Mike Tramp - Live @ Bannerman's Bar

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on-point touring /shock city productions

Review By Darren McIntyre

Michael Trempenau aka Mike Tramp is a singer/songwriter from Vesterbro, Copenhagen who is best known for his work with White Lion, Mike also fronted Freak Of Nature, Mabel before going solo where he gave us 13 solo records before returning to frontman duties with White Lion.

Mike is on the road once again with his trusted musical buddy Marcus Nand by his side who really brings the fire to this exciting trip down memory lane, tonight The tour stops off in Edinburgh at Bannerman’s where the venue is rammed as we come to enjoy a night of classic hits that is sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face tonight.

Songs Of White Lion is a trip down the path that was going to bring us a couple of hours of classic music, quality chat and banter that will be with us for a long time, as the music blares through the house PA Mike & Marcus make their way to the stage to rapturous applause from this swelling crowd who are more than ready for tonight’s entertainment as am I.

The setting was intimate, reminiscent of the kind of venues where rock legends are born. Dimly lit, walls adorned with rock memorabilia, and a palpable sense of anticipation hung in the air. As the first chords resonated from his guitar, it was clear that this was not going to be a night for the faint-hearted. Tramp’s voice, weathered by the years like a fine wine, held the promise of raw, unfiltered emotions.

From the very beginning, it was apparent that Mike Tramp’s stage presence was something to behold. With just a microphone, an electric guitar, Marcus Nand and his stories, he held the room in the palm of his hand. The first few notes of “Lonely Nights sent a wave of nostalgia sweeping through the audience. It was as if the years had melted away, and we were transported back to the heyday of White Lion. But this wasn’t just about reliving the past; it was about celebrating the music that has woven itself into the tapestry of our lives.

Tramp’s between-song banter was a treasure trove of anecdotes, a glimpse into the life of a rock ‘n’ roll troubadour. His gravelly voice narrated tales of life on the road, the inspirations behind the songs, and the inevitable highs and lows that come with a life dedicated to music. It was these moments that added depth to the performance, making it clear that this was more than just a concert—it was a communion between artist and audience.

As the setlist unfolded, it was impossible not to be moved by the sheer honesty of the performance. Stripped of the bombast of a full band, the songs took on a new life. “Hungry” became an anthem of unity, and “Tell Me was a testament to Tramp’s ability to make a song his own. The audience, a sea of raised drinks and swaying bodies hung onto every word, every note as if trying to absorb the essence of the music into their very beings.

We strayed from the path a little as Mike chatted about his time honing his craft and when they were opening for the mighty AC/DC on a 3 month run that would just catapult White Lion to another level which took us onto tracks like “Living On The Edge”, “Cry For Freedom”.

Mike welcomes his partner in crime and fellow six-string slinger in the form of Marcus Nand who looked every inch a young Joe Perry as he let rip shredding through tracks like the haunting and melodic “Till Death Do Us Part” and the breathtaking “Little Fighter” that really brought the place to life as Mike put every ounce of his musical talent on show for us to savour, we strolled through the night with hit after hit bringing smiles to the faces of this excited crowd which was a real pleasure to be a part of.

The night wouldn’t have been complete without the real big hitters in the form of “Love Don’t Come Easy.” as Tramp’s voice soared, filling the room with a bittersweet energy that only a true balladeer can conjure. It was a reminder that great music transcends time and that it has the power to transport us to a place where emotions are raw and unfiltered.

In a world where rock music is often dominated by elaborate productions and pyrotechnics, Mike Tramp’s performance at Bannerman’s was a refreshing reminder of the power of a single voice and a guitar. It was an evening that celebrated the beauty of simplicity, the magic of storytelling, and the unbreakable bond between artist and audience. As the night continued we strolled into hits such as ” Wait”, and “When The Children Cry” which led us onto the business end of the night as “Broken Heart” reverberated through the venue, it was clear that Mike Tramp had given us more than a concert—he had given us a piece of his soul.

Mike & Marcus treated us to a killer version of the classic “Radar Love” that got the juices flowing before we waltzed into the final track of the night that brought us “Farewell To You” which let us know that Mike is planning to come back with a full band as the White Lion is getting ready to roar once again

In the end, as the crowd erupted in applause and cheers, it was evident that this night would be etched into the memories of those fortunate enough to be in attendance. Mike Tramp’s performance was a testament to the timelessness of rock music, a journey through his remarkable career, and a reminder that sometimes, all you need is a voice, a guitar, and a story to tell.

Mike Tramp – Guitar / Vocals

Marcus Nand – Lead Guitar / Vocals

Setlist –

Lonely Nights

Hungry

Tell Me

Living On The Edge

Cry For Freedom

Till Death Do Us Part

Little Fighter

Love Don’t Come Easy

Wait