An Interview with Steve Steinman By Steve Rudd

Newark-based Steve Steinman is a man of many talents. Currently touring with his spectacular show Vampires Rock, an alternative slice of musical theatre which features Classic Rock tunes such as Welcome To The Jungle, Total Eclipse of The Heart, and Poison, he's a true workhorse who lives to perform in the limelight. Having made his first forays into the entertainment industry as a Meatloaf impersonator, he went on to produce his first show: The Meatloaf Story.

After its huge success, Steve then went on to produce The Bat Trilogy, a show that has wowed audiences the length and breadth of the UK due to Steve's powerhouse renditions of all the old Meatloaf classics. While he tours with The Trilogy during Spring, he hits the road with Vampires Rock in Autumn. Last year Twisted Sister guitarist Eddie Ojeda joined the cast; this year, Toyah Willcox has done the honours. Here, in an exclusive interview with Steve Rudd, Steve Steinman revels in just how well Vamps has been received...

Hi Steve, how are things? Great. You are currently on tour with your 'Vampires Rock' show. How has it been going? It's been superb with sellouts at all the shows. As soon as December hit, Toyah Willcox joined the cast as 'The Devil Queen'. What has it been like working with the singing legend?

She has been great ... very good to work with and a team player.

Did you ask Toyah if she would like to join the show, or did she approach you? I asked her last year and she jumped at the chance. She had heard of the show and it all fell into place with the new album she has out , and it's more rocky than her other stuff. Which part of the current show do you enjoy the most? I love the second half because it really gets going and the audience get a chance to dance.

For those people who may never have seen 'Vampires Rock', how would you best describe it? Funny, fast and a great night's entertainment.

The band that you're currently on tour with are different to the band you hit the road with last year. Why is that the case? I've heard the the current band are also known as 'Kid Ego' and play original material when they're not performing with you ... Yep, new band and new look for the next 3 years. The old band wanted a rest from touring and to play some of their own songs. It's just the way it is in this job. Once you have finished this 'Vamps' tour you will be hard at work in preparation for taking 'Bat - The Symphony' on tour next spring. Are you excited about working with an orchestra?

Very. It's going to be a challenge for us all - I can't wait. We are also going into Europe in 2010 on a 30 date tour.

Will you be performing any Meatloaf songs that you've never previously performed? Ha! I think I have done them all at some time. I will be sticking to the 'Bat Out Of Hell' album for this show to keep it classic. Are you scheduled to stop by any venues in London on the 'Bat Symphony' tour like you are with the current 'Vamps' tour?

I may do the Royal Albert Hall in 2010.

Does taking 'Vamps' to London daunt you? Not really. It's a bit scary but I wouldn't have got this far if I didn't take risks. Finally, do you have any plans for Christmas and the New Year? Do you think you might manage to find time to give yourself a few well earned days off? I need to. I will get a few days off but I have four other productions that I have to promote and book so I am always hard at it in the office when I am not touring. I will look forward to my summer off; I always take eight weeks off with the kids and we sail round the Greek islands. For more information please visit www.vampiresrock.com

thisisUll.com Featured Writer Steve Rudd
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