View Full Version : Meat in Observer Mag
Mike Piercy
07 Dec 2003, 13:53
Meat is featured in the Observer magazine today (Sunday). Lynn Barber has written a 4 page article BAT MAN which contains pictures of Meat throughout the years, refers to his health and contains a mix of interview and history.
You could say it was a mixed review, but nevetheless good too keep.
Mike
Thanx for letting us know Mike :)
If anyone wants to see it who couldn't get a copy i've scanned it and added it to my website.
www.debsmeatyworld.co.uk
direct link:
http://www.pumpkinpie.coldpizza.co.uk/MeatLoaf/meatmags/observer_magazine_7.12.03.htm
Deb
sherrie87
07 Dec 2003, 20:19
Deb,
Thanks for posting it, but I have a question- when I click on it, it's at a readable size for about 10 seconds, then switches to a smaller version that is completely illegible. Any suggestions of what I may be doing wrong? :roll:
Sherrie
Hi Sherrie
It's something windows does. If you go to bottom right of picture and click around it will come up with a magnifine glass type thing, if you click on that it'll go bigger again.
Hope this helps
Deb
martha_mae
07 Dec 2003, 20:57
Hi Mike thanks for letting us know
& Sultonfan for posting the link
Thanx for letting us know Mike :)
If anyone wants to see it who couldn't get a copy i've scanned it and added it to my website.
www.debsmeatyworld.co.uk
direct link:
http://www.pumpkinpie.coldpizza.co.uk/MeatLoaf/meatmags/observer_magazine_7.12.03.htm
Deb
Thanks Deb :)
Vicki
mellis107
07 Dec 2003, 22:05
Dunno why, but that article made me a bit sad.... :(
mike
DIZZY DRUMMER
07 Dec 2003, 22:14
Nice large picture of Meat, but I'm with u - Mellis107 - the article itself made me feel sad, and slightly defensive about Meat. Don't know why, interviewer seemed quite negative (not what Meat needs now) :?
The way i read it - don't know if you guys agree - but the interviewer seemed to have the upmost respect for meats music and career but didn't seem to like the man himself very much. He seemed very cynical about meats sense of humour (regularly referring back to his 'lies') and made several (i thought unkind) remarks about his age, appearance and so on. What was expected after what the mans just been through!!!!!!
Anyway. i've said my piece now, thanks for listening.
The way i read it - don't know if you guys agree - but the interviewer seemed to have the upmost respect for meats music and career but didn't seem to like the man himself very much. He seemed very cynical about meats sense of humour (regularly referring back to his 'lies') and made several (i thought unkind) remarks about his age, appearance and so on. What was expected after what the mans just been through!!!!!!
Anyway. i've said my piece now, thanks for listening.
Yes .. I absolutely agree with you Lauren.
Vicki
Thanks very much for the link. On the whole though, this article made me not just sad, but angry - from little things like the sidebar Steinman quote out of context, to the relentless references to the author's belief that Meat is over the hill ("grumpy old codger"?? Give me a break!) to outlandish statements like Meat can only sing "when he feels like it." What does that mean?? And the harping on the age thing again. How come the ages of lots of female actresses are totally unknown and no one seems to care, but every journalist that comes along feels the need to devil Meat about it ad nauseum. OK my blood pressure is getting the better of me.
-Kathy
ChrissybabezNI
08 Dec 2003, 03:32
I agree that article had quite a bit of negativity
Well, they say any press is good press and it was a quite lengthy article.
While obviously not written by a fan of Meat, it didn't particularly bother me. The overall tone could have been different and more positive towards Meat, but the author wrote what they deemed the truth. At that point Meat probably was not fully recovered from his health problems. She could have cut him a break. However, I found some of it an interesting glimpse of the human side of Meat.
What I really didn't care for was her quoting John Aizlewood. His review of Wembley was CRAP. IMHO He didn't even know that Kasim was set up to open and implied he was sent out as a last minute change to buy Meat more time. Hey Johnny, do your homework :roll: when the stool is center stage, Kasim's opening! Aizlewood's review riled me much more than this article.
Thanks for sharing Mike and Deb. :D
T
meatfan
08 Dec 2003, 04:53
Debs,
You are a STAR! :D
Heather.
rockfenris2005
08 Dec 2003, 05:55
I could immediately relate with his comments about him not being as grandiose as he is on television. I had that experience in Melbourne, and it was frightening to see such a frail man, instead of the giant I had always envisioned. It's strange, but he's still a great soul.
DIZZY DRUMMER
08 Dec 2003, 08:44
Who wouldn't be a "grumpy old codger" after what Meat has been through over the last few months. :cry:
Meat has run himself into the ground to do this last world tour. 17th at Wembley must have been awful for him and the fans there. give him a break :evil:
I personally think that there was no need to keep going on about Meat's size and appearance. He has always been big, we know that, but we love him anyway. It doesn't matter what someone looks like on the outside, it's what's on the inside that counts :!: :!: :!:
Sorry for the moan - but had to get it off my chest. :!:
The article is not negative at all. The writer is jut confues about the way he is on stage and the way he is in real life. On stage he seems 20 years younger. In real life its just an old man. I am just wondering myself about it all the time.
evil nickname
08 Dec 2003, 12:21
Thanks for posting it, but I have a question- when I click on it, it's at a readable size for about 10 seconds, then switches to a smaller version that is completely illegible. Any suggestions of what I may be doing wrong? :roll:
It's not actually a Windows thing, it's more an Internet Explorer thing: go to Tools > Internet Options > Advanced, and scroll down to the multimedia section. Just uncheck 'Enable Automatic Image Resizing' and all images stay their original size.
On the other hand, if you hover with your mouse over the image, after some seconds a big ugly button should appear in the lower left-hand corner. Push that one to get back to the original size.
It's not actually a Windows thing, it's more an Internet Explorer thing: go to Tools > Internet Options > Advanced, and scroll down to the multimedia section. Just uncheck 'Enable Automatic Image Resizing' and all images stay their original size.
On the other hand, if you hover with your mouse over the image, after some seconds a big ugly button should appear in the lower left-hand corner. Push that one to get back to the original size.
Thanks for the help !
Vicki
DebGreaves
08 Dec 2003, 23:21
I agree Fallen Angel, its whats on the inside that counts not what people look like
Debs :D
little_dancer
09 Dec 2003, 00:49
You are correct about that one Deb- but to be fair- HE STILL LOOKS GREAT- Once again, if I look that good at 52 (or 47 or whatever) I'll be quite happy!
The author, IMHO, was annoyed at Meat's comment Re: Journalists that she mentions at the beginning (which I can't begrudge him for) and just ran with a negative spin.
Regarding: 'Lying' about age and name- well, if that's as creative as the questions are going to get, why not make up a harmless story or two???
As a personal example- I have some large, pretty obvious scars on my chest- initially when people asked me about them, I said they were from a previous surgery yadda yadda and told the truth- but because they are SO OBVIOUS- people just keep asking me, usually complete strangers at the gym, on the beach, in the pool- In all honesty, I lie about them all the time now (my favorite is telling people that I was an assistant in a magicians act, and the 'sawing in half' part went totally wrong once :lol: ) I mean why should I keep repeating myself everytime I'm wearing a tank top? :D
How many times does Meat get asked about 'origin of the name' and age stuff??? Hell- if he didn't make up stories, he'd probably fall asleep in the interview!!!
The pics were lovely though...
Oh Meat, I hope you're feeling well!!
angel eyes
09 Dec 2003, 05:01
All I can say is thumbs up for Meat - thumbs down for the "writer".
He is a human being and all the rubbish about his weight, lies etc was uneccessaryand uncalled for :?
I've been to a few concerts and he has always given 100% so I don't know where the singing if he feels like it comes from. 8O
Take it all with a pinch of salt Meat.
We all LOVE you!!! :D :D :D
Love
Angelxxx
Winston
09 Dec 2003, 12:45
I'm with Bart on this one. I didn't see anything negative about that interview. Bruce Springsteen and Steven Tyler are mentioned by Meat so it can't all be that bad :wink:
I agree with Terry and Little Dancer .. I got the impression the the journalist was seeing Meat when he was still unwell .. before they realised what was actually wrong with him for so many years and corrected it? .. and his comments about British journalists sent this one into a negative set .. and if you're expecting to meet the huge larger than life character from the stage you'll often be surprised, because the man who takes him on there is actually quite shy and totally without pretension or "star" trappings.
It was still a great Sunday read :)) and some great pictures .. and yes, he must get bored silly with the same old questions .. if they eally want to know why don't they do what I did and check the Texas State registers of births? Journalists who can't be bothered to investigate!! .. lol
I agree with Terry and Little Dancer .. I got the impression the the journalist was seeing Meat when he was still unwell .. before they realised what was actually wrong with him for so many years and corrected it?
Fair comment caryl, but it seems that the actual article was written after everything was cleared up so maybe the author could have been a little kinder when regarding the interview armed with all the facts?
little_dancer
09 Dec 2003, 23:14
Yeah, but I think she was offended by the 'journalist' remark and carried a bit of a chip on her shoulder (just my impression)
original sin
09 Dec 2003, 23:32
I agree with Terry and Little Dancer .. I got the impression the the journalist was seeing Meat when he was still unwell .. before they realised what was actually wrong with him for so many years and corrected it?
Fair comment caryl, but it seems that the actual article was written after everything was cleared up so maybe the author could have been a little kinder when regarding the interview armed with all the facts?
This article may have gone to print after everything has been resolved, but it was written during the uncertainty and the interview it's self could have been any time in the last month or so.
Even so, Meat Loaf has to undergo more tests and, as we go to press, it is not clear when or whether his tour can resume
I met him when he arrived in London to start the Eurpean leg of his tour
IMHO - given the circumstances and the timimg a bit should have been included to state that the tour had sucessfuly resumed and even some reviews of the shows last week.
I thought it was "cold"
original sin
09 Dec 2003, 23:33
Yeah, but I think she was offended by the 'journalist' remark and carried a bit of a chip on her shoulder (just my impression)
a chip! I think she had half the patio :lol:
Lauren wrote:
Fair comment caryl, but it seems that the actual article was written after everything was cleared up so maybe the author could have been a little kinder when regarding the interview armed with all the facts?
Oh I agree the article was biased, but like Meat I've come to expect that of journalists these days :( .. and kindness seems to be as rare a quality as being able to do a bit of simple research it seems .. and as hard to find as roocking horse droppings!! .. Their creed seems to be never let the truth or facts get in the way of a story, and they seem to think they're doing the celebrities they write about a huge favour .. whereas without said celebs and those who are interested in them, they'd be faced with blank space and the unemployment line!
little_dancer
10 Dec 2003, 00:14
Half the patio, OS? :lol:
You're too funny!
Well, they say any press is good press and it was a quite lengthy article.
Thanks for sharing Mike and Deb. :D
T
Absolutely Terry... and when they quit writing about him, that is when we will need to start worrying. ;) What is the saying? "Any press is good press as long as they spell your name right"? Well... of course in his case that has been a slight problem now and then. ;)
Thank you so much for the scans, I enjoyed reading the article very much.
:)
Di
original sin
10 Dec 2003, 17:45
and when they quit writing about him, that is when we will need to start worrying.
Yep an extremely true and valid point :twisted:
LostSoul
16 Dec 2003, 07:07
I personally think that there was no need to keep going on about Meat's size and appearance. He has always been big, we know that, but we love him anyway. It doesn't matter what someone looks like on the outside, it's what's on the inside that counts :!: :!: :!:
Right, we just love him as he is period!
Thanx for the link Deb.
Does anyone know if this magazine shall still be available this week?
little_dancer
16 Dec 2003, 20:34
Fallen Angel1 wrote:
I personally think that there was no need to keep going on about Meat's size and appearance. He has always been big, we know that, but we love him anyway. It doesn't matter what someone looks like on the outside, it's what's on the inside that counts
Yes- and to be honest He has looked great both larger (in the past) and slimmer (in the last 15 yrs.) He's a REALLY good looking Gent- so why must people feel the need to keep harping on size???!! it's a non-issue!
Geez- Madonna is really short- when was the last time we heard about that one!!
PanicLord
16 Dec 2003, 21:13
I always like to see Meat in the paper, and this article is at least quite long.
I was also quite surprised (and delighted may I add) that Bat2 has sold 17m copies!
But where do they get these figures from? I bet they just shout out in the office! Jim and Meat say that Bat1 sold 35 - 40m, so that's the figure I'm sticking to.
1997 must have been a good year for Meat :)
Anyway.
Nice to see Meat in the papers, shame the journalist was so childish and bad mannered.
A chip? I'd say a whole potato!
MLFAN17
22 Dec 2003, 19:15
Thanx for letting us know Mike :)
If anyone wants to see it who couldn't get a copy i've scanned it and added it to my website.
www.debsmeatyworld.co.uk
direct link:
http://www.pumpkinpie.coldpizza.co.uk/MeatLoaf/meatmags/observer_magazine_7.12.03.htm
Deb
http://observer.guardian.co.uk/magazine/story/0,11913,1101510,00.html That is another observer one I think? I just found it a few days ago. No pics on this webpage though
MLFAN17
22 Dec 2003, 19:22
You are correct about that one Deb- but to be fair- HE STILL LOOKS GREAT- Once again, if I look that good at 52 (or 47 or whatever) I'll be quite happy!
The author, IMHO, was annoyed at Meat's comment Re: Journalists that she mentions at the beginning (which I can't begrudge him for) and just ran with a negative spin.
Regarding: 'Lying' about age and name- well, if that's as creative as the questions are going to get, why not make up a harmless story or two???
As a personal example- I have some large, pretty obvious scars on my chest- initially when people asked me about them, I said they were from a previous surgery yadda yadda and told the truth- but because they are SO OBVIOUS- people just keep asking me, usually complete strangers at the gym, on the beach, in the pool- In all honesty, I lie about them all the time now (my favorite is telling people that I was an assistant in a magicians act, and the 'sawing in half' part went totally wrong once :lol: ) I mean why should I keep repeating myself everytime I'm wearing a tank top? :D
How many times does Meat get asked about 'origin of the name' and age stuff??? Hell- if he didn't make up stories, he'd probably fall asleep in the interview!!!
The pics were lovely though...
Oh Meat, I hope you're feeling well!!
In regards to the na,me thing.. If the interviewers would get off their butts and read such things as his book they would know the answer to it! I dont really like the fact that Meat has to tell any story about it over and over and its usually not the same one! Why cant we just get the truth or why doesnt he just say eh wont answer that questions if asked it ahead of time? As far as his age is concerned sure I would like to know. At the same time, it does seem a bit disrespectful that know one seems to really care that puts those numbers on a piece of paper anyway. Again, its in HI S BOOK! Now wether any of the info about either fact in his book is true or not ony he and his family and friends knows the truth and thats where it will probably remain forever.....
I think he has more fun spinning yarns :) .. and he IS a storyteller after all . I think his age is pretty much a matter of fact though as it's in the Texas State Registry of Births, and I don't think you can muck about with those :)
meatfan
02 Jan 2004, 03:00
What IS his DOB in those records Caryl?
Heather (who sat near to you MEN)
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