“The only good masks are N95,” he said. “But we got one, and it was so badly made, the straps were so short, they would go on a child. 

“So we had to go on the airplane with the paper masks and then on the way back, we got a Nazi: ‘Get your mask on now!’ They’re power-mad now.”

The Texas-born singer added that the pandemic meant people were being controlled, adding: “But not me. If I die, I die, but I’m not going to be controlled.”

He is survived by his wife Deborah and daughters Pearl and Amanda.

In a statement, the singer’s family said: “Our hearts are broken to announce that the incomparable Meat Loaf passed away tonight”.

“His amazing career spanned six decades that saw him sell over 100 million albums worldwide and star in over 65 movies.

“We know how much he meant to so many of you and we truly appreciate all of the love and support as we move through this time of grief in losing such an inspiring artist and beautiful man.”