MEAT LOAF will embark on a summer North American tour, beginning July 3rd, in support of his star-studded forthcoming album, Hang Cool Teddy Bear.

Meat Loaf’s new album, Hang Cool Teddy Bear (whose title was taken from a line in Beyond The Valley Of The Dolls), was produced by Rob Cavallo and features guest appearances by Jack Black, Hugh Laurie, Kara DioGuardi, QUEEN's Brian May and STEVE VAI. The album is due out May 11th from Roadrunner/Loud & Proud Records.

Free single downloads from the new album will be included in the price of the ticket in select markets.

The CD’s theme was inspired by screenwriter/director Kilian Kerwin’s story. A soldier who has been wounded in battle thinks he is going to die. Instead of his life flashing backward at the prospect, his life flashes forward into what could have been. The inter-related songs are the different scenarios he finds himself in. It’s not always the same time or place, but it is always the same woman. The first video, 'Los Angeloser' (see below), tells a tale of a bad significant other who takes advantage of a generous lover. (Who hasn’t been there?!)

“I wanted it big, I wanted it dramatic, I wanted a rock record,” Meat Loaf says. “Yes, it sounds like a Meat Loaf record. But it sounds different, too; it sounds new, it sounds fresh. It speaks to you in a different way.”

For Hang Cool Teddy Bear, Meat Loaf’s creativity was sparked by working with a new collaborator, Rob Cavallo, a lifelong Meat Loaf fan who has worked with some of the most explosive names in rock music: GREEN DAY, MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE, PARAMORE and FLEETWOOD MAC.

According to Meat Loaf, “Rob is the number one rock producer in the world because he leaves his ego out of the equation and gives an artist his voice, making it sound better than the artist could even imagine.”

The first leg of the summer 2010 North American tour begins on July 3rd in Gilford, NH at the Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion. More dates will be announced shortly.

Dates include:

July

3 - Gilford, NH - Meadowbrook U. S. Cellular Pavilion
8 - Boston, MA - Bank of America Pavilion
10 - Atlantic City, NJ - Atlantic City Hilton
12 - Uncasville, CT - Mohegan Sun Arena
14 - Wantagh, NY - Nikon at Jones Beach Theater
16 - Holmdel, NJ - PNC Bank Arts Center
18 - Hershey, PA - Giant Center
22 - Detroit, MI - MotorCity Casino Hotel
24 - Sault Sainte Marie, MI - Kewadin Casino 25th Anniversary Festival