Was The Band White Lion a victim of Nirvana ?

Summary

The video reflects on the journey of the rock band White Lion, featuring key moments from their history and struggles. It discusses their formation in 1983, lineup changes, and tours with major acts like ACDC and Ozzy Osbourne. The script delves into the emotional weight of their final performance in 1991, the band's breakup, and the lack of communication from key figures in the aftermath. It also touches on the lighter direction of their later music and addresses criticism from the press. Ultimately, it celebrates the band's legacy while acknowledging their complex history.

Takeaways

• 😀 Mike Tramp, the Danish vocalist, and Vito Bratta, the Italian-American guitarist, formed the band White Lion in 1983.
• 😀 Vito Bratta owns the entire catalog of White Lion's music, which has led to difficulties in re-forming the band after its breakup.
• 😀 Despite trying to reform the band, White Lion's new formation was hampered by Vito's ownership of the band's catalog and the name.
• 😀 The band's final performance took place in Boston on September 2nd, and afterward, members didn't communicate for 15 years.
• 😀 White Lion's management, record company, and merchandising companies did not reach out to ensure the band's final decision was solid.
• 😀 The band was still strong and capable of continuing even after the rise of grunge and alternative rock in the '90s.
• 😀 Vito and Mike Tramp had a complex relationship, often clashing, but also sharing a deep connection when it came to their music.
• 😀 The band's third album was met with criticism for being 'lighter,' but the members were unapologetic about the shift in style.
• 😀 Despite the negative reviews, the band knew the album was lighter, and they were fine with others expressing differing opinions about it.
• 😀 Mike Tramp mentioned that the band’s albums should be viewed individually, and just because one was lighter, it didn’t mean the previous albums were irrelevant.
• 😀 The script concludes with a gesture of appreciation for all musicians and guitar players, encouraging viewers to check out the band's merchandise and support them.

Q & A

What is the history behind the formation of White Lion?

White Lion was formed in 1983 by Danish vocalist Mike Tramp and Italian-American guitarist Vito Bratta. The band initially included drummer Nicky Koszi and bassist Felix Robinson, but later had lineup changes, including the addition of Dave Spitz (brother of Dan Spitz from Anthrax) as bassist and Greg D'Angelo as the drummer. The band gained significant exposure by touring with acts like AC/DC, Ozzy Osbourne, and Skid Row.

Why did White Lion ultimately break up?

White Lion disbanded due to internal and external conflicts, including disagreements between members. Vito Bratta, who owned the band's catalog and was a co-owner of the band's name, made the decision to disband the group. Despite their success, the band's dynamics were strained, especially after key members left, and there was a lack of support from management and other stakeholders.

What was the significance of the band's final show in Boston?

The final show in Boston was emotionally significant, as Mike Tramp made a dramatic announcement on stage and on radio that it would be the band's last performance. Despite this, neither Vito Bratta nor the management showed concern or attempted to persuade Tramp to reconsider. This moment marked the end of White Lion as a band.

What was Vito Bratta's role in the band's legacy after it ended?

Vito Bratta played a crucial role in White Lion's legacy, owning the band's catalog and half of the band’s name. This gave him significant control over the band's future, including the potential to reform the band, though he chose not to. His ownership prevented further reformations of White Lion without his involvement.

What challenges did White Lion face in the press regarding their third album?

White Lion faced criticism from the press for their third album, which was perceived as 'lighter' than their earlier, heavier works. The band was frustrated with how the press focused on this aspect, even though they intentionally crafted the album to be more eclectic and varied in style. Despite the criticism, the band remained confident in their creative direction.

How did Mike Tramp and Vito Bratta's relationship evolve over time?

Mike Tramp and Vito Bratta had a complicated relationship, described as 'night and day,' or 'heaven and hell,' but they shared a deep musical connection. Despite their differences, they were united in their passion for music. However, after the band's breakup, they did not speak for 15 years, signaling a significant fallout.

What was the band's attitude towards album reviews?

White Lion maintained a nonchalant attitude towards album reviews, both positive and negative. Mike Tramp acknowledged that critics would have their opinions, but the band wasn't overly concerned with them. They understood that reviews were subjective and chose to focus on their own creative process.

What was the reason behind the 'lighter' sound on White Lion's third album?

The band intentionally created a lighter sound for their third album. Mike Tramp emphasized that the album was meant to be more eclectic, combining different styles of music. While the change in direction was evident, the band didn't view it as a betrayal of their earlier work, but rather as an evolution of their sound.

Why did Vito Bratta and Mike Tramp not communicate after the band's breakup?

After the band's breakup, Vito Bratta and Mike Tramp did not communicate for 15 years. Tramp was disappointed that Bratta and the management didn't reach out to him for a discussion or attempt to resolve the situation, leaving a sense of unresolved tension between them.

What was the band's final message to their fans?

In their final moments as a band, White Lion thanked their fans and acknowledged their support. Mike Tramp expressed his gratitude in a heartfelt message, noting the importance of musicians and guitar players. The final show and their messages emphasized their connection to the fans who had supported them throughout their career.