Former White Lion frontman Mike Tramp has once again addressed the possibility of reuniting with guitarist Vito Bratta—and unfortunately for fans, the answer is still a resounding no from Bratta.

In a new interview with The Hair Metal Guru, Tramp opened up about his persistent, yet unsuccessful, attempts to reconnect and collaborate with his former bandmate, even outside the framework of White Lion.

Tramp’s Idea: “Not White Lion, Just a New Project”

Tramp explained that he’s tried to approach Bratta in multiple ways—most recently, by offering to work on a completely new project together that wouldn’t be billed as White Lion.

“I’ve invited him [Vito Bratta] many ways,” Tramp said.

“I’ve even asked him, I says, ‘If you wanted to do a project that wasn’t called White Lion’, sort of like — not comparing ourselves, but when [Jimmy] Page and [Robert] Plant got together the first time [after Led Zeppelin’s split].”

Tramp emphasized that his idea was to see where their musical chemistry might lead, without the pressure or expectations attached to a full-fledged White Lion reunion.

“They didn’t call it Led Zeppelin,” he continued.
“They did the Walking Into Clarksdale project, just to see where their songwriting would go. [Bratta says] ‘Oh, I don’t wanna talk about it.’ That’s how quickly that’s getting shut down.”

Bratta’s Response: A Closed Door

According to Tramp, Vito Bratta remains firmly uninterested in any form of musical collaboration—even one completely disconnected from the White Lion name and legacy.

This clear refusal highlights a long-standing and well-documented disconnect between the two musicians, who haven’t shared a stage or studio in decades.

While Tramp appears open to compromise and new creative territory, Bratta’s stance seems final—for now.

A Complicated History

The fallout between Tramp and Bratta goes beyond creative differences. Over the years, their relationship has been strained by legal issues, personal disputes, and differences in how they view the band’s legacy.

White Lion, best known for hits like “When the Children Cry,” “Wait,” and “Little Fighter,” was a defining band of the 1980s hair metal scene. However, the band’s success was marred by tension behind the scenes.

Since White Lion’s original split in the early 1990s, Tramp has continued to release music under his own name and occasionally under variations like “Tramp’s White Lion.” Bratta, on the other hand, has largely remained out of the spotlight and retreated from the music industry altogether.

Fans Still Hope for Reconciliation

Despite the odds, fans continue to hold out hope for a reunion, even if it’s only a single track or small live appearance.

However, Tramp’s latest comments indicate that he’s done all he can to bridge the gap.

• “I’ve tried different ways. I’ve been respectful,” Tramp told The Hair Metal Guru.
• “I offered something new, something low-pressure. But when someone just says, ‘I don’t want to talk about it,’ that’s it.”

It’s a sentiment many musicians and fans can relate to: what could’ve been versus what will never be.

A Modern Approach, A Classic Wall

Tramp’s suggestion to emulate the Page/Plant model—where Led Zeppelin’s two key members collaborated without using the band’s name—shows how older artists can still evolve and experiment without relying on nostalgia.

It was a reasonable, creative olive branch.

Unfortunately, it appears that Bratta simply isn’t interested in picking up the guitar in a public way again—at least not alongside Tramp.

What’s Next for Mike Tramp?

While a reunion with Bratta seems off the table, Mike Tramp has been anything but idle. In recent years, he has:

• Released acoustic reworkings of White Lion classics
• Continued a solo career rooted in storytelling and stripped-down rock
• Maintained a strong presence in Europe, especially his native Denmark

Tramp has remained vocal about his love for White Lion’s legacy—but he’s also realistic about moving forward with or without Vito Bratta.

“I’m proud of what we did. I’ll always be proud. But the story can’t keep writing itself unless both of us pick up the pen,” he previously said in another interview.

Final Thoughts: The Book Might Be Closed

Mike Tramp has made it clear that the door is open—but Vito Bratta has made it just as clear that he’s not walking through it.

For fans, it’s bittersweet. The dream of hearing those legendary riffs and vocals together again might remain just that—a dream.

Still, Tramp’s transparency and persistent effort have earned him continued respect from the White Lion fanbase, even if the classic lineup never sees a formal return.

“All I wanted was to reconnect,” Tramp said. “But I can’t force it. And I won’t.”