Killswitch Engage’s Jesse Leach knows what Meat Loaf wouldn’t have done for love

Jesse Leach of Killswitch Engage in 2025, and Meat Loaf in 1994 — (Image credit: Ethan Miller/Getty Images | John Atashian/Getty Images)

Killswitch Engage frontman Jesse Leach knows what Meat Loaf wouldn’t have done for love.

During a recent reader Q&A with Metal Hammer, the New York-based vocalist is asked the immortal question, “What exactly would Meat Loaf not do for love?”, referring to the late American rock singer’s 1993 hit single, I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That).

Meat Loaf (real name Marvin Lee Aday) died in 2022 at the age of 74, but it turns out, Leach has a source close to the late musical icon and actor. He’s in touch with Meat Loaf’s daughter Pearl, who is married to Anthrax guitarist and thrash metal frontrunner Scott Ian.

So, what would Meat Loaf not have done for love?” He would never betray his family,” Leach tells us. “He was a very loyal father from what she tells me. So, I’ll give him props.”

Meat Loaf released I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That) as a single in August 1993, two weeks before the singer put out his sixth album Bat Out Of Hell II: Back Into Hell. The song topped the charts in 28 countries and marked his first-ever UK number-one hit. It’s been certified Platinum in the UK, the United States and five other countries.

Killswitch released their latest album, This Consequence, in February. Hammer reviewed the album, the band’s first since Atonement in 2019, and awarded it four stars out of five.

Journalist Stephen Hill wrote: “While this is unquestionably the hardest, often darkest and most frenzied Killswitch album in some time, their belief in affirmation and self-betterment remains. Jesse continues to be a force for good in the metal scene, and has always preached strength through unity. His stirring call of ‘I believe, there is hope for better days’ on I Believe shows that a positive core and desire for solidarity remains a key part of his identity.”

Killswitch will tour Europe and the UK from September to December. The run will include a show at London’s 12,500-capacity Wembley Arena on October 17, marking their biggest non-festival UK headline show to date. Decapitated, Hatebreed, Fit For An Autopsy and Employed To Serve will support. See all details below.

The full conversation with Leach will be available in Metal Hammer issue 404, which comes out next Thursday, August 14.

Killswitch Engage 2025 European tour dates:

Sep 29: Lisbon LAV, Portugal
Oct 01: Madrid La Riviera, Spain
Oct 02: Barcelona Razzmatazz, Spain
Oct 04: Milan Fabrique, Italy
Oct 05: Zurich Halle 622, Switzerland
Oct 06: Paris Bataclan, France

Oct 08: Wolverhampton Civic Hall, UK
Oct 09: Manchester Academy, UK
Oct 11: Newcastle NX, UK
Oct 12: Cardiff Depot, UK
Oct 13: Leeds O2 Academy, UK
Oct 15: Glasgow O2 Academy, UK
Oct 17: London OVO Wembley Arena, UK
Oct 19: Belfast Telegraph Building, UK
Oct 20: Dublin National Stadium, Ireland

Nov 20: Cologne Palladium, Germany
Nov 21: Ludwigsburg MHP Arena, Germany
Nov 22: Berlin Columbiahalle, Germany
Nov 24: Prague SasaZu, Czech Republic
Nov 25: Leipzig Haus Auensee, Germany
Nov 27: Hamburg Sporthalle, Germany
Nov 28: Copenhagen Amager Bio, Denmark
Nov 29: Stockholm Fallan, Sweden
Dec 01: Oslo Sentrum Scene, Norway
Dec 03: Helsinki House of Culture, Finland

Artists

Louder’s resident Gojira obsessive was still at uni when he joined the team in 2017. Since then, Matt’s become a regular in Metal Hammer and Prog, at his happiest when interviewing the most forward-thinking artists heavy music can muster. He’s got bylines in The Guardian, The Telegraph, The Independent, NME and many others, too. When he’s not writing, you’ll probably find him skydiving, scuba diving or coasteering.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.