Rock veteran Meat Loaf turned down an invitation to star in the Canadian stage version of hit musical PHANTOM OF THE OPERA - because he hates the show.

The BAT OUT OF HELL singer was offered $154,000 (GBP96,000)-a-week to play the lead role in the ANDREW LLOYD-WEBBER love story, but insists it's the last thing he'd wish to appear in.

He says, "I hate that show. The Phantom Of The Opera doesn't hold anyone's attention. I took five people to see it once and three of them fell asleep."

16/07/2003 21:11