Rock band leader's nightmare

Every troubadour's nightmare came true for rock band leader Steve Steinman as he waited for his luggage to come off the carousel at Dubai International Airport yesterday.

The suitcase containing all his stage clothes for his show scheduled for last night at the Irish Village failed to materialise.

He later learned that the bag, containing the several changes of costume he uses in his act, had been traced by airline officials and would be arriving in Dubai from Amsterdam later, at 11.30 pm.

Problem: the band was due on stage at 9.30 pm.

Steve and the other members of Meatloaf2, a tribute band to the rotund rocker Meatloaf, put their heads together for a solution.

The band's image is very much in the style of motorcycle rockers. And Dubai has a thriving Harley- Davidson enthusiasts' chapter plus a shop catering to members' needs. Could they help?

Said 36-year-old Steve: "They were terrific. The Harley-Davidson shop lent me stuff and kitted me out from head to toe. At least I will be able to go on stage in costume of sorts. Normally I do several costume changes during the show, but tonight I fear there will be only one.

"It would not have been so bad if it had been one of the other guys in the band, we could have got away with that, but as front man I really do need the gear.

"We have performed all over the world in the past 13 years, and nothing like this has ever happened to us before. The airline pulled out all the stops and found the bag quickly, but too late for the show. At least I will be able to take it home to the UK with me tomorrow."