Paul Crook, Meat Loaf's longtime producer, music director, and guitarist, recently announced the forthcoming release of Paradise Found: Bat Out of Hell Reignited, a new LP helmed by Meat Loaf's official band, The Neverland Express — featuring alumni Justin Avery, (keyboard, vocals), Tom Brislin (orchestration), Steve Buslowe (bass), Paul Crook (guitar), Randy Flowers (guitar), David Luther (saxophone), Lyssa Lynne (“Stop Right There!”), John Miceli (drums) — plus American Idol Season 13 winner Caleb Johnson providing lead vocals. The album, out through Deko Entertainment and Crook’s label, Crooked Media, LLC, will be shared on January 27. Paradise Found reimagines the sound, passion, and fury of the original Bat Out of Hell, the 1977 release by Meat Loaf and composer Jim Steinman, which remains in the top five best-selling albums of all time. It includes all seven songs performed in their original order. The song arrangements have developed over decades of touring and now the listener can hear these re-envisioned versions.
As Crook states on the album:
“The music is timeless, and we play it virtually note for note. The wall of sound that fans experience when seeing us live is captured in this recording. Meat Loaf fans will be pleased. We’re hoping this release introduces Meat and Jim to a whole new fan base.This album has been a labor of love for us. Meat Loaf’s passing has left a huge hole in the hearts of millions around the world. We are committed to keeping the legacy alive by celebrating this incredible music. I felt there was no better way to honor our boss and Jim than to release our tribute to Bat Out of Hell on this special 45th anniversary.”
The LP's first single “All Revved Up With No Place To Go” dropped this past October, almost 45 years to the date of the official release of the original Bat Out of Hell album. It was recently followed with the release of an official lyric video. Today, Deko + Crooked present the record's next single, "Two Out Of Three Ain't Bad," alongside a behind-the-scenes making-of video.
Said Paul Crook of the track:
"Meat Loaf enjoyed talking about Steinman songs, their inspiration. It was all about the lyric. One of his favorite stories…Jim was once asked if he could write a song better than I WANT YOU, I NEED YOU, I LOVE YOU by Elvis Presley. He responded with…'I want you, I need you But there ain't no way I'm ever gonna love you, Now don't be sad 'cause two out of three ain't bad.'"
Caleb Johnson continued,
"A beautiful and cleverly written song! I hope everyone enjoys our reimagined version of a classic!"
Stay tuned for the full LP, out January 27.
Deko Entertainment is very excited to be part of this amazing release. As President Bruce Pucciarello states,
"This new rendition of Meat Loaf’s Bat Out of Hell by his touring band, the Neverland Express, generates an elevated energy as American Idol winner Caleb Johnson's voice connects with perfection to Meat's legacy. Close the windows...you'll be singing along loudly.”
Crook continues,
"I’m happy we are able to release this album with Deko Entertainment. I’ve been friends with Charlie Calv (Deko partner) since high school, having played in separate local cover bands as kids. He’s a successful musician in his own right, currently playing keyboards with Angel, so he and his partner Bruce take a true artist first approach to running their label. The fact that they are big Meat Loaf fans makes this extra special."
In addition to the forthcoming LP, the celebration continues live, in concert: Celebrating Meat Loaf with the Neverland Express + Caleb Johnson is a live concert performance of Bat Out of Hell in its entirety, plus other Meat Loaf hits. Created & produced by Paul Crook, this is the only show that was officially endorsed by Meat Loaf.
2023 performance scheduling is underway, including a very special six-show UK tour May 20-27, 2023. View the full list of dates below and purchase tickets HERE.
CELEBRATING MEAT LOAF - LIVE January 27 - Atlantic City, NJ: Borgata Casino & Resort *RECORD RELEASE SHOW* March 31 - Westbury, NY: The Space at Westbury Theater April 1 - Norwalk, CT: Wall Street Theatre May 20 - Oxford, UK: New Theatre May 21 - Birmingham, UK: Symphony Hall May 23 - Glasgow, UK: Royal Concert Hall May 25 - Gateshead, UK: Sage One May 26 - Manchester, UK: The Bridgewater Hall May 27 - London, UK: Indigo at The O2
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