Vampires Rock: The Ghost Train

Webster Theatre, Arbroath, January 25; Perth Concert Hall, February 15

Boasting a plethora of classic rock anthems such as Highway To Hell, I Love Rock’n’roll and School’s Out, the tongue-in-cheek Vampires Rock previously starred music legend Toyah as its Vampire Queen.

Chart-topper Sam Bailey was the role’s most recent incumbent prior to leaving the show last year, with longserving cast member Emily Clark taking over.

The show’s latest Scottish run started in Aberdeen on Wednesday and creator Steve Steinman, 53, is looking forward to returning to Courier Country. “I love Scotland in general – they’re an awesome audience,” he adds.

“We did Arbroath last year on the way home from Inverness and what a great little town it is.

“Perth Concert Hall’s quite a prestigious venue and they’re quite picky about who they have on, so it’s great to be able to keep coming back and filling the place.”

Already regarded as one of the hardest-working men in showbusiness, Steve added: “I’ve also got a new show coming out next year called Love Hurts.

“It’s going to be all big power ballads and rock anthems, so there’ll be three shows on the go next year – I’m doing more instead of less as I get older.”

The ageing process probably never bothered Steve’s creation Baron Von Rockula, the owner of a futuristic New York nightclub where the undead reign.

He first sunk his teeth into the role in 2004, having devised the spectacular musical after earning his stripes as a Meat Loaf tribute act.

Steve’s big break came when he impersonated the Bat Out Of Hell legend on TV talent show Stars In Their Eyes in 1990.

“What a good programme that was when it came out,” he declares.

“It was ground-breaking and entertaining. When I did it, it was actually your butcher, your hairdresser or the guy who worked in the post office, then it got to the point where they ended up with real entertainers taking part, which kind of spoilt it a little bit.

“When I went on I had a restaurant. I had a normal job and that programme really helped me launch a 30-year career.”

Steve’s backing band – guitarist Henry Bird, drummer Pete Jean, bassist Zoe Parr and pianist Andy Preston – also perform in his Meat Loaf musical Anything For Love, racking up scores of shows every year.

“These guys could play with anybody in the world,” he insists. “If Rod Stewart rung them up they could slot into his or any other band, they’re that good.

“I could walk on the stage and say, ‘I want to do this song tonight’ and they put their heads together and within half an hour we’re doing it.”

Vampires Rock started a Scottish tour this week.