'Bat Out Of Hell: The Musical' cast pays tribute to Meat Loaf

Watch: The Bat out of Hell cast pay tribute to Meat Loaf

The cast of the musical based on Meat Loaf’s iconic Bat Out Of Hell album honoured him during the show’s curtain call over the weekend.

On Friday, the actors vowed to “keep the flame of rock and roll burning” for the rocker, who died on 20 January, aged 74.

The show, which took place in front of a sold-out audience at the New Wimbledon Theatre, was performed in his memory.

In a joint speech after the performance, lead actors Rob Fowler and Sharon Sexton, who plays the characters Falco and Sloane, respectively, told the audience: “He was a man with a big heart, a bigger personality and the iconic voice that made [composer] Jim Steinman’s music fly.

“He was a huge inspiration to Jim, a huge inspiration to this show and a huge inspiration to all of you and all of us.

“We’ve dedicated this to his honour and we promise you, Meat, wherever you are, that we are going to keep the flame of rock and roll burning.”

They ended the speech to thunderous applause as they shouted: “Meat Loaf, we love you, and may the beat be yours forever.”

Read more: Meat Loaf's "covid" death sparks heated Twitter debate over vaccines

The musical, which is currently on a UK tour, is inspired by Peter Pan, but set in a post-apocalyptic Manhattan. It features many of Meat Loaf’s most beloved songs.

Actress Sexton had told the PA news agency before the show: “I think the music will never be the same again… And so I think as soon as the music chords starts tonight, it’s going to be incredibly moving.”

She added that the US rocker had been ‘warm, open and supportive’ of the cast when they met, adding she feels ‘shocked and very sad’ following his death.

A statement from the production said: “The company of Jim Steinman’s Bat Out Of Hell The Musical here in the UK is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of their great friend and producer, Meat Loaf.

“He was with us when the show first launched in London at the Coliseum and in Manchester at the Opera House back in 2016 and then came to the show at the Dominion Theatre in London on July 25 2018.”

The music legend’s death has led to tributes from fans and fellow musicians globally. From Cher to Boy George and Andrew Lloyd-Webber, many have also shared their shock at his passing at only 74.

TMZ reported that the rock veteran, born Michael Lee Aday, died of COVID-19 after falling ill earlier in the same week.

He enjoyed a successful career spanning six decades and was one of best selling musicians of all time with millions of albums sold.

The Bat Out Of Hell musical will be playing at the New Wimbledon Theatre until 29 January, and will then continue its tour of the UK and Ireland.