Bryan Adams has posted a lengthy rant on Instagram after his live shows were cancelled by coronavirus.

The 60-year-old had been due to begin a residency at London's Royal Albert Hall this month but the gigs were called off due to COVID-19, which has now killed more than 287,000 people worldwide.

In his expletive-laden post, Adams - known for hits including '(Everything I Do) I Do It For You', 'Heaven' and 'Summer Of 69' - appeared to point the finger at China for originating the virus.

"Tonight was supposed to be the beginning of a tenancy of gigs at the @royalalberthall," he wrote. "But thanks to some fucking bat eating, wet market animal selling, virus making greedy bastards, the whole world is now on hold, not to mention the thousands that have suffered or died from this virus. My message to them other than 'thanks a fucking lot' is go vegan.

"To all the people missing out on our shows, I wish I could be there more than you know. It's been great hanging out in isolation with my children and family, but I miss my other family, my band, my crew and my fans. Take care of yourselves and hope we can get the show on the road again soon. I'll be performing a snippet from each album we were supposed to perform for the next few days."

Adams also wrote the stage show Pretty Woman: The Musical, which opened in London a month before the coronavirus lockdown.