Illness forces Meatloaf to cancel tour
Rocker Meatloaf has been forced to cancel the remainder of his current tour after being diagnosed with a cyst of his vocal cords.
The singer had 11 dates left on his 'Three Bats' Tour, including a show at London's Wembley Arena last night.
In a statement released on his website, meatloaf.net, the 'Bat Out Of Hell singer' said: "It really breaks my heart not to be able to perform these shows.
"I was really looking forward to capping off a great year and celebrating the start of the holidays with the fans.
"But I have to do what the doctors tell me so I can look forward to healing and coming back strong in 2008. Let me dispel any rumours before they start - I will be back."
The statement said doctors had diagnosed an inter-vocal cord cyst.
While most cysts of this type usually require surgery, voice therapy will be carried out first to establish whether this is necessary, it said.
It will be four to six weeks before it is known what course of action may be required.
Additional information for ticketholders is expected to be released on Meatloaf's website.
Yesterday's announcement comes just days after Meatloaf cancelled a show at Birmingham's NEC Arena because of ill health.
The singer was suffering from acute laryngitis and cancelled the performance on Friday on the advice of his doctor.
On Wednesday the singer cut short a performance at Newcastle's Metro Arena after just 70 minutes.
The singer reportedly announced: "I can no longer continue. I take my coat off and thank you for 30 years."
A doctor was summoned and the 60-year-old was diagnosed as suffering from exhaustion and urged to rest.
