The evening began with a video projection that set the mood nicely — a teasing prelude before the real action began. When Steve made his entrance, the roar of applause that met him could have shaken the rafters.

The first half of the show wavered between very good and fantastic. It took around twenty minutes for the momentum to fully ignite, but once it did, there were several standout numbers that hit with real power. The staging was simple at first, with few props, allowing Steve to build easy rapport with the audience. By the interval, I was fully invested — and itching to see what would come next.
It turned out the cast must have spent the interval in hell itself, because when they returned, the second half was blisteringly good.

Suddenly, the stage exploded with energy: dazzling effects, clever use of props, and powerhouse performances that had the audience eating out of the palm of their hands. Steve injected far more humour this time, throwing in jokes that landed perfectly and strengthened the bond between stage and stalls. By this point, the cast were utterly in their groove — confident, connected, and clearly loving every minute.
The band deserve their own mention — they were superb, like the unholy gatekeepers of rock ‘n’ roll hell. Steve, of course, was phenomenal as always, commanding the stage with his trademark mix of swagger and sincerity. Vocalists Tanyth Roberts and Charlotte MacLachlan were both outstanding, their voices soaring through the theatre. I particularly enjoyed Tanyth’s quick wit and natural humour.

John Evans, who I’d seen previously in Vampires Rock, had a smaller role this time but still delivered impressive vocals — though I know from experience he’s capable of adding even more comic bite.
If the first half hovered between four and five stars, the second half blasted straight through the gates of hell and came roaring out the other side — a fierce, fiery, and fully deserved five stars.
It’s on tour now — so catch it while you can, and prepare to be amazed.

The post Review: Steve Steinman Anything For Love – Whitley Bay Playhouse appeared first on The Meat Loaf Story.

Review by Catherine McCauley for MPM

It’s a beautiful crisp afternoon as we leave stroke city to make our way to the big smoke aka Belfast, for tonight’s entertainment.

Being big fans of theatrical shows my Mum and myself are very excited to see Steve Steinman’s ‘Like A Bat Out Of hell: Anything for Love – The Meatloaf Story’. As we dander around the Odyssey waiting for the doors to open at 7pm, Meatloaf’s hits are being played throughout the complex and everyone is singing along as they enjoy a bite at the local restaurants and eateries before the show. When ‘Bat out of Hell’ comes on the radio in the Coffee Shop, I overhear the Barista comment to her colleague – “that’s my favourite tune of his”.

Meatloaf was a powerhouse of a man and multi-talented to boot, a singer, actor and a very humorous guy. I grew up listening to my Mum playing Meatloaf and ‘Bat Out Of Hell’ remains a regular album on her playlist so it’s a special evening for us both tonight. Meatloaf also played a maniacal biker, Eddie in Rocky Horror Picture Show so it’s only fitting that the charismatic Steve Steinman would create a Musical becoming of the icon that was Meatloaf.

On the 17^th July 1994 a hotel/restaurant owner called Steve Murray appeared on a well-loved TV show called Stars in their Eyes to perform ‘Bat Out Of Hell’ by the legendary Meatloaf. Steve started off singing in his bar but never expected his career to take such a dramatic and fantastic turn. Steve has since changed his performing name to Steve Steinman in honour of the illustrious Jim Steinman who penned albums for the likes of Bonnie Tyler and of course Meatloaf. In Fact Jim Steinman wrote ‘Bat Out Of Hell’ and wrote and produced ‘Bat Out Of Hell II: Back Into The Night’. Tonight’s concert is one of those shows that you already have a palpable anticipation and sense that we are about to encounter something gothically magical.

As we eagerly take our fantastic seats we observe a dark and red filled stage with a large black Bat sculpture with its black wings outstretched, perfectly placed in front of the drum kit. The Bat featured on the album cover is tonight’s back drop. There is a beautiful grand piano with red flames on the lid as if it had been procured from Hell itself. We enthusiastically flick though the shows beautiful and glossy brochure in preparation.

Tonight’s concert contains two acts, ‘Bat Out Of Hell’ will be played in its entirety across the two sets with a few other surprises thrown in for good measure. Act 1 commences with ‘I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That)’ as the infamous piano intro, played passionately by Brendan Dowse, begins the crowd erupts with a rapturous cheers and applause, The band, backing singers and the main man Steve Steinman take to the stage as the guitarists Jamie Hiscox and Dan Stevens play the instantly recognisable riffs. Steve’s powerful vocals echo through the SSE.  Steve engages the audience and encourages us to sing along prompting us to sing louder which we do with glee. The immensely talented and gorgeous Tanyth Roberts, stuns us with her commanding vocals. The backing singers Charlotte MacLachlan, Victoria Farley, and Katie Sparkhall are eye catching as they sing and dance with such fervour. A night of wonderful theatrical and musical fun lies ahead and Belfast can’t wait.

Next up the emotive ‘Rock and Roll Dreams Come Through’ featuring the enthralling Johnny Wolfenden on Sax, and then a crowd favourite ‘Two Out Of Three Ain’t Bad’. The SSE is in full swing as we are engulfed in this creative and reminiscent production. Couples sway in their seats arms around one another as we get caught up singing along with Steve and his talented crew. ‘Dead Ringer For Love’ ramps up the tempo again as we return to rocking along with the backing singers dancing alongside a jukebox. I have to give a special mention to John Evans (Vocals) who was mesmerising to watch, he sings and dances evidencing that he is living his best life, a truly impelling sight to behold. Steve and Tanyth are breath-taking to watch as their on stage chemistry has us believe we are watching Meatloaf and Cher themselves. The costume changes (including Tanyth’s Cher like wig) and props are whimsical and very apt.

Steinman is alluring and involves the audience with quips and stories bringing us all along on this epic journey.  ‘Holding Out For A Hero’, delivered ardently by Tanyth and the girls who held their own on this track with the soaring accompaniment of the band.  There is a return to the slower more melancholy of the Meatloaf repertoire with ‘For Crying Out Loud’ and ‘Pray Lewd’ (Jim Steinman’s Pandora’s Box) with a Piano Solo vehemently played by Dowse which then exquisitely leads us into ‘All Coming Back To Me Now’ – Steinman jokes how they will be playing the Meatloaf version not Celine Dion’s.

Steinman takes a moment to explain how he was approached by legendary songwriter John Parr, who kindly gifted him a track entitled ‘Everything They Said Was True’. Steinman went on to record and release the track which went to number 1 in both the Amazon and ITunes chart in 2022. Listening to and watching Steinman perform the poignant track, accompanied by the official video on the large screens gave us further insight into how truly talented a singer and performer this man is. And with three Number 1 Albums under his belt and numerous successful Musicals, Steinman has more than proven his worth as an Artist.

Act 2 begins with the anthemic ‘Seize the Night’ with the thundering drums of Joe Lazarus and thumping basslines of Joe Brierley echoing through the arena. The seductive tones of Wolfenden’s Sax leads us into ‘Good Girls Go to Heaven (Bad Girls Go Everywhere)’. This was a theatrical delight with the talented Tanyth and the girls showcasing their astounding vocal ability and seductive yet fun choreography which perfectly executed the dynamic of the song – the ladies in the audience were unified with the performers!!

A leather armchair and tall lamp were brought to the front of the stage and Steinman takes his position in the chair. Ever the joker the showman comments on how no expense is spared on the props and tells us how they would be performing the Meatloaf version not Barbara Streisand’s. With the opening accompaniment of Dowse on the piano, we are treated to a highly emotive rendition of ‘Left in the Dark’. Steinman delivers an expressive and potent recital.

This gives the rest of the band ample time to return to the stage with yet another eye catching change of costume and sees the lads wearing Meatloaf designed varsity jackets and the ladies wearing Cheerleader outfits, with a rocktastic car bonnet with a ‘MEATY’ licence plate. Steinman briefly disappears off stage reappearing with a Belfast Giants jacket and the crowd roar with approval. ‘Paradise by the Dashboard Light’ is a rockabilly dance along which has ladies dancing in their seats and men raising their arms and fists in the air.

The band explode into ‘All Revved Up With No Place To Go’, followed by ‘You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth’ the acting during and in between songs and choreography are exceptional. We are swept up in a musical extravaganza of epic proportions. Men are singing at the tops of their voices, a woman dances out into the aisle and eagerly makes her way towards the stage, until a diligent security man intervenes, she returns to dancing in the aisle and loving the moment – Steinman acknowledges her enthusiastic attempt with a smile. Steinman encourages us to take out our phones and use our torches which creates a beautiful ambiance for ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’ and this made my Mums night as she and the audience sang along with such sentimentality, followed by the equally poignant ‘Heaven Can Wait’.

Steinman proudly introduces his team, which from tonight’s performance I would believe are more like family.  The show concludes with ‘Bat Out of Hell’, at Steve’s invitation everyone takes to their feet across the Odyssey and we clap and sing along with Steinman and his band. The pyrotechnics are breath-taking and the atmosphere is electric. What a fabulous end to Act II!!. Steve has clearly always had a wicked since of humour which is evident from his Stars in their eyes’ performance, he is a charming, personable and a consummate professional. What an evening, Steve Steinman’s ‘Like A Bat Out Of hell: Anything for Love – The Meatloaf Story’ is not just a show it is an experience. Steve Steinman has lots of massive projects lined up including taking The Meatloaf Story on a cruise and a Rock Musical which he assures us will be coming to Belfast in 2027. Do not miss out on an opportunity to see Steve Steinman and his talented team as they tour in a city near you.

Photography by Darren Mcveigh for MPM

The post Gig Review : Steve Steinman’s ‘Like A Bat Out Of hell: Anything for Love – The Meatloaf Story’ appeared first on The Meat Loaf Story.

And that voice was on stunning form at Aberdeen Music Hall tonight during a stage show celebrating her co-singer on that smash hit, Meat Loaf.

By Ben Hendry

The post Meat Loaf stage show brings fireworks and flames to delighted Aberdeen crowd appeared first on The Meat Loaf Story.

After an appearance on the TV show “Stars in Their Eyes” in 1993 as Meat Loaf, Steve started working all the pubs and clubs with his tribute act.

Fast forward to 2019, and he has taken it from a one man show and developed it into an all out balls to the wall, turn it up to eleven, rock music extravaganza, with a full stage production that would make some West End productions feel inadequate. Employing a full ensemble of talented musicians and dancers as well as having a production team to keep touring year after year, this is no longer a tribute act but a whole new beast in stage production albeit with the magic of Meat Loaf’s music being the Centrepoint. This has turned into more than just a tribute act, it is the musical that Meat Loaf never had.

For 2019, Steve had managed to rope in the vocal talents of female vocalist Lorraine Crosby, (The original female vocalist on Meat Loafs “I’d Do Anything for Love” hit single). However, the show would require more than just Lorraine’s impressive vocals to give the waiting fans value for money, who had parted with £26.50 for their tickets.

As the lights faded to black, the unmistakable sound of the motorbike intro on “I’d do Anything for Love” reverberated around the theatre. Just before the drums kicked in, the curtain parted to reveal the band. Steve strolled on stage to a rapturous round of applause as the vocals kicked in. From the opening notes Steve had got the audience eating out of the palm of his hands. During the instrumental that leads up to the female vocals, Lorraine walked out on stage and demonstrated why Meat Loaf wanted her vocals on that single. Even decades later Lorraine has managed to keep her vocal range intact. Absolute pleasure to hear her voice live.

From that point on, it was a whirlwind tour through some of Meat Loaf’s biggest hits. In between the songs there was tongue in cheek dialogue, with great interaction from the crowd. It is the interaction and dialogue that sets Steve Steinman apart from all the other tribute acts, this is more of a stage show designed to showcase the incredible music of Meat Loaf rather than being a pure tribute to the rock star. Even to the point of the band extending “You Took the Words Right Out of my Mouth” because the audiences clapping went out of time with the drums, so the entire band chipped in to get the audience back on track.

Having a vocalist as talented as Lorraine sharing vocal duties, it was only a matter of time before she took centre stage and was allowed to belt out hits such as “It’s all Coming Back to me Now” and “Holding out for a Hero” without the assistance of any other vocalists.

Throughout the two and half hours, Steve and Lorraine had ploughed through the back catalogue of Jim Steinman’s and Meat Loaf’s creations, songs such as “Paradise by the Dashboard Light”, “Life is a Lemon”, “For Crying Out Loud” and of course the show closer “Bat Out of Hell” were all delivered with the force of a tropical storm amidst a stunning lighting display armed with pyrotechnics throughout the show.

The beauty of this stage production lies within the fundamental aim, which is to celebrate the magic of Meat Loaf’s music rather than to try and be Meat Loaf. There is no doubt that Steve Steinman’s “Anything for Love” production brings the magic of Meat Loaf’s songs to life. With the help of incredibly talented musicians and backing dancers this becomes a tour de force of live music. Much more than just an average tribute act!

Sadly, if you missed this production, then you will be waiting quite sometime before it comes back to Mansfield. Despite performing in Mansfield for 17 years, unfortunately Mansfield Palace Theatre won’t be having “Anything for Love” back in the next few years due to the venue allegedly being that busy. So if you are eager to catch one of these productions, you could catch either Vampires Rock in February at Mansfield Palace Theatre (They play the odd Meat Loaf song) or make the trek to Nottingham Arena on May 29^th 2020 for “Anything For Love” with the Bad for Good  Rock Orchestra for a night of rock anthems from the mighty Meat Loaf repertoire.

A fabulous night out and great value for money.

Review by Luke Seagrave

The post “The beauty of this stage production lies within the fundamental aim, which is to celebrate the magic of Meat Loaf’s music rather than to try and be Meat Loaf.” appeared first on The Meat Loaf Story.

I was blown away from start to finish, Steve Steinman has somehow managed to take a Meat Loaf tribute act that he has been performing for over 27 years and turn it into the Steve Steinman show.

I wasn’t watching a lookalike tribute as we know it, this was a star in his own right. Steinman is a master of the stage, he’s a real showman and entertainer, he’s no stranger to having great guest artist’s join him on tour. Past years have seen Toyah Willcox, guitar legend Eddie O Jeda from Twisted Sister and recently Sam Bailey X Factor winner who all performed in Steinman’s hit musical Vampires Rock. So it is no surprise that joining him on this tour is none other than Lorraine Crosby.

Lorraine has worked with some of the best people in the business from Elton John to Rod Stewart and Bonnie Tyler but best known for her duet with Meat Loaf on the Grammy award winning song ‘I Would Do Anything for Love (But I won’t do that)’.

Backing the show is a very talented bunch of musicians, Henry Bird on guitar a real favourite with the audience, Zoe Parr on bass guitar and Damian Sweeting on guitar number 2. Andy Preston on the piano, who’s solo was just breath taking and Pete Jean on drums who also had a great solo at the end of the night. The backing vocals were executed to perfection by two very gorgeous backing singers Trixabelle Bold and Emily Clark who also show us that they can dance as well as sing. Not to forget John Evans backing vocals who stunned the crowd with his amazing falsetto in Total Eclipse of the Heart which got a huge round of applause and rightly so.

Steinman at times had the audience laughing out loud, he has a natural ability to talk and engage with the audience. The music in the show is pure rock at its best, Steinman’s vocals are on note and his rendition of For Crying Out Loud was outstanding. It is no surprise that Steve has such a huge following.

Lorraine Crosby matches Steinman’s vocals and stage presence, together they are dynamite. The pair duet on four songs and Lorraine tells us about her connection to Jim Steinman the man who wrote the music, she goes on to tell us about her friendship with Bonnie Tyler which leads her into one of Bonnie’s biggest hits at which point the packed 2,000 seater Concert Hall lit up like a Christmas tree with every audience member waving their phones.

The show was staged with an impressive set complete with oversized bat wings and skull. The lighting and sound were as good as I’ve heard or seen in my years of reviewing shows and with the bonus of flames and fireworks it was the cherry on the cake. By the end of the night everybody was on their feet singing out loud to the song they had all been waiting for, Bat Out of Hell. Steinman has set a new level in tribute theatre, as Meat Loaf is no longer touring this is the closest you will get.

The show is on tour until December 2019 but will be back in Nottingham next year this time at the Arena with the Bad for Good Symphonic Orchestra backing him. I for one will be there to see how Steve Steinman can better this already amazing show. I think I have to admit I’m one of Steve Steinman’s ever-growing fans.

A show not to be missed 5 stars.

The post Taking a tribute to a whole new level appeared first on The Meat Loaf Story.

Steve Steinman’s shows have always provided that but this tour has got even more oomph with the addition of Lorraine Crosby to the line-up.

She sang with Meat Loaf on I Would Do Anything For Love from Bat Out of Hell II and was managed by Jim Steinman early in her career.

Her vocals on hits including It’s All Coming Back To Me Now and Dead Ringer For Love alongside Steve Steinman made this one of the best ways to enjoy this music live as Meat Loaf himself no longer tours.

The music lends itself to the theatrical stage and the audience was also treated to a visual overload as stunning lighting, costume changes and even pyrotechnics added to the impact.

This was the first night of the tour, so there were a couple of hitches.

But Steve’s down-to-earth humour soon smoothed those over.

Lorraine Crosby also performed Bonnie Tyler’s classic Holding Out For A Hero, while the band put in their own energy throughout the night.

By the end the audience was on its feet and the balconies of this 125-year-old theatre were literally swaying.

The post Steve Steinman’s Anything For Love – Grand Theatre, Blackpool appeared first on The Meat Loaf Story.

Tonight’s Show “The Meat Loaf Story”, features a live band (an incredible band that Meat Loaf himself would be envious of), 3 beautiful backing singers/dancers, and Steve himself. Covering the obvious classics such as Bat out of Hell, Two out of Three Ain’t Bad and Paradise by the Dashboard Light, as well as some lesser known (At least by me!) hits such as Left in Dark. When Steve wasn’t on the stage, either the band played instrumental versions of the songs, or the girls sang songs on their own such as All Coming Back to me Now.

The first part of the show, I have to admit, I was a little uncomfortable. When playing Meaty, Steve was a bit sleazy, especially when he was all over one of the girls who was dressed as a cheerleader and looked about half his age!

Thankfully, however, he eventually takes off the awful black wig, stops the slightly over the top acting, and swaps his cringe-worthy fake American voice for a much better (and instantly hilarious) broad northern accent. As soon as this change happens, the show instantly becomes amazing.

Don’t get me wrong, Steinman’s voice throughout is amazing – Meat Loaf should hire him to record an album for him! There were times that I had to remind myself that this was live and it was not actually Meat Loaf on stage.

That said, it was very obvious in a few points that the show was live. There were a few, small but noticeable mistakes, however Steve handled them with his own brand of humour and had the audience eating out of his hands. When Steve comes out of character and interacts with the audience, he is incredibly funny and so likeable – if he were to just sit on the stage and talk, I think we would all be mesmerised.

The vocal skills of these three dancers / backing singers were incredible and when they were singing their stage presence was amazing.

Overall, we had such a great night listening to the music, but in terms of the show itself, I would suggest losing the cringe-worthy acting, stepping up the movement and adding a bit more chatter from Steve. the Mother-in-Law enjoyed it so much, she’s already booked for his next show – Vampires Rock!

Codie Louise Wright

The post Steve Steinman’s Meat Loaf Story – Opera House, Buxton appeared first on The Meat Loaf Story.

Steve Steinman has been entertaining audiences across the UK and beyond for more than 22 years through the music of Meat Loaf, the artist that he played during a famous appearance on Stars In Their Eyes back in the 1990s. And as you would expect, all of the great, well-known Meat Loaf songs are performed live, from the loud to the quiet, from the fast to the slow, from the emotional to the comedic. The soundtrack, covering multiple Meat Loaf albums (including every entry from his most famous album, Bat Out Of Hell), has something for everybody.

What differentiates this show from other “tributes”, though, are the attempts to integrate comedy between songs. Indeed, the interplay between Steinman and local vocalist Charlotte Sinclair is amusing, partially as they try to incorporate Meat Loaf song titles into their back-and-forth discussions, which at the very beginning especially, led to some ad-libbing and humorous moments where the duo couldn’t hold back their laughter. There are also great background settings (with the use of a very well-designed artistic backdrop), authentic costumes, and additional props such as a snazzy motor with the registration MEATY.

The crux of the show, though, is the singing, and that’s where this evening really succeeds. As you may imagine, Steinman is superb in the role of Meat Loaf, but he isn’t afraid to add his own touches to some of the tunes, as well as acknowledging that we, the audience, are here for his voice rather than his looks, as evidenced by him admitting that he was ditching the Meat Loaf wig towards the end of the first half. I also have to mention Charlotte Gallagher again, because she is outstanding. Her main contributions come when performing alongside Steinman, but she truly shines when singing alone, and based on this showing, I expect great things for her in the future.

The run-time was logical, with an hour for each half surrounding a 25-minute interval, and the tone of the show is of such high energy that there is never a dull moment. The backing artists, on drums and piano especially, also add their own flair to the music, and at times the spotlight shines solely on them, to which they respond with suitably strong performances. The only confusion I had concerned the attempts to tell a story between Meat Loaf and Peggy Sue; between the first few songs, it feels like a tongue-in-cheek plotline is developing, but it then seems to be dropped, with only occasional references as the second half progresses. The show also had some members of the audience wanting to make things all about them, which is amusing the first time but not when they keep shouting out at inappropriate moments.

As a whole, though, I had a great time. The Meat Loaf Story is the ideal homage to an unforgettable musician, and all involved put on quite the spectacle. If you’re a Meat Loaf fan, I would highly recommend you check out Steinman’s production when it returns to Liverpool.

Overall Rating: 8.5/10 – Excellent

Mark Armstrong

The post Music Review: The Meat Loaf Story, Auditorium At Echo Arena, Liverpool appeared first on The Meat Loaf Story.

Another great review, this time from Kelly Bond, exclusive booking agent, UK Holiday Parks:

I want to take time to thank Steve and his incredibly talented band/vocalists/dancers for a wonderful evening of entertainment this Saturday gone at the Liverpool Echo Arena.

It was a real treat to be able to take the evening off and enjoy the sounds of Meatloaf – a birthday surprise for my Dad. All of the music we, as Meatloaf fans, wanted to hear, all executed flawlessly by Steve and the Lost Boys!

The post Steve Steinman’s The Meat Loaf Story at the Auditorium, Echo Arena appeared first on The Meat Loaf Story.

To be honest I was expecting a Meatloaf tribute with a live band behind him …….. I was so wrong!!

Yeah live band, Yeah Meatloaf tribute front man and even backing singers/dancers but the blood, sweat, time and most of all love and passion that has been put into this show is shown from the first notes played. There is acting, comedy and audience participation with Meat’s powerful theatrical rock songs thrown in to tell you a Meatloaf Story.

All the much loved classics are there… Bat outta hell, Dead ringer, Two outta three, just to name a few but Steve has also included some of Meat’s lesser known music but with all the same power and passion of the classics.

The Lost Boys ( the band) are unbeatable so much talent in them all (you would think you was listening to the Neverland Express) who are accompanied by four backing singers/dancers with one of the girls taking the female lead with Steve and there’s only one word to describe this young lady …WOW! What an amazing voice Charlotte has, the power she belts out is done effortlessly and deservingly so gets some solos including one of Meatloaf’s big hits ( no spoilers)

In short, I see now why Steve has so many followers and sell out crowds for his shows. It was truly an amazing night and I’m looking forward to January 2019 for Vampires Rock.

Thank you again Steve and Lost Boys for a great night keep up the good work and never stop rocking.

Mark Paul

The post Steve Steinman’s The Meat Loaf Story at The Grand, Blackpool – A 5 star show! appeared first on The Meat Loaf Story.