MEAT Loaf said he was “scared to death” of Covid but would “rather die” than face lockdown – just months before reportedly dying from the virus.
The singing sensation, 74, passed away on Thursday night after it’s reported he cancelled a business dinner earlier this week as he fell “seriously ill” with Covid.
It is unclear whether Meat Loaf was vaccinated – but just months before his death he declared “if I die, I die – I’m not going to be controlled” when discussing the virus.
In the same interview – published in August last year after people worldwide had endured months of draconian rules and lockdowns – he also labelled face masks a “nuisance” and said he was happy to “hug people in the middle of Covid.
“You’re not afraid (of Covid)?,” a reporter from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette asked the rocker.
He replied: “Oh, I’m scared to death! You kidding me? But I’m sorry, I understood stopping life for a little while, but they cannot continue to stop life because of politics. And right now they’re stopping because of politics.
“And on CNN last night, it finally came out that the masks we’re all wearing are useless. But I’ve known that for six months. They don’t do anything. They don’t stop you from getting Covid. They’re just a nuisance and make your nose itch and make it so you can’t breathe.”
After the interviewer said: “We’re being controlled by everybody”, he replied: “Yeah, I know. But not me. If I die, I die, but I’m not going to be controlled.”
Sources have reportedly told TMZ the singer cancelled a business dinner for a new TV show he was due to be part of earlier this week after becoming seriously ill with Covid.
The outlet reported that he had been outspoken on Covid, claiming he had rallied against vaccine mandates.
Read our Meat Loaf live blog for the latest updates on his death
In May, he posted a clip of Eric Clapton and Van Morrison’s anti-lockdown song, Stand & Deliver, writing, “Listen and Learn.”
Meat Loaf also previously branded Covid “a drag” in a post from October 2020, where he wrote: “Hello everyone, nothing going on at all. That’s a drag. Covid is a drag. Where I live things are open and thriving. The entertainment world hubs are in lockdown. WHY?”
But months prior, he had urged his fans to “be caring and considering” as he warned “everyone is at risk” from the virus.
It comes as:
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- Video shows moment Meat Loaf collapsed on stage
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Posting in March 2020, he said: “We all need to come together to fight the outbreak of this deadly virus. So, please know how to protect yourself and others around you.”
The rock legend was about to start filming a dating series – due to air on ITV – named after his hit song I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That).
Meat Loaf’s official cause of death has not yet been confirmed.
In his tragic last final post to Facebook, Meat Loaf revealed he was “hoping” the TV show would start in March.
But in a heartbreaking tribute posted on the star’s official Facebook page, it was revealed he passed away on Thursday night with wife Deborah Gillespie by his side.
‘OUR HEARTS ARE BROKEN’
The statement reads: “Our hearts are broken to announce that the incomparable Meat Loaf passed away tonight with his wife Deborah by his side.
“Daughters Pearl and Amanda and close friends have been with him throughout the last 24 hours.
“His amazing career spanned 6 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. 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.
“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!”
The rock legend battled health issues throughout his life and repeatedly had to squash death rumours as panicked fans saw him faint while performing four times over the years.
He suffered from health issues including asthma, as well as a medical condition called Wolff-Parkinson-White, which causes an irregular heartbeat, and underwent surgery in 2003 in London.
