Named after a line from “Valley Of The Dolls,” Meat Loaf’s latest effort – Hang Cool Teddy Bear – drops May 11. Produced by Rob Cavallo (Green Day, My Chemical Romance), the album takes its cue from a story written by screenwriter / director Killian Kerwin and featuring a wounded soldier who flashes forward to a life that might have been. Free single downloads will be included in the ticket price in select markets.

Helping Meat Loaf on Hang Cool Teddy Bear was a collection of musicians and actors, including guitarists Steve Vai and Queen’s Brian May. Tenacious D member / actor Jack Black, “House” star Hugh Laurie and “American Idol” judge Kara DioGuardi also appear on the album.

The first video from Hang Cool Teddy Bear is “Los Angeloser.”

The tour begins in Gilford, N.H., at the Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion July 3, plays Boston’s Bank Of America Pavilion July 8 and Atlantic City’s Hilton July 10. Other stops include Uncasville, Conn., at Mohegan Sun Arena July 12; Wantagh, N.Y., at Nikon At Jones Beach Theater July 14; Holmdel, N.J., at PNC Bank Arts Center July 16; Hershey, Pa., at the GIANT Center July 18 and Detroit at the MotorCity Casino and Hotel July 22. Last date on the schedule is Sault Sainte Marie, Mich., at the Kewadin Casino 25th Anniversary Festival July 24.

Tickets for Gilford go on sale April 30, tickets for Boston, Uncasville, Wantagh, Holmdel, Hershey and Detroit go on sale May 1 and Atlantic City ducats go up May 8. The Sault Sainte Marie date is already on sale. For more information, click here for Meat Loaf’s website.