Inside Meat Loaf’s love story with first wife Leslie Aday who he proposed to with a whole SALMON after meeting at studio
LATE-ROCK legend Meat Loaf was known for his flamboyant performances on stage, yet his vivid personality was showcased off-stage with his unorthodox proposal to his first wife.
In the late 1970s, The rocker, born Marvin Lee Aday, married his first wife Leslie Aday, a secretary at the Bearsville Records studio, where Meat Loaf recorded his album Bat out of Hell.
Musician Todd Rundgren recalled Meat Loaf's "special" proposal to Aday at a local cafe in Bearsville, New York.
"One of the things I look most fondly on is unrelated actually to the record. It was Meat Loaf proposing to his wife," Rundgren told Billboard.
"We were up in Bearsville, there was a secretary at Bearsville Records, Leslie, and Meat Loaf kind of fell for her. She was a pretty girl, and he fell for her, and I remember when he kind of like did his first big move on her."
The former Utopia band member continued: "We were in the Bear Cafe and he had a package that he had brought up from New York and presented it to her, and it was a giant whole salmon.
"And it was as if a bear had proposed to his mate. Instead of a ring, a salmon."
Meat Loaf's bizarre courtship worked as the two were married within a month and the rocker adopted his new wife's daughter, Pearl.
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Their wedding was almost as wild as the proposal.
It took place at Rundgren's house, with the ceremony performed by a priest who, according to Rundgren, "was so old that he couldn't tell the difference between them. So he looked at Leslie and said, 'Do you Marvin, take Leslie as your lawful wedded wife?'"
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The couple welcomed their second daughter, Amanda, in 1981.
Meat Loaf and Aday eventually divorced in 2001.
MEAT LOAF DIES AFTER 'CATCHING COVID'
Meat Loaf died on Thursday at the age of 74 - reportedly after catching Covid-19.
Sources reportedly told TMZ the singer canceled a business dinner for a new TV show he was due to be part of earlier this week after becoming 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 Covid.
In an interview with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette published last August, he also labeled face masks a "nuisance".
"I'm sorry, I understood stopping life for a little while, but they cannot continue to stop life because of politics," he told the outlet.
"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."
He 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.
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."
'DON'T EVER STOP ROCKING!'
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.
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.
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"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!"
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Meat Loaf was a rock and roll icon who is known for his hit songs and memorable roles in blockbuster films. The legendary singer passed away on Thursday, January 20, 2022. Get to know more about the rock icon:
- Meet Meat Loaf's wife Deborah Gillespie
- Was Meat Loaf vaccinated?
- Who is Meat Loaf's ex-wife Leslie Aday?
- Who are Meat Loaf's children Pearl and Amanda Aday?
- What was Meat Loaf's cause of death?
- What was the meaning of Meat Loaf's song I'd Do Anything for Love?
- Who did Meat Loaf play in Fight Club?
- Did Meat Loaf star in The Rocky Horror Picture Show?
- What was Meat Loaf's real name?
- What was Meat Loaf's net worth?
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