It was New Year’s Eve 1978……..The Record Press author was sixteen and short on New Year’s Eve party options……. But my New Year came in with a bang and a French kiss nevertheless!!

As I sat watching The Old Grey Whistle Test annual highlights show, a large obese American man staggered, almost out of breath,  onto the stage. Nothing could have prepared me for what was to follow…… Meatloaf hit my TV screen like a Bat out of Hell….. Initially I was convinced that a bedraggled Elvis Presley, who had died the year before, had risen from the grave like a vampire!! In fact when Meatloaf somewhat appropriately opened with “Bat out of Hell”, I was convinced I was witnessing the reincarnation of Elvis: the voice and stage presence being just as powerful.

I watched The Old Grey Whistle Test on BBC2 with increasing incredulity as this corpulent, sweating mass of a man ( I later learned was called Meatloaf ) belted out anthemic song after anthemic song: “Bat out of Hell”, “You took the words right out of my mouth”, “Paradise by the Dashboard Light”, “Let me sleep on it”, “Two out of three ain’t bad”…… I was spellbound and when Meatloaf started French kissing and fondling his sexy co singer, Ellen Foley, I was sold. Sex and great music in one package – what more could an adolescent teenager want?

New Year’s Eve 1978 was the day that I became a Meatloaf fan. A few days later I went out and bought my first picture disc vinyl record, with the iconic motorbike exploding from a grave: and nearly 40 years later Meatloaf’s Bat out of Hell later is proudly exhibited on the wall at the bottom of my stairs as a framed record ( See image below ). Bat out of Hell is one of the most complete albums in my collection. The song writing by Jim Steinman is perfect and the power of Meatloaf’s vocals is peerless.

Let’s celebrate Meatloaf with this Record Press Top  5 Best Meatloaf Songs –

Top  5 Best Meatloaf Songs

1)      Took the words right out of my mouth ( No33 1977 )

2)      Paradise by the Dashboard Light ( Non hit 1977 )

3)      Bat out of Hell  ( No15 1979 )

4)      I’d do anything for love ( No1 1993 )

5)      Dead Ringer for Love ( No5 1981 )

Which are your favourite Meatloaf songs? Let us know in the Reply Box below.

To get a favourite Meatloaf song as a framed vinyl single or framed CD single, personalised with a plaque, as a special, unique gift…… ORDER HERE……..www.myfirstrecord.co.uk/

Framed vinyl records, framed CDs, framed DVDs & framed book covers with a personalised plaque, make unique presents or original gifts for a special celebration  / special occasion ie a Wedding ( Wedding First Dance Song ), an Engagement Party ( Our Song ), a House Warming Party ( New Home ), a 21st, 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th Birthday ( How about the No1 song on the day of birth? ), a Silver, Ruby or Golden Wedding Anniversary, Father’s or Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day!!  THE PERFECT PERSONALISED PRESENT!!   ORDER HERE……..www.myfirstrecord.co.uk/