The 60-year-old has been diagnosed as having an inter-vocal cord cyst, and will undergo four to six weeks of vocal therapy before doctors decide whether he needs surgery, according to a statement on his website.

The singer, who cancelled his European tour, has postponed his Australian tour dates, which were announced just last week.

"KMW Productions, the Promoters of the Meat Loaf - The Three Bats Tour scheduled for February 2008, regret to announce that the tour has been re-scheduled for later in 2008. Stay tuned for further announcements," his Australian promoters said in a release.