Geordie singer Lorraine Crosby has paid an emotional tribute to rock legend Meat Loaf who she famously duetted with in his worldwide hit 'I'd Do Anything For Love'.
The US singer, whose epic rock tracks often penned by Jim Steinman sold over 100 million albums worldwide, has died aged 74.
It was in 1993 that 'I'd Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That)' was released, the first single from the Bat Out Of Hell II: Back Into Hell album.
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Speaking today on BBC5 Live to Nicky Campbell, Lorraine said: "It's a sad day. He gave me a career with that song, God bless him.
"Without him I probably wouldn't have done much more, but I was lucky enough to do that."
Lorraine from Walker, Newcastle, who is still touring, had moved to LA in the 1990s with her partner Stuart Emerson where Steinman was their manager.
He secured them a contract with Meat Loaf's recording label MCA and while visiting the label's recording studios she was asked to provide 'guide vocals' for Meat Loaf, who was recording 'I'd Do Anything For Love'.
A guide or scratch vocal is recorded in the early stages of a song to give musicians an indication of the progression of the song and is generally replaced later by a more carefully performed and recorded lead vocal track.
However, while Cher, Melissa Etheridge and Bonnie Tyler were reportedly considered for the role, Lorraine's vocals stood out.
Lorraine said: "It's been a hell of a ride on that song. I never expected to do it. It was a demo when I first sang it and the next thing I know it's released.
"They called me up and said and that loads of people did it and weren't anywhere near as good as you so we've decide to use yours, is that OK?
"I nearly fell off my chair. It was incredible."
The song, released in August 1993, was a huge commercial success, becoming number one in 28 countries.
However, as Lorraine had recorded her part as guide vocals, she did not receive any payment for the recording. The credit "Mrs. Loud" was used on the album.
When Meat Loaf arrived in the North East on tour, she joined him on stage at Whitley Bay Ice Rink in December 1993 to perform the song.
Speaking about what it was like to work with Meat Loaf, she said: "He was fantastic. What a great man.
"He was lovely. He was like my father. I went and stayed in his house, he was a really great man.
"He was hilarious - him and Jim Steinman were a hell of a team."
