A WOMAN from the North East who sang on one of Meat Loaf’s biggest hits has described the American star as ‘a big guy with a big heart’ following his death at the age of 74.

Lorraine Crosby said her career ‘took off’ after she joined him on the power ballad I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That).

The Newcastle-based vocalist is credited as Mrs Loud and the track was number one in 28 countries around the world after it was released in 1993.

Lorraine, now 61, who was managed by Jim Steinman who wrote the track, said: “I owe my career Meat Loaf. I happened to be in America when they were doing that song. They asked me to go in to do and that was that.

“We all knew it was going to be huge. There was no question it was going to go to number one, and it did, worldwide.”

Read more: Meat Loaf had complicated relationship with I’d Do Anything For Love

The Northern Echo:

Meat Loaf 

The family of American singer, born Marvin Lee Aday, said their “hearts are broken” as they announced his death at the age of 74.

A post on his official Facebook page said the rocker, who became a global star with hits like Bat Out Of Hell and Dead Ringer For Love, died on Thursday with his wife Deborah at his side.

It added that his daughters, Pearl and Amanda, and close friends were with him throughout the last 24 hours of his life.

His family said: “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.

“From his heart to your souls… don’t ever stop rocking!”

Meat Loaf’s 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.

He once said he supported Hartlepool United because he loved the story about people in the town hanging a monkey believing it to be a French spy.

In the early 2000s he was said to be considering buying a house in the North East harbour town.

Read more: Bat Out of Hell legend Meat Loaf wanted to live in Hartlepool

He was worried he had let his fans in the region down in October 2007 when he was forced to cancel at Newcastle Arena gig due to a sore throat.

The following June he took part in a charity penalty shoot out at St James’ Park with the highest bidders taking spot kicks at the singer.

He wore a Magpies’ top with his name on and penalty takers included England legend Peter Beardsley.

The idea was people could win tickets to his show, but in the end the star gave tickets away regardless of whether people scored and matched the £5,000 raised with a donation of his own to support a teenage cancer unit.

The Northern Echo:

Meat Loaf performing at Newcastle Arena in 2013

Lorraine, who works with Steve Steinman on a Meat Loaf tribute show, Anything For Love, said: “Meat Loaf was larger than life.

“He was very kind and considerate to me.

“Whenever he came to town he would always give me a couple of tickets for the show.

“I would see him and we would always say ‘hello’ afterwards.”

“He was like a father to me when I met him and he treated me like a daughter. He was a wonderful person to be around.

“He was a great man”

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