A DISAPPOINTED concertgoer is urging fellow audience members to join him in legal action to get their money back.

Fans of Bat Out of Hell star Meat Loaf said the singer walked off stage last Wednesday at the Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle, at the start of a song, saying: "I can no longer continue."

Last night, it emerged the singer has cancelled the remainder of his British tour to undergo treatment to a cyst on his vocal chords.

Mike Fisher, 53, from Hartlepool, who paid more than £50 for a ticket, was one of about 10,000 fans left disappointed.

He said he estimated Meat Loaf's performance at about 40 minutes rather than the 70 minutes or so claimed by the concert's organisers, who said there would be no refund.

He is urging others at the show to get in contact so they can press the promoters for their money back, and go to court if they refuse.

About 100 people have made contact after The Northern Echo carried a story about the gig.

He is hoping more will come forward, adding weight to the demand for a refund.

He said letters and calls to the venue, ticket seller Ticketmaster and promoter had not been replied to.

Mr Foster said: "I am proposing that since we are not getting any reply, we start proceedings at Newcastle County Court to get our money back.

"I am sure that would add weight to the argument, rather than 200 or 300 people sending in individual claims, which would cost £80 each.

"I am sure they will have been inundated with individual claims and they can fob them off."

Arena marketing director Paul Tappenden said the decision whether to give refunds was down to the concert promoter, not the venue or ticket seller.

He said: "They hire the venue for the day and we have no control over the show or the money - it goes to the promoter.

"Meat Loaf was on stage for one hour and ten minutes or so, and there was a support act.

"There is almost a rule that once a concert goes over an hour, it is perceived that a show has taken place."

Promoter Kennedy Street Enterprises could not be contacted for comment last night.

Anyone who wants to get in touch with Mr Foster must have proof they were at the concert.

They should email him at meatloafrefund@aol.com