Farewell MLUKFC....

AndrewG · 12 May 2010, 09:33

The time has come for me to move on to other things other than following Meat Loaf on the net and on tour thus I am leaving the Mlukfc community. I dreaded this day would come but I have to face the facts, I am no longer interested in what Meat Loaf is now bringing us. 5 Major things have happened to force me to this:

1. Meat Loaf / Red Pony Tours deleting my YouTube videos. I made a lot of videos of what I think is Meat Loaf's best tribute band: Maet Loaf. I put these up on YouTube as there were none there to start off with. Real friends shouldn't remove videos without warning. They were deleted under the copyright infringement clause YouTube has now leaving me with one single last warning before my YouTube account is closed. I never wanted to harm anyone and I was merely looking for my Meat Loaf fix whilst Meat himself was not touring (late 2008/2009 period). If Meat had asked me to remove the videos they would have been gone. He should have known they were mine because of my username andrewgmusic on there.

2. Hang Cool Teddy Bear
The album hasn't grown on me like I thought it would, instead I am longing back to Bat 3 and CHSIB. This is a very strange situation for me. Although Meat's vocals are perfect on the album I am really wondering how this has been recorded as he is struggling so much live at the moment.

3. The QVC Performance
I really thought this was one of the most difficult things to watch. Meat Loaf looked tired and old to me, as if he had aged by another 5-10 years in the space of starting the promotion in the US. Does he have more energy for the UK markets? It seems that way at times.

4. Meat's announcement of never touring in Europe again.
In my opinion Meat did post that to provoke attention. I certainly believe it had something to do with the QVC performance (he never posted in that thread but yet chooses to post in other less meaningful ones). I agree everyone gets upset from time to time but real friends shouldn't try to provoke disappointment, not to the extent that it casts doubts on their friendship spreading over several days. I firmly believe that is what Meat has done here and the fact that there has not been an apology or proper explanation but instead some Canada dates added was a low blow for me personally. So indeed no Teddy Bear shows for me regardless of what gets announced.

5. The WWE performance. It may have been a joke (and believe me I do get the whole wrestling acting) but it looked horrendous to me. A silly attempt by an old man to sell some albums. People were boo-ing Meat Loaf in the arena whilst he was trying desperately to sing some of the new songs and they sounded awful. This really made me think Meat is now past it, I am sorry to conclude this.

The last 6 years have been a fun time off and on on the board, I have made some great friends/people here and had great interesting debates and maybe I will be back proper again. I certainly hope to catch up with everyone I know from here through Facebook and perhaps other events.

Thank you and Goodbye.

Andrew Nicholson

Bubbles · 12 May 2010, 11:02

I find it always very sad to see a familiar face go no matter if I know that person or not. But decisions have to be made, eh.......so good luck and take care Andrew!

clpmss · 12 May 2010, 13:14

Sorry to see you go Andrew but I feel the same way as you. After the 2 US tours that I have tickets too, it will be it for me as well. I don't believe that Meat has lost anything but it's time to move on. I have way too much to do in my personal life and being on here and other sites is getting to be very very sad and way to emotional for me. I will keep up-to-date with what Meat Loaf is doing on his site and on twitter. There is more to the story then what I can say on here and I have to agree with what Andrew has to say.

Chris

TheDoode · 12 May 2010, 13:39

Sorry to see you leave, man.

I agree with some of the stuff you wrote there; the european tour comment from Meat was strange, but only in as much as what wasn't said. I'm sure he'll post with more news when he can.

Have to say I DO like Hang Cool as an album, there's some great material on there. But again the QVC performance was slightly off. But we don't know the circumstances surrounding it. That said I thought the Opera Star version of Bat was really good, vocally! I remember watching and thinking "wow, and that was just the first TV track before the album comes out, it's going to get better and better!".

Okay, on you leaving. I think there's an odd line here of the people who will defend Meat, sometimes blindly, to the hilt (which I understand in some ways), those that are really obsessional fans (not a bad thing) who want to analyse every move under a microscope and pull it apart and see how it works, and those that just honestly say what they think. I always thought of you as the latter.

Peace man,

Doode.

MeatGrl1 · 12 May 2010, 14:05

Sad to see you go though you do have some good points here, can't comment on the QVC or WWE performances because I have not seen them but the photo posted on facebook of Meat being supposedly punched in the face was a bit upsetting and done in very bad taste I personally feel.

Have to disagree with the album comment as I personally love this album, I love the journey it takes me and I was very shocked and upset by Meat's comment and will admit that I was very close to tears shortly after he posted that but I really hope that he changes his mind or even better gives a better explanation than just leaving the bombshell there for speculation !!

Good Luck Andrew, you will be missed here !!

Maet Loaf · 12 May 2010, 14:06

Hi Andy
We haven't seen you for a while we miss you mate. I hope you come to another one of our shows soon as its been too long. I was a bit miffed about your vids of us on YT being taken off. Its like you say the reason people go to see ML tribs is to get a bit of a fix of his great music while hes not touring.
We are at The Robin 2 in Wolverhampton 28th May, Stoney Stanton Club in Leicester 25th June The Diamond in Sutton in Ashfield 17th July and The Roadhouse Birmingham on 23rd July. Please come and see us mate.
Good luck from Craig and all associated with Maet Loaf & The Never Neverland Express.

melon · 12 May 2010, 15:12

I don't agree with any of it.

carole · 12 May 2010, 17:05

Well I'm sorry you feel that way. I can't comment either on the WWE as I haven't watched it yet, but I saw the QVC clip and I thought Meat and the band were great, there did seem to be some sound glitches, but it wasn't Meat, it was the transmission. As for the new album, I really love it, and I certainly don't think Meat is 'past it' or an 'old man'. Yeah he's in his 60's , but has the energy and stamina of a man half his age.

Carole

melon · 12 May 2010, 17:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by carole

Well I'm sorry you feel that way. I can't comment either on the WWE as I haven't watched it yet, but I saw the QVC clip and I thought Meat and the band were great, there did seem to be some sound glitches, but it wasn't Meat, it was the transmission. As for the new album, I really love it, and I certainly don't think Meat is 'past it' or an 'old man'. Yeah he's in his 60's , but has the energy and stamina of a man half his age.

Carole

Now I can agree with that.

Sue K · 12 May 2010, 17:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by melon

Now I can agree with that.

making the three of us in accord, maties ... xo

TheDoode · 12 May 2010, 17:19

I think that what Andrew was missing in the QVC piece was Loaf conviction! Go back and watch this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsHoO...os=DbZGZMoLWDQ

Or this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZxLsJjOEw4

Or, more recently, this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8K62...os=9nlXqO0rqfQ

And I'm even gonna throw in this, too:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dW73l...eature=related
It really takes off on the line '...starting to foam in the heat'!

And he has that look in his eyes, he surveys the crowd (or even the camera and the people at home), and he delivers a performance like he IS that performance. It never feels forced, never looks anything but natural, the vocals blow you away, and before you know it you're smiling from ear-to-ear thinking 'man, this kicks ass!'

Does that makes sense? Does to me

Doode.

P.S. And if that wasn't enough, have another on the house:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0JVg...eature=related
Make that two...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNhMY_jtQLk

CarylB · 12 May 2010, 18:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by tink

making the three of us in accord, maties ... xo

Make that four

Haven't seen him look more fit, chipper and brimfull of energy and excitement in years .. Way to go Meat, staying forever young !!!!

Caryl

Sarge · 12 May 2010, 18:18

I'm sorry to see you go, Andrew. I liked your posts but I understand your move and I suspect you are not the only one who feels that way.

I have to admit I was about to defect after the QVC and WWE RAW appearances, too. I really like the new album but there's a huge discrepancy between the quality of the album and that kind of "promo". But for now I just try to erase those two events from my memory and concentrate on the things I like about Meat Loaf.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndrewG

4. Meat's announcement of never touring in Europe again. In my opinion Meat did post that to provoke attention. I certainly believe it had something to do with the QVC performance

I'm not sure whether it had something to do with QVC since he told something similar to that Dutch journalist before that performance. If he really did it just to provoke attention it was a stupid move. Due to his statements I've decided to take the money I've saved for concert tickets and merchandise stuff to the guitar shop around the corner.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheDoode

I think that what Andrew was missing in the QVC piece was that conviction that Meat gives in his performances.
[...]
And he has that look in his eyes, he surveys the crowd (or even the camera and the people at home), and he delivers a performance like he IS that performance. It never feels forced, never looks anything but natural, the vocals blow you away, and before you know it you're smiling from ear-to-ear thinking 'man, this kicks ass!'

Good point, Doode.

Vickip · 12 May 2010, 18:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by tink

making the three of us in accord, maties ... xo

Make that five

Vicki

nikox1 · 12 May 2010, 19:31

best of luck!! but you feel how you feel? some will agree with ya, and then some wont? life goes on i guess? all the best

ROSIE · 12 May 2010, 19:40

Take care

R

sie
xx

AndrewG · 12 May 2010, 20:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bubbles

I find it always very sad to see a familiar face go no matter if I know that person or not. But decisions have to be made, eh.......so good luck and take care Andrew!

Thanks will catch you on Facebook Verena.

Quote:

Originally Posted by clpmss

Sorry to see you go Andrew but I feel the same way as you. After the 2 US tours that I have tickets too, it will be it for me as well. I don't believe that Meat has lost anything but it's time to move on. I have way too much to do in my personal life and being on here and other sites is getting to be very very sad and way to emotional for me. I will keep up-to-date with what Meat Loaf is doing on his site and on twitter. There is more to the story then what I can say on here and I have to agree with what Andrew has to say.

Chris

Thanks. I just don't like how Meat dealt with the no tour situation. There probably will be one, but taunting me like that is not what I deserve after supporting him throughout all these years, buying albums and concert tickets.
If no tour was ever planned then why bother with the album.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheDoode

Sorry to see you leave, man.

I agree with some of the stuff you wrote there; the european tour comment from Meat was strange, but only in as much as what wasn't said. I'm sure he'll post with more news when he can.

Have to say I DO like Hang Cool as an album, there's some great material on there. But again the QVC performance was slightly off. But we don't know the circumstances surrounding it. That said I thought the Opera Star version of Bat was really good, vocally! I remember watching and thinking "wow, and that was just the first TV track before the album comes out, it's going to get better and better!".

Okay, on you leaving. I think there's an odd line here of the people who will defend Meat, sometimes blindly, to the hilt (which I understand in some ways), those that are really obsessional fans (not a bad thing) who want to analyse every move under a microscope and pull it apart and see how it works, and those that just honestly say what they think. I always thought of you as the latter.

Peace man,

Doode.

Operastar performance was one of the highlights from the last few years.
I've always tried to be honest, have given Meat the benefit of the doubt on many occasions but cannot do that if I feel I'm lying to myself.
Thanks Doode.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MeatGrl1

Sad to see you go though you do have some good points here, can't comment on the QVC or WWE performances because I have not seen them but the photo posted on facebook of Meat being supposedly punched in the face was a bit upsetting and done in very bad taste I personally feel.

Have to disagree with the album comment as I personally love this album, I love the journey it takes me and I was very shocked and upset by Meat's comment and will admit that I was very close to tears shortly after he posted that but I really hope that he changes his mind or even better gives a better explanation than just leaving the bombshell there for speculation !!

Good Luck Andrew, you will be missed here !!

Thanks Emma. Don't watch the WWE thing if you think it will upset you. It certainly upset me. As I said I know it's a joke but it looked wrong somehow, really wrong.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maet Loaf

Hi Andy
We haven't seen you for a while we miss you mate. I hope you come to another one of our shows soon as its been too long. I was a bit miffed about your vids of us on YT being taken off. Its like you say the reason people go to see ML tribs is to get a bit of a fix of his great music while hes not touring.
We are at The Robin 2 in Wolverhampton 28th May, Stoney Stanton Club in Leicester 25th June The Diamond in Sutton in Ashfield 17th July and The Roadhouse Birmingham on 23rd July. Please come and see us mate.
Good luck from Craig and all associated with Maet Loaf & The Never Neverland Express.

Thanks Craig, not spoken in ages. Will definitely do Robin or Stoney! So will see you all there!

The YT pissed me off and it has been a bit downhill from then on unfortunately even though I thought this was going to be just like 2008, a great Meaty year.

Quote:

Originally Posted by melon

I don't agree with any of it.

That's GOOD! The last thing I want is for Meat to lose fans and I am not encouraging anyone to feel the same way. I just thought it was time to really post how I felt about everything now as posting snippets in different threads may have come across as being a snipey ~~~~~~~ and that is the last I want.

Quote:

Originally Posted by carole

Well I'm sorry you feel that way. I can't comment either on the WWE as I haven't watched it yet, but I saw the QVC clip and I thought Meat and the band were great, there did seem to be some sound glitches, but it wasn't Meat, it was the transmission. As for the new album, I really love it, and I certainly don't think Meat is 'past it' or an 'old man'. Yeah he's in his 60's , but has the energy and stamina of a man half his age.

Carole

I hope he will come back down to OZ as promised and rock your socks off Carole!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sarge

I'm sorry to see you go, Andrew. I liked your posts but I understand your move and I suspect you are not the only one who feels that way.

I have to admit I was about to defect after the QVC and WWE RAW appearances, too. I really like the new album but there's a huge discrepancy between the quality of the album and that kind of "promo". But for now I just try to erase those two events from my memory and concentrate on the things I like about Meat Loaf.

I'm not sure whether it had something to do with QVC since he told something similar to that Dutch journalist before that performance. If he really did it just to provoke attention it was a stupid move. Due to his statements I've decided to take the money I've saved for concert tickets and merchandise stuff to the guitar shop around the corner.

Good point, Doode.

Cheers Sarge, think your posts are always well balanced and very interesting, you've been a great addition to the board. Hope you got a great guitar. I've been spending far too much on music equipment recently too and guess the not buying concert tickets will kind of make up for it as well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by nikox1

best of luck!! but you feel how you feel? some will agree with ya, and then some wont? life goes on i guess? all the best

Cheers. As with Sarge I like your posts and enthusiasm too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROSIE

Take care
R

sie
xx

Thanks Rosie.

Thanks to all who PM-ed as well, I will get back to you tonight.

duke knooby · 12 May 2010, 21:03

its a shame you feel its time to move on...

i hope you decided to stay, but.. if not

good luck and best wishes for the future!!

who knows.. we may meet again sometime

(i'm actually lost for words atm... so might elaborate further later on when i have thought more about it)

and remember, theres loads of other hugely talented musicians out there

**The Flying Mouse** · 12 May 2010, 21:10

OK, against my better judgement, i'm gonna throw in my $00.02

1. Youtube.
There is deffinatly a more determined effort these days to rid youtube of stuff not posted by Meat.
I don't believe that Meat IS Red Pony, rather Red Pony is someone who works for Meat's management and does the youtube stuff as part of their job.
In that case they are not really going to care who owns the vids, just that they are deleted.
Plus, if it's a job issue, the more vids pulled down the better.
"Look Mr Loaf, we've pulled down 9425210581025175 unofficially posted vids off youtube in the last 19 mins.How did you ever manage without us?".
I for one, find it strange though that they have been able to removed vids of a tribute band that they hold no copyright over.

2. Hang Cool Teddy Bear.
This is a biggie.

It's a different sound, and you can't expect everyone who loves the sound they are used too to fall head over heels for something different.
A couple of tracks are slowly growing on me, but I will say one thing for sure, if this was not an album by Meat Loaf I would have given up on it long ago.
As far as i'm concerned, Meat has given me enough listening pleasure to be allowed a little lean room.

Everyone will have their opinion about this album.
Some will love, some will not, and neither party is right.
In personal taste there is no such thing as "right" (unless you're talking about Westlife, because they're a load of shite.FACT!).

And just because some people are not crazy about the album (myself included) it is no reason for Meat not to try new things.
Just don't expect the people who don't like the new stuff to write odes of joy and sonnets of praise over something they don't like.

Perhaps there are people out there who hate Bat with a passion who go round humming Los Angeloser to themselves.

There is an old sicillian proverb (that I quoted recently in relation to the album, funny enough) that sums up exactly how I feel about the album and who loves or hates it.

Whoever forsakes the old ways for the new
knows what he is losing but not what he will find.

Meat may gain new fans with this new sound, but one thing is for sure, and that he will have many long time fans who don't like the new material.

3. QVC
Didn't see too much of the footage, just a couple of clips on youtube, and i've got to say the sound wasn't the best.
Why?
Maybe because these songs are not designed for a tonned down version?
Perhaps QVC isn't as well equipt as Wembley for live performances?

Do In agree with Meat going on QVC in the first place.
Hell yes.
If it's a market to tap, then have a bloody good go and see what happens.

4. It's all over over there.
A strange announcement.
I would have thought there would be a tour to promote the album so it was very surprising to hear he had no plans.
But Meat sounded very vauge.
He has no plans.
We might not come back.
That could all change in a heartbeat.

Even if not, touring is hard on the body, as Meat has shown in recent years, and you can hardly blame him for not wanting to go on the road for too long.
I said in a thread not so long ago that artists would still do what they do even if they were no longer paid for it, and if Meat's trade off to this obsession we call art is to do smaller tours in his homeland, then good luck to him.

5. WWE
Saw the short youtube clips of this.
Perhaps what I saw was way out of context, but Meat seemed to be begging and very very needy.
"Look, look, look at me".
That segment (again, I may have seen it out of context) made Meat look desperate for attention, BUT..........
Then the slam.
I thought that was pretty damn funny, and it went some way to get the bad taste left in the mouth by watching Meat put in such a cringing performance until then.
But perhaps that was the set up for the big moment.

Anyway, i've already said much more than I intended too, so i'll try and sum up quickly.

Although Meat may have done some things of late that have not been to your particular taste, that is no real reason to lose the faith and not like him anymore.

I've not been held in rapture by this album, and as a fan I feel no obligation to be, but i'm also willing to stick with Meat because of the joy of the past, and the hope that any future work might be more to my taste.

I really hope that this is not Meat's album.
Not because I really really really really really want Meat to go back into the studio, more because I don't want the last album Meat records to be something that doesn't talk to my soul without effort and second chances.

Then a last triumphant tour to say farewell, and all will be well with the world.

If Meat does come back with something, I'll still be here, and if he doesn't, there's enough in his long career to be content with.

Hope this is just adios and not goodbye, but in the meantime, never stop rocking

Neil

lorenzoduke · 12 May 2010, 21:28

If a few dodgy performances, copyright law and a jokey skit to promote an album are all it takes for you to say sayonara, so be it.

"If no tour was ever planned then why bother with the album. "

Ever heard of the Beatles?

tinkerbell · 12 May 2010, 21:39

So be it.........I don't feel the need to watch every clip, listen to every interview and then post a comment or make judgement. I feel the passion in his music and will continue to remain a true fan............

PanicLord · 12 May 2010, 22:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndrewG

The time has come for me to move on to other things other than following Meat Loaf on the net and on tour thus I am leaving the Mlukfc community.
Thank you and Goodbye.

Andrew Nicholson

Sorry to see you going - I have enjoyed reading your posts.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndrewG

1. Meat Loaf / Red Pony Tours deleting my YouTube videos.

Don't know much about your own situation, but as far as I can tell they are pretty hot at removing any and all copyright material.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndrewG

2. Hang Cool Teddy Bear

Well sorry you don't like it, but it is a long way from the more traditional Meat sound, and whenever you do something different, you always risk losing people who liked the previous thing. Hope you wont stop listening to his other stuff!

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndrewG

3. The QVC Performance

I think Meat always gives everything he has for promo, and I think a round the world promo tour must take its toll. I have a feeling that it sounded much better in the studio than it did transmitted, as on my PC the transmission itself was very poor quality. Meat has said that his tour schedule will feature more rest time for him to protect his health, so although I would agree it wasn't the perfect start to promo, I would expect a rested refreshed Meat to blow me away live yet again if I ever get to see him again.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndrewG

4. Meat's announcement of never touring in Europe again.

A great pity, and I don't know the motivation. Could be financial (ie company wanted a specific sales volume of the album to support the tour), health related (less exhausting to stick to your own continent), or just because he doesn't want to, really don't know. While it's a shame, as long as there is amazing studio output, and hopefully US concert tour blu rays, I will be supplied with plentiful Meat to keep me happy.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndrewG

5. The WWE performance.

Well, again to me one instance of promo doesn't really sway my decision of Meat one way or the other, and while it seemed a bit weird, maybe it's really popular in America. Sounds like a lot of acts do it. He might have done it before, it's just that it wasn't possible for me to watch it until they made an internet. Loved ALL the UK promo - it fitted the market - maybe the WWE thing did too?

Not trying to change your mind - that's up to you - and not arguing, just wanted to share my views.

Have fun whatever you do, and never stop rocking.

PanicLord.

firefly · 13 May 2010, 00:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by tinkerbell

So be it.........I don't feel the need to watch every clip, listen to every interview and then post a comment or make judgement. I feel the passion in his music and will continue to remain a true fan............

You and me tinkerbell.. even tho i do try to watch whenever Meat is on tv or listen when he is on radio!!! a fan i will always remain.

anyway...
sorry to hear your leaving andrew.... wish you all the best in the future. x

nikox1 · 13 May 2010, 01:27

i guess looking back over the whole HCTB experience, it has been different in many ways? we firstly have an album that has a very different sound to previous Meaty records. i really like it, and it has growm more and more on me
but at the same time theres something that has not sat well with me either? and even stranger is, i do not know what? its a great album and im glad Meat loves it so much

, now we have all had our fair share of battles during the promo and things got very heated at times

, but hey!! thats rock n roll

its sad to see Andrew leaving, not that i was great friends with him or even really knew him that well? but he always posted from the heart and always made sense? well most of the time?

,, but he was on here a long time.
Meat has been my heroe for 17 or so years, and i have always supported him [ maybe too much

] , but when you love the music/you love the artist.
but thats all i know about Meat? so i will not judge him on what he posts and sometimes says on twitter/youtube etc etc,, the promo like HCTB sounds is also different? its all been done in a different way? maybe new managers/record label etc etc,, and you know we were all dissapointed over no single release and stuff. but we got over it eventually

some members also then left the neverland express? and that upset some people, but hey thats allowed!!, then the promo in the USA has got some people worked up, and again thats allowed. Meat posted that there will maybe be no european tour? read what i said!! MAYBE

, and that shocked me and plenty others. but i will admit the phrase that was used [maybe never again ] did upset me, and why would it not? im a big fan like the rest of yas!! not the exact words, but you know the post im talking about.
now Meat has hes reasons im sure, and at the end of the day thats hes bizz?
as a fan i do not own him etc etc,, and he has to do whats best for all?
maybe he even wants to but cant? now Meat had to come on here lately and defend himself etc etc,, but we all got there in the end? me included!! and we all moved on and got on with the show

,, but again i go back to the start = something has not sat well with me all the way through this promo? and its driving me mad!! what exactly it is?

, i will now say something or maybe i will ask it? its not ment in a negative way or anything!! but does anybody feel sad at the moment? not in general!! not in your everyday life or anything, but sad in the world of Meat Loaf? is it that some feel that the end of the whole super 40 year journey is coming? is it that too many fans feel alienated by the new sound? way of promo etc etc,,? im not great with fancy words, but like Andrew leaving etc etc,, as i say i dont no what? but if i make sense to anybody? can anybody see or feel something is just not normal?

thanks guys, and sory for going on

CarylB · 13 May 2010, 01:53

Sad? Not where I'm sitting

I have followed Meat through recording an album, with almost daily tweets which was great. I now have an album which I adore .. and which so many people on here seemed to when they got it. I have LOVED seeing Meat on TV over here, including a 6 week series of Popstar to Operastar, plus meeting up close and personal .. Loved following his interviews and appearances in Australia and New Zealand .. and now we have almost daily clips from interviews in the USA.

Not that long ago people were posting what a great time it was to be a Meat Loaf fan. Meat told us to expect something new and different .. and whilst I will always treasure my Bat albums and memories, I think the new album is wonderful .. even better than I expected, and me? I prefer the new Meat .. the Meat unfettered and let loose, telling a story as only he can.

He's looking SO well, SO fit, SO enthusiastic and happy .. and he's found a producer he loves to work with and who brings out the best of him .. that makes me feel great and happy for him.

It's been a wonderful 9 months or so to be a Meat fan as far as I'm concerned, and I'm truly grateful .. for his frequent posting and twittering, his tireless and enthusiastic promoting, a masterpiece of an album, a tour in the US and I suspect we'll see him overcome whatever obstacles there are to touring here .. and then there will be even more to look forward to.

And something else. Meat delivered something truly remarkable with Jim Steinman, and has a connection with him that will always be something special. But I love the new Meat, I don't mourn him closing the door on what's gone before at all, because what he's now achieved is to me superb.

Sad? Not in the slightest .. To me it's still the greatest time to be a Meat Loaf fan.

Caryl

12 May 2010, 09:33	#1
AndrewG I hope your salmon sucks! Join Date: 18.01.2004 Location: Northamptonshire Posts: 7,077	Farewell MLUKFC.... The time has come for me to move on to other things other than following Meat Loaf on the net and on tour thus I am leaving the Mlukfc community. I dreaded this day would come but I have to face the facts, I am no longer interested in what Meat Loaf is now bringing us. 5 Major things have happened to force me to this: 1. Meat Loaf / Red Pony Tours deleting my YouTube videos. I made a lot of videos of what I think is Meat Loaf's best tribute band: Maet Loaf. I put these up on YouTube as there were none there to start off with. Real friends shouldn't remove videos without warning. They were deleted under the copyright infringement clause YouTube has now leaving me with one single last warning before my YouTube account is closed. I never wanted to harm anyone and I was merely looking for my Meat Loaf fix whilst Meat himself was not touring (late 2008/2009 period). If Meat had asked me to remove the videos they would have been gone. He should have known they were mine because of my username andrewgmusic on there. 2. Hang Cool Teddy Bear The album hasn't grown on me like I thought it would, instead I am longing back to Bat 3 and CHSIB. This is a very strange situation for me. Although Meat's vocals are perfect on the album I am really wondering how this has been recorded as he is struggling so much live at the moment. 3. The QVC Performance I really thought this was one of the most difficult things to watch. Meat Loaf looked tired and old to me, as if he had aged by another 5-10 years in the space of starting the promotion in the US. Does he have more energy for the UK markets? It seems that way at times. 4. Meat's announcement of never touring in Europe again. In my opinion Meat did post that to provoke attention. I certainly believe it had something to do with the QVC performance (he never posted in that thread but yet chooses to post in other less meaningful ones). I agree everyone gets upset from time to time but real friends shouldn't try to provoke disappointment, not to the extent that it casts doubts on their friendship spreading over several days. I firmly believe that is what Meat has done here and the fact that there has not been an apology or proper explanation but instead some Canada dates added was a low blow for me personally. So indeed no Teddy Bear shows for me regardless of what gets announced. 5. The WWE performance. It may have been a joke (and believe me I do get the whole wrestling acting) but it looked horrendous to me. A silly attempt by an old man to sell some albums. People were boo-ing Meat Loaf in the arena whilst he was trying desperately to sing some of the new songs and they sounded awful. This really made me think Meat is now past it, I am sorry to conclude this. The last 6 years have been a fun time off and on on the board, I have made some great friends/people here and had great interesting debates and maybe I will be back proper again. I certainly hope to catch up with everyone I know from here through Facebook and perhaps other events. Thank you and Goodbye. Andrew Nicholson

12 May 2010, 13:39	#4
TheDoode Guest Join Date: 16.02.2010 Posts: 1,023	Sorry to see you leave, man. I agree with some of the stuff you wrote there; the european tour comment from Meat was strange, but only in as much as what wasn't said. I'm sure he'll post with more news when he can. Have to say I DO like Hang Cool as an album, there's some great material on there. But again the QVC performance was slightly off. But we don't know the circumstances surrounding it. That said I thought the Opera Star version of Bat was really good, vocally! I remember watching and thinking "wow, and that was just the first TV track before the album comes out, it's going to get better and better!". Okay, on you leaving. I think there's an odd line here of the people who will defend Meat, sometimes blindly, to the hilt (which I understand in some ways), those that are really obsessional fans (not a bad thing) who want to analyse every move under a microscope and pull it apart and see how it works, and those that just honestly say what they think. I always thought of you as the latter. Peace man, Doode. Last edited by TheDoode; 12 May 2010 at 13:54.

12 May 2010, 14:05	#5
MeatGrl1 No Day But Today Join Date: 29.05.2006 Location: Sitting on the steps outside looking so restless and reckless and lost! Posts: 9,089	Sad to see you go though you do have some good points here, can't comment on the QVC or WWE performances because I have not seen them but the photo posted on facebook of Meat being supposedly punched in the face was a bit upsetting and done in very bad taste I personally feel. Have to disagree with the album comment as I personally love this album, I love the journey it takes me and I was very shocked and upset by Meat's comment and will admit that I was very close to tears shortly after he posted that but I really hope that he changes his mind or even better gives a better explanation than just leaving the bombshell there for speculation !! Good Luck Andrew, you will be missed here !! Last edited by MeatGrl1; 12 May 2010 at 14:21.

12 May 2010, 17:19	#11
TheDoode Guest Join Date: 16.02.2010 Posts: 1,023	I think that what Andrew was missing in the QVC piece was Loaf conviction! Go back and watch this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsHoO...os=DbZGZMoLWDQ Or this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZxLsJjOEw4 Or, more recently, this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8K62...os=9nlXqO0rqfQ And I'm even gonna throw in this, too: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dW73l...eature=related It really takes off on the line '...starting to foam in the heat'! And he has that look in his eyes, he surveys the crowd (or even the camera and the people at home), and he delivers a performance like he IS that performance. It never feels forced, never looks anything but natural, the vocals blow you away, and before you know it you're smiling from ear-to-ear thinking 'man, this kicks ass!' Does that makes sense? Does to me Doode. P.S. And if that wasn't enough, have another on the house: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0JVg...eature=related Make that two... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNhMY_jtQLk Last edited by TheDoode; 12 May 2010 at 18:15.

12 May 2010, 19:40	#16
ROSIE Invisible again! Join Date: 30.06.2003 Location: Suffolk Posts: 1,240	Take care Rsie xx

12 May 2010, 11:02	#2
Bubbles Senior Loafer Join Date: 05.05.2006 Location: good ol' Germany, rather westwards Posts: 169	I find it always very sad to see a familiar face go no matter if I know that person or not. But decisions have to be made, eh.......so good luck and take care Andrew!

12 May 2010, 13:14	#3
clpmss Anything for Sir Meat Loaf Join Date: 24.09.2005 Location: New Jersey Posts: 644	Sorry to see you go Andrew but I feel the same way as you. After the 2 US tours that I have tickets too, it will be it for me as well. I don't believe that Meat has lost anything but it's time to move on. I have way too much to do in my personal life and being on here and other sites is getting to be very very sad and way to emotional for me. I will keep up-to-date with what Meat Loaf is doing on his site and on twitter. There is more to the story then what I can say on here and I have to agree with what Andrew has to say. Chris

12 May 2010, 14:06	#6
Maet Loaf Rookie Join Date: 14.01.2007 Location: Black Country Born n Bred Posts: 10	Hi Andy We haven't seen you for a while we miss you mate. I hope you come to another one of our shows soon as its been too long. I was a bit miffed about your vids of us on YT being taken off. Its like you say the reason people go to see ML tribs is to get a bit of a fix of his great music while hes not touring. We are at The Robin 2 in Wolverhampton 28th May, Stoney Stanton Club in Leicester 25th June The Diamond in Sutton in Ashfield 17th July and The Roadhouse Birmingham on 23rd July. Please come and see us mate. Good luck from Craig and all associated with Maet Loaf & The Never Neverland Express.

12 May 2010, 15:12	#7
melon Long Distance Loafer Join Date: 17.07.2007 Location: Perth, Australia Posts: 4,586	I don't agree with any of it.

12 May 2010, 17:05	#8
carole Mega Loafer Join Date: 20.10.2007 Location: Gold Coast Posts: 2,286	Well I'm sorry you feel that way. I can't comment either on the WWE as I haven't watched it yet, but I saw the QVC clip and I thought Meat and the band were great, there did seem to be some sound glitches, but it wasn't Meat, it was the transmission. As for the new album, I really love it, and I certainly don't think Meat is 'past it' or an 'old man'. Yeah he's in his 60's , but has the energy and stamina of a man half his age. Carole

12 May 2010, 19:31	#15
nikox1 Mega Loafer Join Date: 06.07.2007 Location: Front line of the battle Posts: 2,657	best of luck!! but you feel how you feel? some will agree with ya, and then some wont? life goes on i guess? all the best

12 May 2010, 21:03	#18
duke knooby Mega Loafer Join Date: 24.06.2005 Location: belfast Posts: 17,882	its a shame you feel its time to move on... i hope you decided to stay, but.. if not good luck and best wishes for the future!! who knows.. we may meet again sometime (i'm actually lost for words atm... so might elaborate further later on when i have thought more about it) and remember, theres loads of other hugely talented musicians out there

12 May 2010, 21:10	#19
The Flying Mouse Armed ba$tard and Jo's other half. Join Date: 06.08.2002 Location: In the middle of nowhere near the end of the line. Posts: 16,104	OK, against my better judgement, i'm gonna throw in my $00.02 1. Youtube. There is deffinatly a more determined effort these days to rid youtube of stuff not posted by Meat. I don't believe that Meat IS Red Pony, rather Red Pony is someone who works for Meat's management and does the youtube stuff as part of their job. In that case they are not really going to care who owns the vids, just that they are deleted. Plus, if it's a job issue, the more vids pulled down the better. "Look Mr Loaf, we've pulled down 9425210581025175 unofficially posted vids off youtube in the last 19 mins.How did you ever manage without us?". I for one, find it strange though that they have been able to removed vids of a tribute band that they hold no copyright over. 2. Hang Cool Teddy Bear. This is a biggie. It's a different sound, and you can't expect everyone who loves the sound they are used too to fall head over heels for something different. A couple of tracks are slowly growing on me, but I will say one thing for sure, if this was not an album by Meat Loaf I would have given up on it long ago. As far as i'm concerned, Meat has given me enough listening pleasure to be allowed a little lean room. Everyone will have their opinion about this album. Some will love, some will not, and neither party is right. In personal taste there is no such thing as "right" (unless you're talking about Westlife, because they're a load of shite.FACT!). And just because some people are not crazy about the album (myself included) it is no reason for Meat not to try new things. Just don't expect the people who don't like the new stuff to write odes of joy and sonnets of praise over something they don't like. Perhaps there are people out there who hate Bat with a passion who go round humming Los Angeloser to themselves. There is an old sicillian proverb (that I quoted recently in relation to the album, funny enough) that sums up exactly how I feel about the album and who loves or hates it. Whoever forsakes the old ways for the new knows what he is losing but not what he will find. Meat may gain new fans with this new sound, but one thing is for sure, and that he will have many long time fans who don't like the new material. 3. QVC Didn't see too much of the footage, just a couple of clips on youtube, and i've got to say the sound wasn't the best. Why? Maybe because these songs are not designed for a tonned down version? Perhaps QVC isn't as well equipt as Wembley for live performances? Do In agree with Meat going on QVC in the first place. Hell yes. If it's a market to tap, then have a bloody good go and see what happens. 4. It's all over over there. A strange announcement. I would have thought there would be a tour to promote the album so it was very surprising to hear he had no plans. But Meat sounded very vauge. He has no plans. We might not come back. That could all change in a heartbeat. Even if not, touring is hard on the body, as Meat has shown in recent years, and you can hardly blame him for not wanting to go on the road for too long. I said in a thread not so long ago that artists would still do what they do even if they were no longer paid for it, and if Meat's trade off to this obsession we call art is to do smaller tours in his homeland, then good luck to him. 5. WWE Saw the short youtube clips of this. Perhaps what I saw was way out of context, but Meat seemed to be begging and very very needy. "Look, look, look at me". That segment (again, I may have seen it out of context) made Meat look desperate for attention, BUT.......... Then the slam. I thought that was pretty damn funny, and it went some way to get the bad taste left in the mouth by watching Meat put in such a cringing performance until then. But perhaps that was the set up for the big moment. Anyway, i've already said much more than I intended too, so i'll try and sum up quickly. Although Meat may have done some things of late that have not been to your particular taste, that is no real reason to lose the faith and not like him anymore. I've not been held in rapture by this album, and as a fan I feel no obligation to be, but i'm also willing to stick with Meat because of the joy of the past, and the hope that any future work might be more to my taste. I really hope that this is not Meat's album. Not because I really really really really really want Meat to go back into the studio, more because I don't want the last album Meat records to be something that doesn't talk to my soul without effort and second chances. Then a last triumphant tour to say farewell, and all will be well with the world. If Meat does come back with something, I'll still be here, and if he doesn't, there's enough in his long career to be content with. Hope this is just adios and not goodbye, but in the meantime, never stop rocking Neil

12 May 2010, 21:28	#20
lorenzoduke Mega Loafer Join Date: 24.07.2006 Posts: 1,269	If a few dodgy performances, copyright law and a jokey skit to promote an album are all it takes for you to say sayonara, so be it. "If no tour was ever planned then why bother with the album. " Ever heard of the Beatles?

12 May 2010, 21:39	#21
tinkerbell Mega Loafer Join Date: 16.09.2006 Location: N. Ireland Posts: 4,562	So be it.........I don't feel the need to watch every clip, listen to every interview and then post a comment or make judgement. I feel the passion in his music and will continue to remain a true fan............

13 May 2010, 01:27	#24
nikox1 Mega Loafer Join Date: 06.07.2007 Location: Front line of the battle Posts: 2,657	i guess looking back over the whole HCTB experience, it has been different in many ways? we firstly have an album that has a very different sound to previous Meaty records. i really like it, and it has growm more and more on me but at the same time theres something that has not sat well with me either? and even stranger is, i do not know what? its a great album and im glad Meat loves it so much, now we have all had our fair share of battles during the promo and things got very heated at times, but hey!! thats rock n roll its sad to see Andrew leaving, not that i was great friends with him or even really knew him that well? but he always posted from the heart and always made sense? well most of the time?,, but he was on here a long time. Meat has been my heroe for 17 or so years, and i have always supported him [ maybe too much ] , but when you love the music/you love the artist. but thats all i know about Meat? so i will not judge him on what he posts and sometimes says on twitter/youtube etc etc,, the promo like HCTB sounds is also different? its all been done in a different way? maybe new managers/record label etc etc,, and you know we were all dissapointed over no single release and stuff. but we got over it eventually some members also then left the neverland express? and that upset some people, but hey thats allowed!!, then the promo in the USA has got some people worked up, and again thats allowed. Meat posted that there will maybe be no european tour? read what i said!! MAYBE, and that shocked me and plenty others. but i will admit the phrase that was used [maybe never again ] did upset me, and why would it not? im a big fan like the rest of yas!! not the exact words, but you know the post im talking about. now Meat has hes reasons im sure, and at the end of the day thats hes bizz? as a fan i do not own him etc etc,, and he has to do whats best for all? maybe he even wants to but cant? now Meat had to come on here lately and defend himself etc etc,, but we all got there in the end? me included!! and we all moved on and got on with the show,, but again i go back to the start = something has not sat well with me all the way through this promo? and its driving me mad!! what exactly it is?, i will now say something or maybe i will ask it? its not ment in a negative way or anything!! but does anybody feel sad at the moment? not in general!! not in your everyday life or anything, but sad in the world of Meat Loaf? is it that some feel that the end of the whole super 40 year journey is coming? is it that too many fans feel alienated by the new sound? way of promo etc etc,,? im not great with fancy words, but like Andrew leaving etc etc,, as i say i dont no what? but if i make sense to anybody? can anybody see or feel something is just not normal? thanks guys, and sory for going on

13 May 2010, 01:53	#25
CarylB Mega Loafer Join Date: 16.04.2003 Location: Sheffield UK Posts: 5,910	Sad? Not where I'm sitting I have followed Meat through recording an album, with almost daily tweets which was great. I now have an album which I adore .. and which so many people on here seemed to when they got it. I have LOVED seeing Meat on TV over here, including a 6 week series of Popstar to Operastar, plus meeting up close and personal .. Loved following his interviews and appearances in Australia and New Zealand .. and now we have almost daily clips from interviews in the USA. Not that long ago people were posting what a great time it was to be a Meat Loaf fan. Meat told us to expect something new and different .. and whilst I will always treasure my Bat albums and memories, I think the new album is wonderful .. even better than I expected, and me? I prefer the new Meat .. the Meat unfettered and let loose, telling a story as only he can. He's looking SO well, SO fit, SO enthusiastic and happy .. and he's found a producer he loves to work with and who brings out the best of him .. that makes me feel great and happy for him. It's been a wonderful 9 months or so to be a Meat fan as far as I'm concerned, and I'm truly grateful .. for his frequent posting and twittering, his tireless and enthusiastic promoting, a masterpiece of an album, a tour in the US and I suspect we'll see him overcome whatever obstacles there are to touring here .. and then there will be even more to look forward to. And something else. Meat delivered something truly remarkable with Jim Steinman, and has a connection with him that will always be something special. But I love the new Meat, I don't mourn him closing the door on what's gone before at all, because what he's now achieved is to me superb. Sad? Not in the slightest .. To me it's still the greatest time to be a Meat Loaf fan. Caryl Last edited by CarylB; 13 May 2010 at 02:27.