MIKE TRAMP
Interview by Pierrick, December 2004

You've just finished a tour. How was the audience reception? Are there some countries were the audience is warmer to you?
MT: The reception is always good, and all Tramp fans are the same, just real nice people who shares a lot of the same views as me

Your new album is called 'Songs I Left Behind'. It features tracks that were recorded between 1992 and 2002. Why do you release this album now?
MT: No 1998 and 2002. Well this is a collection of songs that I felt the fans should hear, while I am slowly preparing for anew solo album in the future

You also sell a box set called 'The Bootleg Series', can you tell us more about this box set and its content?
MT: This is for the die hard fans, only 500 copies made. It's a 7 CD box set, which features all the demos and unreleased stuff from White Lion from beginning till the end. Also my first band before I came to America there are two albums from them, and so much more.

You're working on a new album to be released in 2005. Where are you in the process of writing it?
I haven't begun yet. I have many songs from the past that I feel is right time to use them, and I will write new ones too. But first I want to make sure it gets out on the right label and don't just disappear in the "Where are they now files"

Who are the musicians that will perform on this album?
MT: I don't know yet. But I don't think anybody from my past albums

It's rather difficult to do an interview with you without mentioning White Lion and Freak Of Nature. What are your feelings regarding these two very important periods of your life? Let's start with White Lion, and then  Freak Of Nature:
MT: They are part of my musical history and a big part of my life. They were my life from '83-'95. and I wouldn't be here today without them. Great years, great memories.

The White Lion reunion that was planned to occur last summer eventually didn't see the day. Though it seems that you didn't let this project down. What's going on with this reunion, and who will perform with you?
MT: The reunion was never confirmed from our side, and many people jumped the gun. I had spoken to Vito but that is as far as it got. Tramps White Lion is the future of White Lion music and the only place you will hear it. There will never be a reunion and the door is closed for always.

What are the songs that you're gonna play onstage?
MT: That's to early to say, but I am sure I'll pick the right ones

Will you tour? If so, do you know where?
MT: As many places as possible

Do you have any news of Vito Brata?
MT: No

And of James Lomenzo?
MT: James plays with Zakk Wylde and also with David Lee Roth

A lot of people think that White Lion without Vito ain't white Lion. What do you have to answer to these people?
MT: I would never call it White Lion without him, that's why I call it Tramps White Lion. Since the day white lion broke up, I am the only one playing White lions songs, and I will be the only one in the future. You can't keep bringing Vito Bratta into the conversation. He doesn't care about his fans, he doesn't want to talk top anyone, and I don't give a shit anymore.

What do you think of the French audience?
MT: France have always been great to White Lion and Freak Of Nature and now Mike Tramp and that is why I always come back

And what do you think of France in general? (anti-war position in the Irak conflict, country of the human rights, ...)
MT: I like what Napoleon did, I don't get involved with todays politics it's an endless argument and nothing is gained.

Thanx a lot and see you soon, on stage I hope!

Thanks,

Mike.