The rock singer Meat Loaf had declared: “If I die, I die, but I’m not going to be controlled,” as he railed against Covid-19 restrictions just months before his death.
The 74-year-old had complained of “power-mad” coronavirus rule enforcers and called virus-preventing face masks a “nuisance” that “don’t stop you from getting Covid”.
The comments come amid unconfirmed reports that the rock legend, born Marvin Lee Aday, died after contracting coronavirus.
He had been preparing to release his first new material in years.
In an interview with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in August, Meat Loaf railed against people who enforce Covid restrictions, whom he likened to Nazis.
Discussing face masks, he said: “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.”
He shared an anecdote about travelling on a plane with a paper mask, when he was accosted for not wearing a face covering.
“The only good masks are N95,” he said. “But we got one, and it was so badly made, the straps were so short, they would go on a child.
“So we had to go on the airplane with the paper masks and then on the way back, we got a Nazi: ‘Get your mask on now!’ They’re power-mad now.”
The Texas-born singer added that the pandemic meant people were being controlled, adding: “But not me. If I die, I die, but I’m not going to be controlled.”
He is survived by his wife Deborah and daughters Pearl and Amanda.
In a statement, the singer’s family said: “Our hearts are broken to announce that the incomparable Meat Loaf passed away tonight”.
“His amazing career spanned six decades that saw him sell over 100 million albums worldwide and star in over 65 movies.
“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.”
His family said he had been surrounded by his family in his final moments.
A representative for Meat Loaf has not yet responded to a request for comment.
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