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Meat Loaf - Bat Out of Hell (Epic/Cleveland International, 1977) Vinyl LP

Front and back cover of Meat Loaf's Bat Out of Hell vinyl record album sitting on a wooden floor. - view 1
1/2

Estimated value

$15 - $40

Rarity

Common(2/10)

Category

Vinyl Records

Brand

Epic

Era

Late 1970s

Origin

🇺🇸 United States

Artist / Creator

Meat Loaf

Authenticity

Very High(90%)
5

MEAT LOAF - BAT OUT OF HELL (EPIC/CLEVELAND INTERNATIONAL, 1977) VINYL LP: IDENTIFICATION

Original long-playing vinyl record of Meat Loaf's 1977 debut album, Bat Out of Hell. The sleeve features the iconic Richard Corben cover illustration of a motorcycle bursting from a graveyard. The rear jacket displays the Cleveland International Records logo and Epic Records branding, typically associated with the initial 1977 release and its subsequent late-70s pressings. Produced by Todd Rundgren, this album is noted for its operatic rock style composed entirely by Jim Steinman.

Compare with other records in the archive: Elvis Presley - Good Luck Charm / Anything That's Part Of You (RCA 47-7992, 1962) German Pressing, Jungle - Volcano (Caiola Records CAI002LP, 2023) Orange Splatter Vinyl, Larry June, 2 Chainz, & The Alchemist - Life Is Beautiful (Deluxe Edition, Ocean Blue & Clear Sky Split).

CROSS-CULTURAL PARALLELS

Where This Object Echoes

Wagnerian Opera1970s-1980s

Jim Steinman’s 'Total Eclipse of the Heart' style applied to rock, creating a subgenre known as Wagnerian Rock.

Ritual & Ceremonial Use

  • •Classic rock radio rotation and 'stadium rock' performance traditions.

Meaning Through Time

1977

A theatrical, campy rebellion against the emerging punk rock movement.

PRESSING HISTORY

Released in October 1977, Bat Out of Hell initially faced rejection from multiple major labels before being picked up by Steve Popovich's Cleveland International Records. It eventually became one of the best-selling albums of all time, with over 43 million copies sold globally according to RIAA ...
Released in October 1977, Bat Out of Hell initially faced rejection from multiple major labels before being picked up by Steve Popovich's Cleveland International Records. It eventually became one of the best-selling albums of all time, with over 43 million copies sold globally according to RIAA and international certification data. The album's production was famously financed by Todd Rundgren himself after labels refused to provide a budget.

COLLECTOR NOTES

1

Despite its eventual diamond certification, the album did not enter the Billboard Top 10 in the US until nearly a year after its 1977 release.

SCARCITY

Common20-40%
CommonLegendary

Older mass-produced items still widely available. Easy to find on eBay, antique malls, and estate sales in large quantities.

Rarity 2/10. Curiosa currently catalogues 7 vinyl items at rarity 2 or higher.

Typical Characteristics

  • Mass produced historically
  • High survival rate
  • Readily available everywhere

AUDIOPHILE'S ASSESSMENT

Record Collector & Pressing Specialist

Vinyl Expert

High confidence in identification due to clear jacket logos and iconic artwork; valuation is a range because the record's playback condition cannot be seen.

KEY EVIDENCE

  • 1Typography on the rear tracklist is consistent with 1977-1979 Epic releases.

CONDITION & GRADE

VG / VG (Vinyl/Sleeve)

Grading breakdown

Sleeve graded Very Good (VG) due to edge wear and visible ring wear; vinyl assumes a similar grade pending inspection for surface hairlines and spindle marks.

Condition

The jacket shows visible shelf wear, including white chipping/fraying along the top and bottom edges and minor corner blunting. Surface ring wear is evident on the rear jacket, particularly against the white background, which is typical for 1970s non-laminated cardstock sleeves.

RECORD MARKET VALUE

$15 - $40

Updated: Aug 6, 2026

  • Market comparables from auctions & retail
  • Condition, completeness & craftsmanship
  • Current collector demand & trends
  • Low = quick sale, high = patient seller

For informational purposes only, not a formal appraisal.

YOUR INPUT VS. SCAN

How your provided context compares with Curiosa.com scanner findings.

What Aligned

  • User's claim of 'Original/Authentic' aligns with the visible 1970s Cleveland International and Epic logos.
  • User's note of 'Minor wear' aligns with the observed edge chipping and light ring wear.

FROM THE CABINET OF

KI

king
Wonderseeker•7 items

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ABOUT VINYL RECORDS

LPs, 45s, rare pressings, album art, and music on wax.

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