After the ’80s rock ‘n’ roll scene was over, it took quite a while for it to resurface. Luckily, here in 2026, we can still relive a few of our favourite bands from that era, one being Mike Tramp, who brought the Songs Of White Lion last Friday night to Northfield Park Casino in Northfield, Ohio, just south of Cleveland.
Mike Tramp – Songs Of White Lion
Northfield Park Casino, Ohio – 10 July 2026
Words And Photography: Jim Balentine
Mike Tramp has carried on the White Lion Legacy since returning to music in the mid-2000s, and he sounds and looks just as good as he did in 1989.
Along with guitar extraordinaire Marcus Nand, who has been with the band for a few years and can deliver the great Vito Bratta’s guitar licks, and long-time band members Jerry Best on bass guitar and Troy Patrick Farrell on drums.
The band performed a powerful set, opening up for great white, playing all of the classics that fans know and love.
It took Mike Tramp over a decade to come to the realisation that people want to hear White Lion music, and he decided a few years ago to go back out on tour first with just Marcus and a backing track of drums and bass.
Now, for the past three years, he has produced a full band and has played all over the world, including festivals in Europe.
The third in a trilogy of Songs Of White Lion albums was released last year. “For me, the point of re-recording the old classic White Lion songs was all about letting the audience know HOW the band would sound if they came to see us live,” Mike Tramp said, “bringing the sound up today and away from a world no more.”
For Tramp, the initial plan was not for a trilogy, but having completed this, he feels it makes all the more sense. “If I have to be active playing White Lion in 2026 and onward, there’s got to be a natural progression in every way. That is exactly what this Trilogy is all about.”
Tonight was exceptional, with Mike Tramp and Co bringing the songs back to life with the passion, perspective, and authenticity that only decades of experience can deliver.
The Band really enjoys each other up on stage, and after the show, they will gladly sign autographs and take pictures at no cost because that is how much they care about their fans.
The Songs Of White Lion tour continues, and we fully expect them to go overseas again soon. So make sure you come and see the band and relive all the great songs from the late ’80s and early ’90s.
Mike Tramp has reclaimed and honoured his legacy with Songs Of White Lion.
