“It really breaks my heart not to be able to perform these shows,” he said. “I will be back.”

A cloud of doubt surrounded the tour last week after Meat Loaf walked off the stage during a concert in Newcastle, England, calling it “the last show I may ever do in my life,” and adding “I can no longer continue. I take my coat off and thank you for 30 years.”

Concert organizers played down the remarks, saying the 60 year-old singer was suffering from “exhaustion and stress”.

Management reps later said Meat Loaf suffering from laryngitis and had been ordered to rest by doctors.

Shows in Manchester and Birmingham were canceled. and then came the announcement that he had diagnosed with an inter-vocal cord cyst.

While most cysts of this type require surgery, voice therapy is usually conducted first to determine if it is necessary.

It will take four to six weeks for doctors to determine if further action is required.

“I was really looking forward to capping off a great year and celebrating the start of the holidays with the fans,” Meat Loaf said. “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 rumors before they start – I will be back.”