I called Scotty [Ian], my son-in-law, who’s in Anthrax, and said, “I need Chuck D.” An email came saying, “Chuck meet Meat. Meat meet Chuck.”
You rocked in the Seventies and Eighties — you must have some crazy Ozzy Osbourne-style anecdotes?
I never was Steve Tyler or Ozzy. I tried drugs, but I don’t really drink. I get horrific stage fright, so I have a shot of tequila to calm my nerves, but that’s three hours before I go on. I despise the taste of beer. I don’t like vodka, don’t like Scotch. Champagne makes me want to gag. I’ve never been that clichéd rocker. Groupies cursed at me because I wouldn’t take them home. I’d go, “I can’t do it” and they’d go, “Well f*ck you then.” I don’t have many wild stories from the Seventies or Eighties. The Sixties, though, were crazy. I did acid and hung around everybody like Hendrix, Daltrey, Joplin, The Dead. A lot of those English bands would come over, you know, Bonzo Doo Da Doo Wop Diddy, or whatever.
And how do you relax now?
[Laughs] I don’t do anything. I listen to the news all day. I go back and forth between channels, and just shake my head going, “These people are whack!” [laughs]. NBC is all skewed to liberals, CBS is kind of split, MSNBC is real left-wing and Fox News is real right-wing. Then at night, I sit at my computer and play strategy games. I don’t remember the names — one is about knights and one is about gladiators.
What did you want to be first — actor or musician?
I never figured on music, I figured on acting. I was originally cast in One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest as Billy Bibbit, but there was a writer’s strike and I ended up doing The Rocky Horror Show instead. I had the time of my life in London. I made friends with a Pakistani taxi driver. He was a member of the Playboy Club and he took me. You could gamble there in those days. I went in with £40 and came out with £23,000 — I was rich, dude! £23,000! I went and bought an apartment.
Is there a group of fans who know you best as Bob from Fight Club?
That was sort of a departure for me — it was a better script [laughs]. David Fincher is such a great director. One of my agent’s clients is in The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. My agent went to the premiere in New York and he texted me, “I just saw David Fincher,” so I texted him back saying, “Go back and ask him when he’s going to hire me again.” David laughed and said I’m always on his list.
You’re known as someone who’s had a lot of near-death experiences — what was the closest you came?
I rolled into a river in a car. Got hit in the head by a shot put. I was on a commercial airliner landing in DC when the wing hit the runway. That was great [laughs]. I’ve had 18 concussions. I think I had a 19th, but I didn’t go to the doctor, so it’s not official.
Did you ever see ‘the light’? Did your life flash before your eyes?
Nah, I’ve never seen that stuff. But I believe there’s something when you die because there are ghosts. I’ve seen them, I’ve been around them. Some are just energy left behind, and some are intelligent. I’ve had conversations with them using a K2 meter, which lets them answer “yes” or “no”. I chased one across the room once. And when we were making Bat Out Of Hell I saw a blonde girl in a white dress. I went downstairs and told the guys, “There’s a groupie up on the balcony,” and they go, “How would she get up there?” Everybody went up and no one was there.
Finally, what exactly wouldn’t you do for love?
This was a huge discussion between me and [writer] Jim Steinman. Jim said people will never figure it out, and I said “Jim, do you really think audiences are stupid?” Obviously audiences are stupid, because I’ve been asked that question a million times. It’s the line before every chorus. Lines like “I’ll never stop dreaming of you every night of my life” or “I’ll never forget the way you feel right now”. I would do anything for love but I won’t do that. And so I add you to my stupid list [laughs].
Hell In A Handbasket is released on 27 February
Image: Rex
http://www.shortlist.com/entertainment/music/Meat-Loaf-Interview
Monday, February 27, 2012
Bob Seger, Gordon Lightfoot & Jim Steinman Enter Songwriters Hall Of Fame
by: Dave Swanson 3 days ago
Awards, awards…someone is always handing out awards! The Songwriters Hall of Fame has announced their inductees for 2012 and the list includes Bob Seger, Gordon Lightfoot and Jim Steinman.
Canadian born Lightfoot, known for a string of hits such as ‘Sundown,’ ‘If You Could Read My Mind,’ ‘Carefree Highway’ and ‘The Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald,’ began his career in a manner similar to that of many struggling young songwriters, with his songs becoming famous before he did. His early efforts were covered by the likes of The Grateful Dead, Elvis Presley and Peter Paul & Mary to name a few.
Bob Seger is no stranger to classic rockers. From his early days as a primal rock and roller in Detroit, making raw and gritty records, to his more polished arena filling million-sellers, Seger remains a staple on classic rock radio, with legions of fans. Hits like ‘Night Moves,’ ‘Turn The Page,’ ‘Old Time Rock And Roll,’ and ‘Hollywood Nights’ can be heard every day on a radio near you. Seger entered the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 2004.
Meat Loaf may have been “the man,” but Jim Steinman was the man behind the man. Steinman wrote the songs that became million sellers for Meat Loaf on the ‘Bat Out Of Hell’ album. His conceptual teen dramas, filled with Phil Spector-esque arrangements, were brought to life via Meatloaf’s Broadway-style delivery. Steinman would later work with a variety of artists ranging from Bonnie Tyler to Sisters Of Mercy.
Also being inducted are Don Schlitz (primarily a country writer) and the duo of Harvey Schmidt and Tom Jones (no not that Tom Jones, this duo gained fame from the 1960 musical ‘The Fantasticks,’ which is the longest running show in the history of musicals.)
The ceremony will be held Thursday, June 14 in New York City, with additional special award honorees announced soon. The Songwriters Hall Of Fame started in 1969 and annually pays tribute to a variety of writers in pop, rock, country, soul and more.
http://ultimateclassicrock.com/bob-seger-songwriters-hall-of-fame/
Awards, awards…someone is always handing out awards! The Songwriters Hall of Fame has announced their inductees for 2012 and the list includes Bob Seger, Gordon Lightfoot and Jim Steinman.
Canadian born Lightfoot, known for a string of hits such as ‘Sundown,’ ‘If You Could Read My Mind,’ ‘Carefree Highway’ and ‘The Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald,’ began his career in a manner similar to that of many struggling young songwriters, with his songs becoming famous before he did. His early efforts were covered by the likes of The Grateful Dead, Elvis Presley and Peter Paul & Mary to name a few.
Bob Seger is no stranger to classic rockers. From his early days as a primal rock and roller in Detroit, making raw and gritty records, to his more polished arena filling million-sellers, Seger remains a staple on classic rock radio, with legions of fans. Hits like ‘Night Moves,’ ‘Turn The Page,’ ‘Old Time Rock And Roll,’ and ‘Hollywood Nights’ can be heard every day on a radio near you. Seger entered the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 2004.
Meat Loaf may have been “the man,” but Jim Steinman was the man behind the man. Steinman wrote the songs that became million sellers for Meat Loaf on the ‘Bat Out Of Hell’ album. His conceptual teen dramas, filled with Phil Spector-esque arrangements, were brought to life via Meatloaf’s Broadway-style delivery. Steinman would later work with a variety of artists ranging from Bonnie Tyler to Sisters Of Mercy.
Also being inducted are Don Schlitz (primarily a country writer) and the duo of Harvey Schmidt and Tom Jones (no not that Tom Jones, this duo gained fame from the 1960 musical ‘The Fantasticks,’ which is the longest running show in the history of musicals.)
The ceremony will be held Thursday, June 14 in New York City, with additional special award honorees announced soon. The Songwriters Hall Of Fame started in 1969 and annually pays tribute to a variety of writers in pop, rock, country, soul and more.
http://ultimateclassicrock.com/bob-seger-songwriters-hall-of-fame/
Jim Steinman To Receive Songwriter Accolade
gbarton / News / 23/02/2012 10:31am
Jim Steinman is to be inducted into the Songwriters’ Hall Of Fame.
The 64-year-old Steinman – famed for his collaborations with Meat Loaf as well as… er… Bonnie Tyler – will receive his accolade at a ceremony in New York on June 14.
Steinman is best known, of course, for the hit songs I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That) and Total Eclipse Of The Heart – as well as the entire Bat Out Of Hell fandango.
Gordon Lightfoot, Bob Seger, Don Schlitz, Harvey Schmidt and Tom Jones – not to be confused with the Welsh warbler – will be honoured at the same event.
http://www.classicrockmagazine.com/news/jim-steinman-to-receive-songwriter-accolade/
Jim Steinman is to be inducted into the Songwriters’ Hall Of Fame.
The 64-year-old Steinman – famed for his collaborations with Meat Loaf as well as… er… Bonnie Tyler – will receive his accolade at a ceremony in New York on June 14.
Steinman is best known, of course, for the hit songs I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That) and Total Eclipse Of The Heart – as well as the entire Bat Out Of Hell fandango.
Gordon Lightfoot, Bob Seger, Don Schlitz, Harvey Schmidt and Tom Jones – not to be confused with the Welsh warbler – will be honoured at the same event.
http://www.classicrockmagazine.com/news/jim-steinman-to-receive-songwriter-accolade/
Meatloaf songwriter Jim Steinman to receive Fame honour
Record producer Jim Steinman, who has written songs for Meatloaf and Bonnie Tyler, is to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
He is best known for the hit songs I'd Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That) and Total Eclipse Of The Heart.
In 1997 he received the album of the year Grammy award for producing Celine Dion's record Falling Into You.
The 64-year-old will receive his accolade at a ceremony in New York on 14 June.
Gordon Lightfoot, Bob Seger, Don Schlitz, Harvey Schmidt and Tom Jones - not to be confused with the Welsh singer - will be honoured at the same event.
Chairman of the event, Jimmy Webb, said each inductee has created a "unique range of extraordinary contributions, a body of work that has resonated with audiences around the world, and greatly enriched our global culture".
Established in 1969, the Songwriters Hall of Fame celebrates composers and lyricists and has more than 300 inductees.
Lightfoot is largely credited with helping to define the folk-pop sound of the 1960s and 1970s.
His song credits include Early Morning Rain, Canadian Railroad Trilogy and Sundown and he has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry such as Bob Dylan and Elvis Presley.
Schlitz achieved award success with his first recorded song The Gambler, which was sung by Kenny Rogers.
In 1978 it was named country song of the year at the Grammys.
Since then he has gone from strength to strength, with a songbook that includes 24 number one hits.
As well as his songwriting credits, songwriter Seger has also achieved success with his Silver Bullet Band, who have sold more than 51 million records worldwide.
In 1981 he won a Grammy for his song Against The Wind in the best rock performance by a group or duo category.
Composer Schmidt and lyricist Jones are best known for penning the longest running musical in history, The Fantasticks.
The most well-known song from the show, Try To Remember, has been recorded by hundreds of artists over the decades, including Barbra Streisand and Placido Domingo.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-17130540
He is best known for the hit songs I'd Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That) and Total Eclipse Of The Heart.
In 1997 he received the album of the year Grammy award for producing Celine Dion's record Falling Into You.
The 64-year-old will receive his accolade at a ceremony in New York on 14 June.
Gordon Lightfoot, Bob Seger, Don Schlitz, Harvey Schmidt and Tom Jones - not to be confused with the Welsh singer - will be honoured at the same event.
Chairman of the event, Jimmy Webb, said each inductee has created a "unique range of extraordinary contributions, a body of work that has resonated with audiences around the world, and greatly enriched our global culture".
Established in 1969, the Songwriters Hall of Fame celebrates composers and lyricists and has more than 300 inductees.
Lightfoot is largely credited with helping to define the folk-pop sound of the 1960s and 1970s.
His song credits include Early Morning Rain, Canadian Railroad Trilogy and Sundown and he has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry such as Bob Dylan and Elvis Presley.
Schlitz achieved award success with his first recorded song The Gambler, which was sung by Kenny Rogers.
In 1978 it was named country song of the year at the Grammys.
Since then he has gone from strength to strength, with a songbook that includes 24 number one hits.
As well as his songwriting credits, songwriter Seger has also achieved success with his Silver Bullet Band, who have sold more than 51 million records worldwide.
In 1981 he won a Grammy for his song Against The Wind in the best rock performance by a group or duo category.
Composer Schmidt and lyricist Jones are best known for penning the longest running musical in history, The Fantasticks.
The most well-known song from the show, Try To Remember, has been recorded by hundreds of artists over the decades, including Barbra Streisand and Placido Domingo.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-17130540
Monday, September 26, 2011
Friday, August 12, 2011
Meat Loaf Enlists Lil Jon, Chuck D for Upcoming 'Hell'-ish Album
by Gary Graff, Detroit
August 01, 2011 6:35 EDT
As he continues to tour in support of his 2010 album "Hang Cool Teddy Bear" -- and to commemorate his 40th anniversary as a recording artist -- Meat Loaf has three new projects in the works, including a studio album that will feature rappers Chuck D from Public Enemy and Lil Jon.
"Ever since we started with ('Hang Cool Teddy Bear' producer) Rob Cavallo, from that minute on I've been back in the music business and having a really, really great time -- which I haven't had for five years before that," Meat Loaf, who's returned to Sony Music -- which released three of his albums, including 1977's multi-platinum "Bat Out of Hell" -- tells Billboard.com.
First up will be "Hell in a Handbasket," due out in February (except for Australia and New Zealand) and an album Meat Loaf calls "the most personal record I've ever made. It's about how I feel the world's gone to hell in a handbasket. It's really the first record that I've ever put out about how I feel about life and how I feel about what's going on at the moment." Meat Loaf says the album is finished -- no release date has yet been established -- and "sounds different," although he adds that "it's rock, definitely rock," produced by Paul Crook, who's part of his current touring band, with Cavallo consulting.
As for the rappers, Meat Loaf met Lil Jon when the two appeared on "Celebrity Apprentice" this past spring, while Chuck D came through Anthrax's Scott Ian, who is Meat Loaf's son-in-law. "(D) was going to do one thing, and he came back and did something else and we flipped out," Meat Loaf reports.
Meat Loaf also has about nine songs towards another studio album, who's title we won't reveal. "We've started to do drum tracks on those songs, and we'll get more in pretty soon," he says. Meanwhile he's planning a 2012 Christmas album called "Hot Holidays" that will feature guests such as Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire "and different rock people and some actors...After I played Sony ('Hell in a Hand Basket') I said, 'Look, I've got two other records. I've got a Christmas record and I've got another record,' and they said, 'Well, get us the Christmas record and start working on the other one.' So there you go -- I'll just keep recording."
Meat Loaf -- whose first album, "Stoney & Meatloaf" with current Bob Seger backup singer Shaun Murphy, came out in 1971 on Motown's Rare Earth label -- says he's also keeping an eye out for further acting opportunities, although at this point "I'm more focused on the music than I've been in a long time." But he's also happy to be name-checked in an new TV ad for Allstate Insurance. "I liked it. I think it's funny," he notes. "They showed it to me, and they paid me for (use of) my picture. It's autographed, by the way; it goes by so fast you can't really read it, but it says, 'To the professor...' It's pretty cool."
Meat Loaf is recording in-between tour dates, which go into early September in the U.S. He's also booked a run of Australia and New Zealand for for October, including a spot on the A Day on the Green festival Oct. 8 in Hunter Valley. "Hell in a Handbasket" will be released in those countries to coincide with the tour.
http://www.billboard.com/news/meat-loaf-enlists-lil-jon-chuck-d-for-upcoming-1005299992.story#/news/meat-loaf-enlists-lil-jon-chuck-d-for-upcoming-1005299992.story
August 01, 2011 6:35 EDT
As he continues to tour in support of his 2010 album "Hang Cool Teddy Bear" -- and to commemorate his 40th anniversary as a recording artist -- Meat Loaf has three new projects in the works, including a studio album that will feature rappers Chuck D from Public Enemy and Lil Jon.
"Ever since we started with ('Hang Cool Teddy Bear' producer) Rob Cavallo, from that minute on I've been back in the music business and having a really, really great time -- which I haven't had for five years before that," Meat Loaf, who's returned to Sony Music -- which released three of his albums, including 1977's multi-platinum "Bat Out of Hell" -- tells Billboard.com.
First up will be "Hell in a Handbasket," due out in February (except for Australia and New Zealand) and an album Meat Loaf calls "the most personal record I've ever made. It's about how I feel the world's gone to hell in a handbasket. It's really the first record that I've ever put out about how I feel about life and how I feel about what's going on at the moment." Meat Loaf says the album is finished -- no release date has yet been established -- and "sounds different," although he adds that "it's rock, definitely rock," produced by Paul Crook, who's part of his current touring band, with Cavallo consulting.
As for the rappers, Meat Loaf met Lil Jon when the two appeared on "Celebrity Apprentice" this past spring, while Chuck D came through Anthrax's Scott Ian, who is Meat Loaf's son-in-law. "(D) was going to do one thing, and he came back and did something else and we flipped out," Meat Loaf reports.
Meat Loaf also has about nine songs towards another studio album, who's title we won't reveal. "We've started to do drum tracks on those songs, and we'll get more in pretty soon," he says. Meanwhile he's planning a 2012 Christmas album called "Hot Holidays" that will feature guests such as Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire "and different rock people and some actors...After I played Sony ('Hell in a Hand Basket') I said, 'Look, I've got two other records. I've got a Christmas record and I've got another record,' and they said, 'Well, get us the Christmas record and start working on the other one.' So there you go -- I'll just keep recording."
Meat Loaf -- whose first album, "Stoney & Meatloaf" with current Bob Seger backup singer Shaun Murphy, came out in 1971 on Motown's Rare Earth label -- says he's also keeping an eye out for further acting opportunities, although at this point "I'm more focused on the music than I've been in a long time." But he's also happy to be name-checked in an new TV ad for Allstate Insurance. "I liked it. I think it's funny," he notes. "They showed it to me, and they paid me for (use of) my picture. It's autographed, by the way; it goes by so fast you can't really read it, but it says, 'To the professor...' It's pretty cool."
Meat Loaf is recording in-between tour dates, which go into early September in the U.S. He's also booked a run of Australia and New Zealand for for October, including a spot on the A Day on the Green festival Oct. 8 in Hunter Valley. "Hell in a Handbasket" will be released in those countries to coincide with the tour.
http://www.billboard.com/news/meat-loaf-enlists-lil-jon-chuck-d-for-upcoming-1005299992.story#/news/meat-loaf-enlists-lil-jon-chuck-d-for-upcoming-1005299992.story
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Love Never Dies (but the West End musical has)
By Rob Sharp, Arts Correspondent
Saturday, 18 June 2011
Andrew Lloyd Webber's sequel to Phantom of the Opera, Love Never Dies, which has divided fans and critics throughout its brief history, will close in London's West End in August after just under 18 months playing at the Adelphi Theatre.
A spokesperson for the production confirmed that the show would close after it was revealed yesterday that another show, One Man, Two Guvnors, currently playing at the National Theatre, would transfer to the Adelphi from November.
The spokesperson said: "I can confirm that the show's run will end on 27 August." A spokesperson for Lord Lloyd-Webber's Really Useful Group refused to comment further.
The lavish production, which cost £5.5m, has had a troubled run, not least because of Phantom fans objecting to the production through a Facebook group and a website, loveshoulddie.com. The group has branded the show a "train wreck" and a bastardisation of the original early 20th century story by the French writer Gaston Leroux, subsequently made into a 1986 hit musical composed by Lord Lloyd Webber with lyrics by Charles Hart.
According to The Stage theatre critic Mark Shenton, the show, which stars Ramin Karimloo as the phantom and is set 10 years after the original story, "suffered from a series of production miscalculations". These included Lord Lloyd-Webber's "hubristic" plans to open the show simultaneously on three continents, something which never materialised.
Lord Lloyd-Webber later admitted it was a mistake to continue with the show in the wake of his cancer diagnosis in October 2009. "I had a unique issue because I got cancer in the middle of all of it," he said this month. "With hindsight we should have said, 'Let's put the whole thing on hold until I'm 100 per cent again.' Frankly I wasn't feeling very well."
In the same interview the impresario admitted that the show suffered from the lack of an outside producer to help steer its progress.
The show received mixed reviews when it opened last year, with one critic branding it "Paint Never Dries". In November it was postponed for changes to be made, and it bounced back from early box-office jitters to pick up seven nominations at the Olivier Awards this year.
In October it was reported that a planned Broadway run of the show was "indefinitely postponed". In May an Australian version of the show opened to more positive reviews than the original.
Shenton said: "I can hear the gloating already from the mad 'Love Should Die' lobby of Love Never Dies detractors, who have run their disgraceful campaign of intimidation and aggravation, lies and deceit around the show since before it even opened. But now they are finally getting their wish."
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/theatre-dance/news/love-never-dies-but-the-west-end-musical-has-2299298.html
Saturday, 18 June 2011
Andrew Lloyd Webber's sequel to Phantom of the Opera, Love Never Dies, which has divided fans and critics throughout its brief history, will close in London's West End in August after just under 18 months playing at the Adelphi Theatre.
A spokesperson for the production confirmed that the show would close after it was revealed yesterday that another show, One Man, Two Guvnors, currently playing at the National Theatre, would transfer to the Adelphi from November.
The spokesperson said: "I can confirm that the show's run will end on 27 August." A spokesperson for Lord Lloyd-Webber's Really Useful Group refused to comment further.
The lavish production, which cost £5.5m, has had a troubled run, not least because of Phantom fans objecting to the production through a Facebook group and a website, loveshoulddie.com. The group has branded the show a "train wreck" and a bastardisation of the original early 20th century story by the French writer Gaston Leroux, subsequently made into a 1986 hit musical composed by Lord Lloyd Webber with lyrics by Charles Hart.
According to The Stage theatre critic Mark Shenton, the show, which stars Ramin Karimloo as the phantom and is set 10 years after the original story, "suffered from a series of production miscalculations". These included Lord Lloyd-Webber's "hubristic" plans to open the show simultaneously on three continents, something which never materialised.
Lord Lloyd-Webber later admitted it was a mistake to continue with the show in the wake of his cancer diagnosis in October 2009. "I had a unique issue because I got cancer in the middle of all of it," he said this month. "With hindsight we should have said, 'Let's put the whole thing on hold until I'm 100 per cent again.' Frankly I wasn't feeling very well."
In the same interview the impresario admitted that the show suffered from the lack of an outside producer to help steer its progress.
The show received mixed reviews when it opened last year, with one critic branding it "Paint Never Dries". In November it was postponed for changes to be made, and it bounced back from early box-office jitters to pick up seven nominations at the Olivier Awards this year.
In October it was reported that a planned Broadway run of the show was "indefinitely postponed". In May an Australian version of the show opened to more positive reviews than the original.
Shenton said: "I can hear the gloating already from the mad 'Love Should Die' lobby of Love Never Dies detractors, who have run their disgraceful campaign of intimidation and aggravation, lies and deceit around the show since before it even opened. But now they are finally getting their wish."
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/theatre-dance/news/love-never-dies-but-the-west-end-musical-has-2299298.html
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