Meatloaf off the menu... for now
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Top US rocker Meat Loaf has vowed "I'll be back" after cancelling his forthcoming concert in Belfast for medical reasons.
The powerhouse singer has been diagnosed with an inter-vocal cord cyst and several remaining European dates on his Three Bats Tour, including a show at the Odyssey Arena later this month, have been dropped.
Concerns over his well-being were raised last week after he left a Newcastle stage having reportedly told fans: "This is the last show I may ever do in my life."
The star, born Marvin Lee Aday, walked off an hour into his set at Newcastle's Metro Arena after struggling with his voice.
According to Newcastle's Evening Chronicle, he said: "I can no longer continue.
"I take my coat off and thank you for 30 years."
A doctor was called and the 60-year-old was diagnosed as suffering from exhaustion and urged to rest.
Hopes that the star would be able to perform in Belfast were still high last week, but Aiken Promotions have since confirmed that Meat Loaf will not be appearing on November 22.
Disappointed fans who have paid up to £49 per ticket for his Odyssey show will be able to claim a full refund from the point of purchase.
It is understood that voice therapy will necessary to determine whether the star's problem requires surgery.
It will be known in around four to six weeks what further course of action may be required.
Said Meat Loaf: "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."
Meat Loaf in concert in New York, 2004.  
American musician Meat Loaf has canceled the remaining dates of his 2007 European tour on Tuesday. This decision was announced less than a week after the performer prematurely ended a concert in Newcastle upon Tyne.

Earlier reports attributed Meat Loaf's medical problems at Newcastle to a sore throat. This week's announcements indicate that the rocker sustained a vocal cord cyst that requires weeks of treatment and possibly surgery.

Despite Meat Loaf's indication at the Newcastle concert that his career might have ended, a most recent statement on his fan site declared that he would be "coming back strong in 2008" with hopes of new concerts following treatment.