'He was a good friend of Knebworth' - Knebworth House pays tribute to Bat Out of Hell singer Meat Loaf

Hertfordshire's greatest rock venue has paid tribute to legendary American singer Meat Loaf, who has died aged 74.

Meat Loaf's death was revealed on the singer and actor's official Facebook page on Friday, January 21.

The Bat Out of Hell star played Knebworth House in June 1985 as a special guest of Deep Purple at their The Return of the Knebworth Fayre concert. 

Knebworth House posted a picture of the rock star on social media with the words: "We are sad to hear about the passing of Meat Loaf.

"He was a good friend of Knebworth and played Knebworth Park in 1985.

"He took interest in the House and even joined the Lytton Cobbold family for lunch. He will be remembered fondly."

Reminiscing about that concert, Knebworth House's Henry Lytton Cobbold said: "Knebworth 1985 was a long-awaited Deep Purple reunion.

"Meat Loaf was on the bill. He'd been touring in Australia and had broken his leg.

"It was raining quite hard that day and the stage was pretty slippery, so we were concerned when he went on stage that he'd be slipping over and breaking his other leg.

"But, of course, he powered through and gave another amazing Meat Loaf performance."

Henry added: "He was a good friend of Knebworth's. 

"He visited a couple of times. He was very interested in Knebworth House and came up to lunch and we had a lot of fun with him, so we are sad to hear the news today.

"We will miss Meat Loaf, a good friend of Knebworth's."

As well as recording Bat Out of Hell, one of the best-selling albums of all time, Meat Loaf's hits include You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth, Dead Ringer For Love, Two Out of Three Ain't Bad, Paradise by the Dashboard Light and UK number one smash I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That).

He also appeared in movies The Rocky Horror Picture Show as Eddie, Wayne's World and Fight Club with Brad Pitt.

A statement on the star's official Facebook page said: “Our hearts are broken to announce that the incomparable Meat Loaf passed away tonight with his wife Deborah by his side.

Meat Loaf with the Q Hero presented by Conker Spirit Award, during the Q Awards 2016 at the Roundhouse, London. The US singer has died aged 74. - Credit: PA Wire/PA Images

"Daughters Pearl and Amanda and close friends have been with him throughout the last 24 hours.

“His amazing career spanned six decades that saw him sell over 100 million albums worldwide and star in over 65 movies, including Fight Club, Focus, Rocky Horror Picture Show and Wayne’s World.

Meat Loaf performing on stage in 2005. - Credit: Eastern Daily Press

“Bat Out of Hell remains one of the top 10 selling albums of all time.

“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.

Screengrab taken from the official Facebook page of singer Meat Loaf announcing that the US singer, whose hits included Bat Out of Hell, has died at the age of 74. - Credit: PA

“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!”

Meat Loaf arriving for the 2008 Q Awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane. The singer, who played Knebworth in 1985, has died aged 74, a statement on his official Facebook page said. - Credit: PA