Michael Wagener on White Lion Guitarist Vito Bratta's Retirement, "He has the money," Mike Tramp
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- Опубликовано: 24 дек 2021
- A full in bloom News Brief
-Description:
In a new interview with the Eddie Trunk Podcast, producer/engineer Michael Wagener talked about White Lion, the guitar solo for "Wait," Mike Tramp, James LoMenzo, and Vito Bratta's retirement.
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Intro & Outro by FOOL OF FATE
#EddieVanHalen #WhiteLion #VitoBratta #MikeTramp #Dokken #GeorgeLynch #DonDokken 
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There is more nuance to the Vito story than the bare facts and headlines. He did not, in fact, leave the business after White Lion broke up, but stayed around for what seemed to be about a year, and actually formed another band. They never got past the writing and practicing phase, and no recordings exist. His final exit was due to 1) His disgust with Atlantic Records dropping all support for 80s musicians as soon as it was clear that grunge was the "new thing", and 2) His father's illness, which took up a lot of his time. His dad was either divorced from his mom, or she died, not sure - so Vito became his caretaker. His wrist injury came later and sealed the deal further.
It is not at all surprising he was tired of the music industry. It was an intense ride for a number of years, and it burns you out. I played in a stupid cover band for 5 years, two gigs per week, and afterwards I hung up the guitar for a while. Can you imagine putting out an EP, and three major records back to back? Plus constant touring? The burnout was completely understandable.
Based on interviews and various other sources, Vito was indeed responsible with his money, and learned how to invest in the market, as well as day trade when the online discount brokers became a thing in the 90s. At last check (admittedly a few years ago) he was still living in Staten Island, New York, and there are RUclips clips of him signing White Lion records on the street. To those that live nearby him he is not a mystery or an enigma, but a guitar legend that deserves every bit of honor and respect - he earned it! He also deserves to be left alone to do what he wishes. If this means retiring forever from the business, so be it. He left us with more than most musicians ever will.
Dude there was a recording. It was a blues instrumental track. I started the Vito MySpace page. And this other cat took it over and he had it and uploaded it. I wonder if it’s still there lol.
The Solo to "Wait" is one of the most beautiful pieces of electric guitar composed in music history.
No doubt. Masterpiece.
When The Children Cry is another one
💯
When I heard the wait solo I immediately bought the pride cassette and then went to buy their first album shortly after. I was on those two albums for a long time and they never came close to Pride again.
If Vito is fed up with the music business and just wants to lead a quiet, below-the-radar kind of life, he certainly has earned the right to do just that. Kudos to the guy for investing his White Lion royalties wisely when most rockers from his era didn't have the common sense to follow suit.
Yeah but his co writer on when the children cry ended up with a massive debt to the irs
How did his investments hold up? Restaurants are high fail rates. I remember reading he had gained a lot of weight and was living back at home with his parents. Hopefully not true, but I do remember hearing that.
@George Lynch Dixon that's NOT True...he left the band in 1991 and took care of his father.....I KNOW Vito personally.....my Uncle lived on the same street as Vito and his family.....
@@isMike999 what does Vito do now?
@@Benfarrell1984 I haven't talked to him in a couple years ...the last I know that he was still living at his parents house in Staten Island
Vito did the right thing. He has the hits, a place in history and the respect of his peers in the industry. I believe he also helped take care of his father, who was ill for many years. A good man and a guitar legend.
But will kill him to do a reunion even just one show? How about a solo instrumental album? Fact he not even playing guitar even outside the industry is baffling 2 me. Mean that be like a famous pornstar who retired n never has sex again. lol
His chord work and solos were locked.
He took care of his dad for 5+ years till his death. And to this day he takes care of his 80+ year old mother. He has that “Italian bond” with his family and friends! He is also a very low key guy, never flashy. Whenever I’m at my parents house, sitting on the porch,he’ll stop say hello and we BS about cars. He’s a true gentleman and an awesome musician,songwriter and guitarist!
@@rogerstella458 Most guitarist are low key. What do not get is how he can just retire from Guitar playing. Mean no reason why he can not released instrumental solos albums here n there mean even John Skyes given us bread crumbs here n there but nothing from Vito since the last W. Lion album.
@@rogerstella458 It's not hard to get sick of the pigs in the business. Probably made him sick.
Vito Bratta - Fucking legend! The thing I loved about him (besides his technical brilliance) was how melodic his playing was. You could pretty much hum along to any of his solos. Melody was king with Vito.
Vito was the one guy I always thought of who did the Van Halen style the right way (other than Eddie, of course). He wasn't trying to be another Eddie, and he wasn't overly flashy, but his playing was just what it was in a natural way. He brought out the rhythm and leads as well as solos in a way that sounded original to him, but at the same time were obviously "inspired" by Van Halen's approach to music.
@@jimmyboy131 You've explained Vito's playing perfectly. Van Halen inspired, but his own original take.
I love the solo in "Little Fighter". Vito is great. Mane Attraction is a very under-rated album
I agree with you…Mane Attraction is very underrated. “Lights and Thunder” is by far their greatest song in my opinion….
@@pjcannaday6337 Yeah I love that song
Hell yeah "Mane Attraction" was a FANTASTIC album with amazing guitar work that I even kinda forgot about! Had the dubbed cassette tape from a buddy's original cassette tape and used to blast it ALL the time in latter 80s in my car, home system etc... SMH (in amusement going down memory lane again). Don't know what ever happened to my copy. Might just have to go online and get the CD now lol. Yeah, agreed. EVH, Rhoads, Lynch (Cali 3 😏) and that badazz east coast Italian guy VITTO BRATTA, NO doubt! Sounds like he was 1 of the VERY few actual smart ones that saved HIS 💰. But yeah, very sad that he didn't make ANY more music with the talent he had/has. DAMN shame.....
I think Mane Attraction was easily their best record, just very overlooked due to the period it came out.
The solo from "Wait" is the most melodic piece of music that will never, ever be replicated. Wagener knew what he just heard and recorded and I'm glad he convinced Vito to leave it.
All i want for Christmas is a Vito sit down with full in bloom . Best interviewer on the music scene
That's all I want for Christmas, too. Thank you for the compliment. Merry Christmas.
Well it's official, that makes all of us. 🤣😂
@@fullinbloom Great interview as usual...I remember going to a Hard Rock Cafe in San Diego and sitting next to a guitar that was signed and played by Vito. One of those smaller, invisible neck ones he played.
I asked myself I wonder how many people in this crowded place would even know who he was. I sure did!!
I always enjoyed his rhythm playing as much as his leads. Really interesting, intricate parts that went so far beyond basic power chords. Such a talented player, writer, and composer.
That solo in the song Wait is just an amazingly beautiful song within a song. It fits the song so perfectly.
Absolutely one of the most talented & tastiest guitarists that came out of the 80's, as fast as he came and went
I think Vito could run a very successful RUclips channel. So many players have learned about him over the years. He went from being mostly underrated by average fans to holy shit this dude could play! I guess ultimately you hope the guy is living his best life
Vito's playing was something VERY special. He clearly established his own sound, and blew our minds with his playing. His approach to writing and playing was very unique to say the least and I will never tire of those gems that he gave us.
I would love to see him playing again, but I can respect his decision to step away and pursue other interests.
Vito had the most beautiful and melodic solos ive ever heard.
"Wait" and the "little fighter" solos are GENIUS!
I haven't heard anything that perfect and melodic since.
Vito, enjoy your best life! We all still love you and your music. Thank you for what you have blessed us with.
Vito was one of my favorites of that glam era. Those first 3 white lion records are great.
Vito the world need and miss your music....
Vito was simply awesome. The solo from "Wait" and "Blue Monday" just perfection. So many others ....etc etc.
Dig this content, this channel so much. Well done. The “Wait” solo is masterful. And to hear it was captured in one take…legendary.
Eddie, Vito, and George are my top 3 as well. Vito's playing was so good. His solos were a song within the song. Nobody can touch his melodic touch. I still listen to his stuff! I like a lot of different metal bands but Vito's sound is unique. 👍
Agreed, with # 4 being Nuno Betancourt.
Great top 3. Eddie is almost on his own...not number one, but just alone at the top looking at everyone else. Vito, George….and don’t get on me, but Derek Frigo from Enuff Z’Nuff was a great player, as well. He belongs in a conversation, I feel. DeMartini…there a lot of players with distinct styles.
I love the solo on "tell me" just slippery smooth and it makes so much sense. If I put on white lion I am instantly sent back to the mid 80s hanging at the local mall with my old buds chasing girls.
Somewhere along the line I read that Vito suffered a wrist injury that affected his ability to play like he used to in White Lion. Even with that said, he left an indelible mark on the music world that will last forever. As a guitarist myself, he was always my favorite. Eddie was great, but so many times they wrapped the music to fit his solo whereas Vito made the solo fit the music. He was a one of a kind guitarist. I wish him the best in whatever direction(s) he takes and thank him for the music he left us.
EVH never wrote the solos first, wtF are you talking about?! I've read just about every article/interview ever written about him since 1982!
When I was a kid, I had cassette that had “Under the Lock and Key”
on the other side, and “Pride” on the other. Listened to it until the tape
wore off. Those are two of the best records of the whole 80’s hair metal era. ✌️
Two of my big "tapes" from back being a little kid.parents divorce, Low income housing, BMX bikes, Skateboards, and killer music.
I had a blast!
@Lungho yes. You got it. Merry Christmas and keep the good tunes pumping!
Such an unreal solo to come together like that like lightning in a bottle.
Vito was the EVH of glam metal in my opinion. I read where he would do a concert, and then go home and practice more for hours on end. Who does that?
It showed though. A true virtuoso. More guitar talent than anything that came after him for sure.
I also heard he had a hand injury. With how much he played and practiced, I can understand that.
Listen to White Lion, I like "Little Fighter".....Vito shreds so fast and so melodically......unreal!
EVH is the other person who did that (continue playing/writing after a gig). Although in his case, it was in hotel rooms and included cocaine and alcohol- but still.
His rendition of radar love still blows my mind
I use to do that! One time in my late teens I was playing in a Metal band ( like death songs like Slayer, Mega, Metallica, also Coroner etc) with Biker guys in their 30’s and playing with another Blues band with 40 year olds and would do shows each week with each band! The metal band I had a Mesa-boogie dual rectifier head with half stack and Ibanez/hot rodded strats! And for the blues band I had a Fender custom shop Vibro King amp with Vintaged reissued strats.
Where I am going with this , I would practice for the metal band after my blues gigs which during that time were a lot of day gigs and no later then 9! Also a lot of gigs at BBQ festivals and blues and jazz festivals! I didn’t drink at the time and my other income was giving guitar lessons and flipping vintage guitars and music gear!
Yeah I was young and silly 😜 I looked at it as cutting my teeth and making me well rounded!
Vito has been in my top 5 guitarists of all time I’m pushing 50 and grew up listening to the greats but Vito is easily in the top 5 for me. Non particular order Randy Rhoads, Jake E Lee, David Gilmore, Paul Gilbert and Vito all top 5 for me.
Vito,we love you from Spain.
Right!! As a guitar player myself, I was simply lulled into sonic bliss listening to Vito's playing.
Their version/cover of Radar Love is one of the best covers of all time. Truly better than the original. And that list is very small.
Hendrix All along the watch tower....
Motley Crue-helter skelter
Metallica-whisky in the jar
Metallica-turn the page
I still listen to it,they nailed it!
Vito a monster guitarist and it’s your opinion but WL version of Radar love is NOT better then Golden Earring the original! Golden earrings live playing was spot on too. Great 70’s 80’s band and believe it or not still touring mostly in Europe! Golden Earring had a few great radio songs. Twilight zone, Radar love is ultimate hands on the wheel late at night beer between ur legs. Late 70’s early 80’s. No I don’t condone drinking while driving. Never was a white lion fan. A Vito fan but band 👎. Wait! Bump! This is all IMO! Much respect. Thanks !
There is life even after a broken heart
I see what you did there 😎👍🏻
I once met Vito ,Mike and James at a concert (vredenberg-Utrecht-The Netherlands) took photos….👍that was great…one of my fav players….vito was great
That's a pretty great story about the solo, sometimes magic just happens, the producer was 100% right
Still baffles me how someone so naturally talented can just put down the axe and never pick it up again. His solos were literally like miniature pieces of classical music. Thankful for the tunes we got from him while his fire was still burning. 🤘
I'm sure he'll play around the house for fun.
Vito is a master of the guitar, never received credit for how good he was
The fact that he did it in one take and never duplicated or improved on it says 2 things: first, of course his talent. Second, magic. People talk about music writing itself or everything just clicked. That one solo is nearly impossible to replicate. There’s just something on it. I’ve recorded something I could never repeat before. Within all the recording files, I know EXACTLY where it is. Talent takes work so magic can happen. Great interview
These are so good
That WAIT solo will stop any I mean any player in his tracks.
I saw Vito play twice, he was a fantastic player.
Thank you- didn't know that
what I heard was Vito left the band because his father was ill....he moved back to Staten Island where he still lives today....
Yup. Heard that too. Plus he hurt his hand too correct?
@@edguyrocks5865 yes....wrist and hand....
Always loved the band. For me, Mane Attraction from early '91 was their best record. Wagener wasn't involved but that record rocked. Sadly, it was early '91 and grunge/Seattle was about to rear it's head & take over FM radio. They made a fantastic sounding & very well written final record. Vito's a tremendous player and it's too bad he & Mike haven't ironed out their differences.
I agree.
Mane Attraction is their best album.
Vito Bratta and Nuno Bettencourt are my best guitar players
Vito tracked some of the greatest sounding guitar ever. Bravo
Daang I know White Lion and the albums but I'm going back and gonna check these guys out again and pay special attention to Vito!
I have a deep respect for Vito, as a guitarist & a human being. If he chooses to live a so called normal existence, then so be it. Would I love to see him play live again? Of course. But it will not happen. Let him be happy with his life now. 🤘🏽🤘🏽🤘🏽🤘🏽🤘🏽
Vito had it all guitar-wise. And I can't hold his feelings about music against him, I still feel kind of sad for us fans, because think of all the great stuff he could have done that we'll never hear. Still, God bless him--he's one of the greatest.
I remember seeing White Lion on their first tour They were 1 of 3 bands on the bill. I wasn't familiar with the band but seeing and hearing Vito that night was a shock to the senses. I wasn't expecting it.
Vito is one of my favorite guitar players of all time 💯❤️ for the man. The song lady of the valley is awesome! I miss the band 🤘 but if he wants to retire. I understand. God bless you and thank you for being awesome.
I don't blame Vito for retiring. If you consider how tough the music biz is that's a victory.
His solos are beautiful. So fun.
Awesome!
Such a great tone from Vito. It’s rock, but it’s melodic at the same time.
F'n killer guitarist - I always throw on Lonely Nights when I need to hear some kick ass playing and tone
Vito Bratta = melody.
I've always liked the band White Lion. I thought they had a good sound, and great vocals. I always enjoyed their music. 👍🎸👍🎸
Vito has said in an interview with Eddie Trunk, he left to take care of his ailing father. While away from music he had an accident and it made playing guitar tough. Playing made it feel like his fingers where being shocked by electricity. I sort of know what he means. I can’t use Bronze acoustic strings for the same reason. They give me an electric shock sensation in my finger tips. It’s why all my acoustics have nickel wound strings. So Vito still lives on Long Island and has no desire to play in a band situation any more. He tries to play, but still has that issue. Crying shame. The man was an amazing talent.
2 guitar legends live(d?) in the borough I lived on in New York(Staten Island). Vernon Reid and Vito Bratta. Saw both riding in their sports cars. Had a brief exchange just with Vernon though. Cool story bro!:-0
I grew up there as well and went to high school with vito, and A.J.Pero or tony from twisted sister. There's more than a handful of musicians (known musicians) from S.I. quite a few.
@@stegvonheintz2707 Yup. David Johansen, Kasim Sultan, Reeves Gabrels etc. Heck I'm a semi anonymous fake famous musician(etc) raised on S.I ! :-0
I'm impressed that you were able to get that much info from a Eddie Trunk interview LOL. That dude usually just talks about himself or name drops.
Great stuff bro! Happy Holidays! PS now going to listen to the WAIT solo again.
Vito Bratta is a great guitarist
Vito is definitely the man. He's in my top 5 for sure.
That 'Wait' solo is enough to tell you he was exceptional
What a Legend! Wow! That is awesome :P !!
"Don't give up" is one of the coolest songs ever put to tape.
Beto never was a poser just damn good guitar player I know what he thinks For Whom Shall I play
Very Very Very good guitarest I saw them in the early to mid 80s as opening act he was freaking incredible ! Keep picking everyone !
I say leave Vito alone. If he doesn't want to make music anymore, just be grateful for what he already has made.
Vito, George Lynch, and Derek Frigo (rip) are my absolute favorites. SO much talent.
It's a "shame" he's not playing anymore, but I get it. What a great guitarist! I shocks me to know the solo on Wait was done basically as a side note to the drum track. 🤯
1 take on the solo for WAIT? I mean WTF? Absolutely mind blowing.
That was one bad ass dude on those 3 albums,the Main Attraction was just Awesome Vitto!!🤣😅🥰
Brilliant ax slinger 🤘
His standout solos to me are Wait, Little Fighter, Goin Home Tonight, radar love, living on the edge,,
Vito was very close to his father.when his father passed away it destroyed him. I think his decision to leave music wasnt just the business. Either case he seems happy with his life and im sure if he ever wants to return to the scene, no doubt hell do it when hes ready
He had an injury as well. Hell owning a hotel and running a pizza doesn't sound like a hard life.
I think it was both. Remember yrs ago an interview where he voiced his disgust with happened in early 90's.
Said something to the effect he didnt spend yrs on his craft getting good and making something of his playing. Just to ripped away by a bunch of 3 chord , no talent hacks.
@George Lynch Dixon wow! That’s great to hear if true! Such an incredible guitar talent.
@George Lynch Dixon Absolutely! He still has his red Lamborghini, we used to meet up and go to car shows,but then came Covid….He always would win 1st place in the 1980s class. He always let my son sit in the Lamborghini and take pictures with him.Vito is so down to earth,a family man and a true gentleman! His everyday car is a little 4 door sedan that he takes his mom around SI to do her errands. You got to love a person who puts their family first,especially his mother!
@@rogerstella458 was he married?
Vito Bratta is is clearly, one of the best guitar players the world has ever seen.
As a white lion fan, i am happy to hear vito is doing well in life now owning some businesses enough to sustain his family and future.
If he was still active, without a doubt he would be the guy to get for a Eddie Van Halen Tribute. I know Eddie will always be #1 just because he came first, but I think Vito was able to take those technics to the next level. His riffs and solos were so melodic and tasteful. If I could have gotten one more album from any band, White Lion would be the band. Mane Attraction is so incredible. The fact that the last recorded piece your left hearing is Mike Tramp singing Farewell to You is kinda haunting. I'm not sure how much I believe about Vito's injury. Not saying something didn't happen. I'm thinking it's more of an injury that Vito hyped up to comfort himself in his decision to throw away all those thousands of hours invested in becoming what I believe the finest guitar player to have played the game.
Good for Vito. I know if I could I'd do the same thing.
Tres Cool
Yes it's true Eddie Van Halen is number one and VITO BRATTA is number two. I saw white lion three times and they were beyond belief VITO was amazing and MikeTramp is very talented and charismatic
If Vito ever did a Star Licks type of instructional video, I would love to see it.
I've heard lots of reasons on why he's not playing. It's a shame, but his legacy is certainly secure
Long live Vito and all the fantastic guitar rock music made in the 80s with skill, gusto and fun. So unlike the depressing grunge whinginess that came afterwards.
Props to the guy for wanting to move on if his heart isn't in it anymore..but it is sad that the industry and the inner band turmoil kills the fire in someone like that.
Vito Bratta was the best thing that happened to White lion, his guitar work on the album pride is one of the best in the history of melodic rock, i saw them live in 2008 with the guitar player who replaced him, he was good but somehow it wasn't the same band.
Vito stayed off the music business due to his fathrer who had a serious health problem and Vito suported him..he stood beside him so...not only he is one of the best musicians he is
also a very nice person. Vito best wishes...
I respect his decision to retire but it's a massive shame that someone so talented has stopped playing. At least we have some great music to listen to
The solo on “Leave me Alone”
Vito was very underrated as a Guitar Player. Very talented, and a great song writer. I've read posts here mentioning his wrist ailment. It's better now, this allowing him to play. If the electric guitar is difficult or painful to play, why not play nylon strings, compose an album of shredding nylon strings style? Think about Eddie Van Halen and his "Spanish Fly" tune. Or the beginning of "Little Guitars". Just a thought...
I just hope Vito didn't give up playing completely. I hope he still shreds away in his spare room or basement every now and again.
EVH is the King, Vito's in my top 5 for sure
Vito being out of music hurst me!! He was amazing!!!
That's crazy that the bass player for white lion plays with Dave Mustaine now. The music is so different. It's good that he's doing what he wants to do. Like Vito. Vito has the best accent. He should be the voice of a mob boss in a mob movie telling people to do horrible things.
What's lost in all this is that Vito suffered an injury that prevents him from playing. He doesn't do any media (aside from an Eddie Trunk interview 14 yrs ago), so most people don't know the full story and assume he just gave up his lifelong passion. No, he was forced out.
Don't blame him social media is a joke,and has become a nasty addiction for millions
Vito figured out the muse business was fixed as everything else
He actually did the best thing you could do-get out leave em wanting more. Smart.
Good for him! Went out at the top of his game and didn't act a fool with his money. Hope his investments have served him well.
Trying to reassemble a great band is like to trying to reassemble a once great marriage that ended up in divorce. It’s dead
Vito is only reason I bought White Lion albums
Alternate title: _Eddie Trunk Interviews Eddie Trunk w/ Michael Wagener_
Little fighter solo is a piece of mozart to me..
I was doing a MySpace tribute for him when he broke 15 years of silence and did an interview with Eddie Trunk. That’s about the time I handed it over to someone else . I think I pissed Eddie off Because I played the interview on there. Well I took it down immediately. He said he had more hits than when axl rose came on. But I know little about all that money business and hits stuff so my bad. And Probably the last time we will hear anything Vito you can probably still hear it on Eddie’s web site.