The fans love Mike and you can see that his heart is truly broken about the band. Vito is the one who went into hiding and left it all behind. Come on, Vito... You're a talented guitar player and the world wants to see be great again.

Wouldn’t it be awesome if White Lion reunited today. Music just isn’t the same these days without a lot of those great 80s bands. Vito Bratta was phenomenal

Mike kinda looks like an older version of Christian Bale in American Psycho.

Mike will always be one of the great voices from the 80's. There is no denying that fact.

Vito Bratta is a guitarist who creates the most creative and perfect harmonies I've ever heard. He had a different style. I was waiting for Vito's guitar solo to come out in every song of White Lion. Having 2 solos in some songs would blow people away from happiness. What I wouldn't give to listen to him again.

Vito may just be an introvert, or suffers from social anxiety, or any number of things. Being a perfectionist takes its toll sometimes.

White Lion without Vito Bratta is not White Lion

I've seen a few of Vitto's solos and of course his music in White Lion and never thought he was some VH clone. He was way too good to do that. I've always thought he had his own unique style.

Vito bratta is my inspiration to playing guitar,, vitto bratta is perfect as a guitarist

One of my fav. bands. No one can replace Vito.

Vito Bratta brought such joy to guitar playing, you can hear it in every solo. I've always loved the way he starts with a lick and builds it and builds it up and runs it down and then lays into the next idea. Like EVH, you can hear the comfort in playing as he glides up and down the neck, and never really just strums, he explores every chord throughout every song. I can mimic many of his solos like a savant but have never really cracked the way in which is thinking when he writes these things, my own solos pretty much confined to the pentatonics and my own comfort level unless I imagine it first and then figure out how to play it, and he helped me enormously with that. I'm saddened by the band politics and would so love for him to re-emerge in any form, but I am truly grateful for the body of work he has left us and the hours and hours of happiness playing along with him. I truly miss him and the entire era. And now, to figure out wth he's doing in Coming Home Tonight... man is a beast.

I think vitto has the most incredible, well choose keys, tasteful, meaningful, riffs!

Why are people hating on Mike? He is being honest about how he feels. I bet most of you have been ghosted by a friend. It sucks, and even worse in Mike's case where they shared their musical passion together for the world and then it all vanishes. He didn't say anything bad about Vito, he agreed he was talented, he just didn't like the way it ended which is completely understandable. And don't say he is nothing, the guy has kept a good career and a great voice. I listened to his latest solo effort and I got it in a second even though I usually listen to heavier rock, it is still very enjoyable. His voice is still pretty good! Vito was a virtuoso but he vanished, at least Mike is still giving some good music with a great voice.

White Lion was a perfect moment in Rock n Roll that happened right before the music scene suddenly changed direction overnight. It was unfortunate because the change was so drastic, the music industry and fans just moved on without them suddenly and without warning.

I think it's a pity that because he was insanely gifted, the world clamours for more as though we have some kind of ownership over his life. Be grateful for the music he made, not sore for the music he didn't.

I met Vito one time in Queens NY....man about 30 years ago. Now, when I was growing up in Central NJ, I had a band that did a lot of Van Halen and although we kinda pulled it off, I was never really great at the hammer on stuff and when expressing that to him, he told me Hey man, just do what you do it sounds great to me! He was a pleasure meeting and I wish him the best in life....a good man who loves his family...which is the most important!

Vito was awesome, but he is done. He saved his money. He doesn't want the touring lifestyle. We need to just get over it....still wish I could hear those clean and clear solos...damn it!

Vitto is one of the best ever we want him back! The artistry of that man is out of this world!

Most of what Mike says is true. I was pretty close to one of the original members and if you know the mentality of the Italian families in the area they are a private and reclusive type people who basically only trust their family. Me being half it's not such a bad thing but sometimes it borderlined the ridiculous. It was hard to even get some of my friends to leave the block no less cross the bridge into Brooklyn or anywhere else for that matter.

No bigger Vito fan than me but lets not hate on Mike here. Vito was an amazing guitarist and songwriter but he chose to leave music. For the fans sake, I do think Vito could have supported some appearances through the years but chose not to. I think Mike and Vito are very different personalities....probably never that close. It is what it....no one to blame. Was great while it lasted.....

I don't know all the story, but I know they were one of my favorite bands of all time and I thank them all for what they played. It would be a dream to hear them play again.

Vito has so much talent and it really came through in his playing. Not just fast, but so much feeling and variety. He was such an inspiration, and to this day, I find so much of Vito in the way I play. Thank you Vito!

Vito is so underrated, easily in the top 5 greatest- EVH sits at the top

To this day I think White Lion left us with some great music. Timeless. I like to remember them the way they were. Things Change!

I was a teen in the 80's, so this was my era of music...I also liked the 90's Alt Rock as well that came in from Seattle, but wasn't at all pleased with the way the new wave of younger bands (the 'grunge' bands) made fun of all the 80's bands, simply dismissing them as 'Hair' bands. I also didn't appreciate how almost over night, Rock Radio stations, and MTV turned their backs on the 80's Hard Rock artists in favor of playing the 90's stuff. Really 1990 was the last great year for those 80's artists, as 1991 was when Seattle exploded. Anyway, as a person who loved the 80's bands, it's been nice to see many of them getting recognition in recent years from younger fans who now see them as their own Classic Rock. Though it does make me sad to remember just how many of those 80's bands were suddenly abandoned by MTV, Rock Radio, the music press, and even many of their own fans. Those bands deserved better.

I hope Rock reinvents itself really soon because I can't take this crap on the radio anymore and there is only so much I can relive it through 90s rock.

so sad ,to hear this he is an amazing guitar andi miss hearing you2colaborate When the children cry hit the charts it literally moved the whole world,not many havecdone that.bravo mike and vito.

Mike is a very cool guy.

great Band , i miss that kind of music.

I LOVE White Lion! Still play them to this day! Such a great band that i never had the chance to see live. Wish they would put their differences aside for the fans and reunite!!!

Lars ulrich and mike should vlog😂

Cry for freedom is one of the best songs ever!

SOOOOOO sad that Vito doesn't just say, F it, let's do this!!!! Man, how kick ass would it be.

Such a gentleman spilling his heart like that. I’m a fan!

Well said. Love your music even after all these years.

Vito i miss you You re an incredible guitar player i never hear someone playing with you re touch. Hope one days i can hear you play again.

Very sad ending. Vito was one of my favorite guitar players.

I think a lot of people here are misinterpreting what he is trying to say. First of all, he clearly says that Vito was an amazing guitarist and songwriter. Which he was. But Vito appears to be a bit of a hermit. Mike is pissed that the band ended pretty much at the height of their careers. For all of you supporting Vito, where has he been all these decades? For those of us that supported the band back in the day, I don't think it's right that he just dropped off the face of the earth. Mike clearly feels that he was short changed. He takes issue with the fact that Vito wont even speak to him anymore. And he even stated that there was no falling out and no fighting. So he expected more from his friends. So unless you were in the inside circle and have some insight that Mike doesn't, your comments are irrelevant.

Mike Tramp what a Talented Singer and Songwriter! This is so good and your New album “Stray from The Flock” is your best yet! Please keep going for on for us! The World needs you more than ever!

That kind of quiet must've been hard to handle. You can hear in his voice it still hurts him

They were used by just about everybody who represented them they deserve so much

Love Bratta but Tramp has a point here. As a guitarist, to get to Bratta's level of mastery, it takes an incredible amount of discipline and practice - generally in a secluded room/basement. Unfortunately, some musicians become too comfortable there. And yes, I've heard about his family issues. I'm just saying that reclusive behavior may be a part of it too.

I think we'd like to hear Vito Bratta again, even if it's another genre. Ritchie Blackmore got fed up with rock n roll, but he's still doing wonderful music!

Vito made a full recovery and played a gig a couple of years ago from what i read!

and vito is fucking awesome. nothing but respect for these guys.

So hard to hear this. And it’s hard to really know what happened without hearing all sides. I still play their music to this day. Some great music was created by Mike and Vito…for that, I’m grateful.

Back in my teen years, I loved white lions music. I loved them for what they were. When I listen to them today, I still love their music for what they are. There will always be bumps in the road no matter what you are and what you do. It's how you see and deal with problems is the real problem.

vito suffered from a serious wrist injury some years ago.. so he will never be able to play like he used to again. Its a REALLY sad thing to think about (especially because i am also a guitarist) having such a gift to play the guitar like he did and then having it stripped from you over some medical condition..

The saddest story is Jason Becker´s, anyway I don´t think Vito plays again (which is a shame, but you can´t force him to)

WE WANT WHITELION REUNITED MAN!!!! YOUR ONE OF MY GREATEST BAND EVER IN THE 80'S

c'mon, it's time.. a reunion tour is needed in 2024.

Such a shame they didn't do more. I loved their music.

I was at the last concert in Boston right in the front row. They played great.

every time i see an interview with him all he does is talk about how great he is

I listen to you ALL the time.....

Mane Attraction is one of the greatest rock albums of all time!A superb album but sadly overlooked bcoz it came out in '91.anybody here who doesn't own a copy,get it now!

Tramp sounds sincere here. He didn't put it all on Vito. He names the managers and the record company as well. Funny, there is no mention of the other two guys in the band. What is their story? Get their story about Vito and Tramp, then we all might be able to make a logical conclusion about what happened to this band. Things like this always make me think about people who lost their band due to personal issues or death, but still made it afterward. Dave Mustaine kicked out of Metallica - forms Megadeth. Two guys in Mother Love Bone lose their singer to an overdose, but keep it together long enough to form Pearl Jam. Joy Division singer hangs himself, but the talent left behind forms New Order. Real talent finds its way.

Atlantic records screwed vito’s life up. They forced him to tour while his father was ill. He wants nothing to do with the music industry or playing anymore. He resents it.

My grandfather said he saw you at hammer jacks in Baltimore and you were amazing

Mike Tramp really nailed Vito's voice

Vito in my opinion was the best guitarist of the 80 early 90s. Better than lynch ect. Him & eddie were tops 💯

While some might see the fractures that tore WL apart as tragic or sad, to me it cements their legacy as the greatest pop metal band to ever come out of NYC

That,s when U pick Urself up, say F if & move on forward.. U Rock!!!

i love vito brata so much beautiful licks than slash in gun's and roses. he is simple but excellent love his solo.

Well said.

For all the people who are living in a fog. Vito tore a tendon in his wrist and cannot play a guitar without severe pain. This happened in the late 90's. He cannot play anymore. There is no need to shed any tears because Vito is set for life.

Vito can't just come back sadly..he finds it hard to move his hand up and down the guitar neck, meaning he wouldn't be able to play the same at all. I really wish he could come back though, he's my favorite guitarist..

Wow...Amazing how many of the Hair Metal Icons...had such inner band turmoil...Be it unspoken in this case (As with most I assume..LOL!) I was fortunate enough to see White Lion back in the day...and they were top notch..I was always a vocalist 1st fan...but after listening for years I can honestly say that Vito was truly a guitarist who elevated the success of the band...Few and far between IMO...that said..Mike Tramp please come to M3 next year..Your fans are waiting Rock On \m/ \m/ !!!

Vito has not picked up a guitar in over 25 years.. Why I don't know because he was a great talent.

WHERE CAN FIND THAT INTERVIEW? any help with this be much appreciated. Thank U!

Damn Mike, you make it all about you. Vito had family issues.

I love White Lion Vito Bratta is an amazing guitar player to bad he left the rock scene just like that i always wonder what his up too this dayz hope he reunite with White Lion or at least give an interview

Like Mike’s hat Sometimes someday one should throw away his pride -cast aside I’d say…

I know this interview is old and most fans know the Vito Bratta story and I hope that Tramp has moved on with his life, but I'm actually more curious about what's never talked about, the reason for the firing of Greg D'Angelo, and James LoMenzo,.

What happened was timing and grunge! Metals days were numbered once the Seattle sound got going.

I think Vito was having a lot of trouble/pain in his hands. Also, I think he saw the writing on the wall and decided it was time to stop, on HIS terms. Plus, these guys were never going to be long term super stars. That's life.

So, where is Vito Bratta now? What has he been doing? He is one of my favourite guitarist ever. I played one of his songs on my channel.

It’s not like what he saying is false though. I believe Mike truly does have a lot of love and respect for Vito. You can see it in old on stage videos and in past interviews. They are just two different people who were actually perfect for each other at the time. Vito is an introvert and Mike is a showman. They unfortunately gained popularity a little too late into the scene and by the time they really got running on all gears alternative music was laying the death blow to glam metal. They all got a first-hand experience of the cutthroat nature of the music industry. I don’t think Vito ever recovered.

Vito hurt his wrist and is no longer able to play..It has nothing to do with choice....too bad because he was and always will be a guitar hero....I hope he is doing well

Anyone have a link to this full interview session? And yup, I tried find it myself but no luck.

Great answer

I agree Vito was a HUGE part of the band its sad these guys just didnt work out so sad. I loved there sound. I thought they sounded better than Aerosmith the night I heard them.

not sure how we can hate on Mike Tramp the guy is doing what he loves -performing live in these small venues around the world- Grunge killed the party for him in the early 90's and a lot of bands didn't survive either. Vito I think was down on the record companies/music business long before Nirvana and when his dad became ill it was probably at a perfect time. We can listen to his old stuff and marvel at his talent because to be able to play like that I hear he practiced 16hrs a day and I'm sure even if his left hand was 100 percent(which word is has completely healed) he wouldn't sound like the Vito we know. Look to Jake E Lee- he is back and that is awesome but not the same player as he used to be.

Dude...99% of bands have their moment and simply fade away. There's no reason to wonder why you didn't have some big sendoff...this wasn't the Beatles breaking up for christ sake.

It's never a good idea to throw your former bandmates/friends under the bus even if what you speak is the truth. Not once have I ever heard, read or watched the three other guys say one negative thing about him. Better to leave bitterness/anger at home and in check. You miss him, his friendship and playing music with him. You tried. Remember the good/positive things about him and leave it at that. Say/state the good about people. And yes I am preaching to myself as well. Lessen learned.

I love White Lion, and I wish they were together....as a whole again. I grew up on hair-bands and heavy metal/rock and roll. Peace Mike Tramp and Vito Bratta!

I wonder if Vito has some sort of mental disorder. No i am not being funny or kidding etc, but serious. At first thought I think of the greatest drummer Neil Peart, he does not like crowds, fans, praise etc, but he is a frickin genius on the kit. Perhaps Vito has a disorder. I don't know. just throwin it out there. I think Vito is as good as EVH, JS, SV, down the line. His technique is beautiful. Hec, if I could get just 2 of my fingers to play like him I'd be a stud!!

So what you're saying mike is that you got Vitto'd!

I love you guys

Lotta hot air from Mike. it even seemed to make the "interviewers" feel a tad awkward. Funny.

White Lion was an amazing band. A band with true talent in an era of cookie cutter bands and diluted of talent. That being said, it was the greatest era in music and while it probably had nowhere else to go, the emergence of grunge was the end of music. 80's bands never took themselves too serious and just played music that was fun, upbeat and to the excess, everything that was not grunge.

That's NOT Mike Tramp....it's Christian Bale! 🤓

My Friends; Forget about Vito Bratta is so sad just like me to think Vito is coming back some day, because as a guitar player I think about Vito so many times maybe 2 millions times but we have to face it, Vito; is not coming back probably Health problems or company problems, we never know is all in Vito mind. But some how some day he could make our souls happy again. The End, Mike tramp is a really good composer.

Vito reminds me of Jake E. Lee. Both incredibly talented but on the introverted side. Even their style of not playing to the audience.

streets of Copenhagen?,,, fucking hilarious,,,

Look folks , you can really tell Lars Ulrich and Mike Tramp are from Copenhagen , Denmark 😂 They value their friends , connections in life , and articulate their thoughts identically with the same maneurisms , passion , and accent . It's pretty obvious that R N R Metal music kinda died in the early 1990's .Vito probably just didn't like where music was going away from the Van Halen and Hair Metal sound he could play to . He probably just didn't see White Lion adjusting adapting to the grunge era . Not to mention when a guitarist is being compared to another guitarist too much , being accused of playgerism on guitar , isn't being appreciated for his many guitar talents beyond a EVH , Vito probably got tired of that comparison , and got burnt out on the music business . Plus sometimes artists like to go out on top . Maybe Vito didn't see any more mountains to climb in White Lion so he left the party for good . Vito didn't always play like EVH . He did have other ways of playing guitar on those White Lion solos that were epic , and highly emotionally moving . Vito probably is just a guy that is great at playing guitar , but isn't in love with it . He might even hate it . Andre Agassi once said he hated playing tennis , even being so great at it . So it happens . It really wasn't cool of Mike Tramp to want to force Vito back in the band just to make more money . Re re-recording a lot of those White Lion's songs wasn't cool either by Mike Tramp . Those recordings are cheap , hollow , heartless without Vito's soul , solos , riffing , and melodies .

I grew up as a huge fan of EVH. he made me want to learn to play, and I did. But it was Vito Bratta that amazed me more. To this day, there has never been another guy to play that way. Imagine taking the technical style of EVH and wrapping it with magical tears. That was Vito's style, intended or not. And I don't think I am over-dramatizing here. He really was one of a kind. His excuses about his hands hurting sounds just like Steve Perry's BS excuse about his hip. We know Perry lost his voice

like eddie van halen vitto has his problems to,easily one of the best guitarist out there.

I don't know vito in person so I can't really judge what kind of person he is. but I know one thing, if he wants to do it, he does it. if he doesn't wanna do it, he doesn't do it -- musically I mean. so I see no need to trashtalk him about not getting back together with the band. it's his choice.

I always wondered why they just disappeared off the scene like that. What a sad way to end an absolutely epic band.