It’s probably been a while since you’ve thought of Meat Loaf — the singer not the food, though you probably haven’t thought of the food much lately either — but now’s a good time to bring him back to the forefront of your mind. The “Bat Out Of Hell” singer is going vegan for January, but don’t expect him to change his name to Veg Loaf for the duration because it’s not happening.
- Meat Loaf’s veganism is kinda for financial gain. He’s working with UK-based Italian-American restaurant Frankie & Benny’s, appearing in a new ad in which he proclaims his intention to ditch animal products for the month of January as part of the Veganuary movement. Frankie & Benny’s is offering a new vegan menu, so it’s a marriage made in heaven, you see.
- He’ll be keeping his non-vegan name, thanks. In the commercial, two company employees approach him and suggest that he go all-in on his new diet, changing his name to Veg Loaf instead of Meat Loaf, at least until January is over. His response? “I’m not changing my name.”
- He would do anything for veganism, but he won’t do that. Oh come on, I had to! So did he. In a statement, Meat Loaf— real name Marvin Lee Aday— said, “When Frankie & Benny’s first approached me to rebrand to Veg Loaf I said no way in hell – I won’t do that. But, I’d do anything for our planet and dropping meat for veg, even for just one day a week, can make a huge difference – which is why I’m backing Frankie’s new vegan menu.” To be honest, it does look kinda good.
- Meat Loaf used to be vegetarian for many years. The singer was disturbed when he ordered rabbit at a restaurant and they served it whole with the head on and everything, so he went vegetarian for 11 years. He says he eventually went back to eating meat for health reasons, but he’s ready to go vegan, at least temporarily.
- For Frankie & Benny’s, working with Meat Loaf was a natural choice for Veganuary. Elise Ash, Director of Strategy & Brand Frankie & Benny’s, said in a statement, “We wanted to encourage diners to swap Meat for Veg this January, so who better to sign up than one of the most recognized artists on the planet. Funnily enough, our new video isn’t far off the original real-life pitch to Meat. While we couldn’t convince him to rebrand to VEG LOAF, we’re just delighted he’s the headline act for our new vegan menu and helping spread the word on the benefits of tucking into our meat-free dishes.”
- If you’re in the UK, it’s worth checking out. Frankie & Benny’s is offering 50% their vegan main menu items from January 5 – 31, and who doesn’t love a bargain? However, if you live elsewhere, you don’t need a special vegan menu to go vegan. Even eating meat a few nights less a week can make a difference, and that’s coming from someone who’s not vegan herself. Hey, it’s worth a shot.
