Meat Loaf cancels tour over vocal cyst

Meat Loaf has cancelled the rest of his European tour after doctors diagnosed a cyst on his vocal cords.

The singer was forced to cancel two concerts within the last week and sparked fears he was to quit performing altogether when he reportedly said that last week's Newcastle gig, which he abandoned halfway through, would be "the last show I may ever do in my life".

Meat Loaf's promoters insisted that he had just been 'exhausted' and 'stressed', and cancelled the two further gigs after being diagnosed with laryngitis.

But today an inner-vocal cord cyst was diagnosed. He will now undergo voice therapy to determine whether surgery is necessary.

In a statement Meat Loaf, who was due to play in London tonight, dismissed rumours he would be retiring, saying: "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."