A THEATRICAL performer who has been singing other stars’ famous tracks for more than 25 years has released his first original album – and it stormed to the top of the iTunes rock chart.

Steve Steinman, from Failsworth, got his first taste of fame in the early 90s when he personified Meatloaf in TV hit Stars In Their Eyes.

That performance acted as a springboard for Steve, who also lived in Saddleworth in his 20s, and he has gone on to fill venues far and wide.

His company, Steve Steinman Productions, puts on an array of popular shows such as Vampires Rock, Anything For Love – The Meat Loaf Story and Love Hurts – Power Ballads and Anthems.

Steve never used to have time to think about writing his own music, but after the pandemic struck last year and live performances were forced to stop, he considered making his own tracks.

And on Monday, his debut original album Take a Leap of Faith entered the charts with a bang, topping the iTunes UK album table and reaching second in the Amazon Best Sellers chart.

The album success follows the achievement of the title track, which rocketed to number one in iTunes and Amazon singles chart categories.

The Oldham Times:

Steve in full voice on stage

“I just cannot believe it – it’s been a long time coming,” Steve, 56, said.

“I have never really needed to do my own songs until the lockdowns, which have made people to do different things.

“I did not realise there was a demand for it.

“The lockdowns were tough but we received great help from the Arts Council.

“Without that support we would have been in trouble.”

The Oldham Times:

Steve behind a piano

The Oldham Times:

Steve outside his business premises

To celebrate the release of his album, Steve will perform at Whittles on Roscoe Street in the town centre on Thursday, September 2, one of his first gigs in the borough for years.

But he is not resting on the triumph of his debut album. He is in the process of finishing off his second album while preparing for his busy schedule of theatre shows.

Steve also praised the writers behind his songs.