Caleb Johnson shared some thoughts on the passing of Meat Loaf. The rock singer died on Thursday (Jan 20) from complications of COVID-19.
The season 13 American Idol champ is doing his best to fill Meat’s shoes on the BAT tour, and he told TMZ that he’s confident the the legendary rock crooner wouldn’t want them to quit just because he’s no longer here.
Caleb and the Neverland Express will continue touring
Instead, Caleb promises that he and Meatloaf’s band, the Neverland Express will keep plugging along with their Music of Meat Loaf shows. Currently they’re planning some tributes to the man behind the music.
On American Idol, Caleb showed big voiced savvy on rock classics from Aerosmith and Led Zeppelin. No doubt due to his beefy sound and presence, Caleb got Meat Loaf’s blessing a few years back to become the lead singer for Neverland Express. And they’ve been touring since 2018, with Meat Loaf even joining them on stage last September during a tour stop in Nashville.
“These next shows coming up are going to be very hard and they’re gonna be difficult for not just me, but for everybody in the band,” Caleb told TMZ. “These guys and gals have toured with him for decades. The drummer was with him when “I Would Do Anything for Love” blew up and was…selling out Madison Square Garden, sharing these amazing moments with him.”
“Meat Loaf is irreplaceable”
Caleb continued, “It’s going to be bittersweet, but it’s also going to be very joyous and it’s going to be a celebration. And we absolutely will pay a tribute to him.”
“Meat Loaf is irreplaceable,” said Caleb. “He is a force of nature in his own right.” Caleb added, “I definitely feel pressure because he was such an amazing singer. The songs themselves are so difficult and so incredibly challenging–not just on a technical, but on an emotional level where you really are ripping your heart out.”
Caleb would love to star in a biopic of Meat Loaf’s life. “To me his is the definition of rock and roll because of all the ups and downs he’s had in his career. He’s always pushed through and come out on top.”
Watch Caleb’s interview with TMZ below.
Caleb paid tribute to Meatloaf on social media. “The rock world lost another one of its titans last night,” Caleb wrote. “Rest in power Meat Loaf. You inspired me to be larger than life and louder than everyone else ?FireBat#HeavenCanWait”
The rock world lost another one of its titans last night . Rest in power Meat Loaf????? You inspired me to be larger than life and louder than everyone else ???#HeavenCanWait pic.twitter.com/aUyHYvAhKW
— Caleb Perry Johnson (@CalebJohnson) January 21, 2022
