Classic-rocker Meat Loaf [ tickets ], who in 2003 mounted what he claimed at the time was a farewell tour, is returning to the road this summer.

The 21-date outing, dubbed "Meat Loaf: The Show," kicks off in early August with a three-night stand in New York City, and is currently slated to run into mid-September. A ticket pre-sale is in progress via tour sponsor AOL CityGuide; more information is available at Meat Loaf's website.

Members of Meat Loaf's fan club have an opportunity to purchase special ticket packages that include an in-person meeting with the singer and a chance to introduce the band on stage.

Radio stations and press outlets in each market along the tour route will hold local promotions to audition singers for a chance to join Meat Loaf on stage to perform one of his best-known hits, "Paradise by the Dashboard Light," according to a press release.

The North American shows will follow a two-month European trek, details of which are also posted at Meat Loaf's site.

In addition to previously released works, Meat Loaf's set list will "spotlight material from [his] upcoming project," according to a press release. No additional details about the project were available at press time.

Meat Loaf's 1977 release, "Bat Out of Hell," has sold more than 14 million copies in the U.S., according to the Recording Industry Association of America, which ranks the album at No. 24 on its all-time sales list. Combined global sales of that album and its 1993 follow-up, "Bat Out of Hell II: Back Into Hell," total 60 million, according to a press release.

Shortly before Meat Loaf announced his 2003 farewell tour, his publicist told the Associated Press that the theatrical rocker planned to devote more time to his acting career. Among the movies he has appeared in are "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," "Fight Club" and "Crazy in Alabama."

In the midst of his 2003 tour, Meat Loaf collapsed on stage during a London performance. He later underwent successful heart surgery and resumed the outing.