Mike Tramp at The Bourbon Theatre in Lincoln, Nebraska on October 10, 2024.
Photos and Review by The Pit Magazine Contributor Bob DeHart Photography
Nostalgia was the word of the night at The Bourbon Theatre on October 10 with Mike Tramp and White Lion. Ironically before I left for the show I told a friend that I expected it to be a nostalgic night, and one of the first words out of Tramp’s mouth to the audience on the night was nostalgic. Referring to how it felt to be up on stage performing these songs again.
I first saw Mike Tramp with White Lion back in 1987 in Topeka, Kansas as the opening act for KISS on their Crazy Nights tour. I honestly wondered if I’d ever see Mike Tramp live again and here him sing these great White Lion songs. Especially after Covid and the cost of touring internationally rising to eliminate many international artists from even trying to make the trek. So, this was a pleasant surprise to not only hear that Mike Tramp was touring, playing the Songs of White Lion, but also making a stop in Lincoln. So I jumped at the chance to cover it.
The show was all I expected it to be. It was a great show, getting to hear many of the White Lion hits that I loved growing up. Songs like Tell Me, Broken Heart, Going Home Tonight, Little Fighter, When The Children Cry, and of course Wait. And while Mike Tramp is the lone standing member of the original band, the band he has supporting him now is an incredible set of musicians that give the White Lion songs justice. Led by Marcus Nand on lead guitar, Claus Langeskov on bass, and Kenni Andy on drums.
Mike Tramp told many stories throughout the night of the 1980’s and the wild times he had with White Lion. It was fun to listen to those stories and relive those songs. I was also lucky enough to have a short chat with Mike after the show. I told him about my first show seeing him in 1987 with Kiss. He told me that was the lowest grossing tour KISS ever had. It was not the high point for KISS but it was certainly a great moment for White Lion. The Pride album became a huge hit with the hit singles of When The Children Cry and Wait. I’m so glad I got to hear Mike sing those songs again. It was definitely a nostalgic night. One that I wasn’t sure ever would happen.
Photos by The Pit Magazine photographer, Bob DeHart Photography in York, Nebraska. ©2024.
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