Meat Loaf has wanted to change his name for 38 years - because it makes him sound like a clown.

The 'Bat out of Hell' hitmaker - whose real name is Marvin Lee Aday - likes that his moniker stands out but worries it makes him look unprofessional, with similarities to that of a circus performer.

Discussing what his biggest challenge has been, he said: "My name. It works because people remember it, but it doesn't work because people don't take me seriously - it's like a Barnum and Bailey clown name. I've wanted to change it since 1972."

Meat Loaf first launched into the music scene the late 70s, and has performed in a number of conditions, embarrassing himself on stage "every night".

The 62-year-old rocker said: "I've gone on stage with a broken leg, in a wheelchair, on crutches. The only thing I haven't done is cut off my ear.

"My gigs are built on improvisation - I go out there and I'm like the Energizer bunny. Every night, I come off and go into the band's room and say, 'People don't ever let me do that again.' "