Legendary Rocker Meat Loaf’s Very Cool History of Performances in Maine
Editor's note: This article was written by a Townsquare Media Northern New England contributor and may contain the individual's views, opinions or personal experiences.
Legendary rocker Meat Loaf sadly passed away last night at 74 years old. Born Marvin Lee Aday, Meat Loaf's incredible career started in the 1960's and spanned for decades. It included hundreds of millions of albums sold, legendary tours and performances, and even a respected acting career.
Meat Loaf was truly one-of-a-kind. His passion could be felt through his music and his incredibly emotional performances. I'm certain he could have had a very successful career on Broadway. Meat Loaf was just an amazing talent.
That talent was witnessed in Maine quite a few times over the years. Meat Loaf played nearly every venue south of Bangor in this state, including two trips to the then-Cumberland County Civic Center. It's a great list for a major musical act.
Here's a quick look at Meat Loaf's touring history in the Pine Tree State, with a strong hat tip to setlist.fm, fandom.com, and WBLM listeners.
Meat Loaf In Maine
August 28, 1987, Oxford Plains Speedway, Oxford
20/20 Tour - with Blue Oyster Cult and Foghat
Talk about a rock show. The Speedway is mostly known for racing and hosting a Grateful Dead concert. However, this was one heck of a bill. Blue Oyster Cult is much more than a cowbell, and who doesn't love "Slow Ride"?
January 27, 1994, Cumberland County Civic Center, Portland
Everything Louder Tour
The first of two concerts in Maine in 1994. According to setlist.fm, Meat Loaf opened with "I'd Anything For Love". Talk about a confident man, opening with the most popular song in the world at the time.
June 13, 1987, The Ballpark at Old Orchard Beach
Everything Louder Tour
The second Maine show of 1994 gave the audience an amazing set and probably numerous mosquito bites.
August 6, 1996, Cumberland County Civic Center, Portland
Born to Rock Tour
Meat Loaf came back to the Cumberland County Civic Center in support of the "Welcome to the Neighbourhood " album. While not the most commercially successful, it was a major hit in England.
November 5, 1999, State Theater, Portland
Storytellers Tour
The VH1 Storytellers was all the rage back in the late 1990s. Numerous tours were branded in a similar way. Smaller venues with a more intimate setting.
August 29, 2002
Just Having Fun for the Summer Tour
While recording "Couldn't Have Said It Better" Meat Loaf did an enormous summer tour, which included a trip up to the state's capital.
This is a more than respectable list. Maine Meat Loaf fans had it pretty good over the years.
Rest in peace to a truly legend of the game.