On posters and in adverts it says: Mike Tramp's Rock'n'Roll Circuz. But actually it's him in first place, who is announced there appearing each day on a another place. Because since the death of White Lion and Freak Of Nature the denisch born musican is a solo artist. But even those look better with a backing band. And this one again is named Rock'n'Roll Circuz. It's as simple as that. 
Mike Tramp has become 50 years of age this year, though it's almost unbelievable, if you have a look at him. And he's got a very colourful life behind him. I assume I don't have to tell you music lovers out there the success story  of White Lion. Although if you take a very close look at them, this band literatually did have only a few hitsingles. And that was 'Broken Heart', 'When The Children Cry', as well and some smaller hitsingles.  Well White Lion is past time for a very long time now, though Tramp did actually tour as Mike Tramp's White Lion again back in 2005 until 2008. But of course that was not the same. All efforts to bring back the original line up of this band went down the drain, due to guitarist Vito Bratta, who just didn't wanna know about it anymore. 
Meanwhile Tramp has accepted the fact, that he can't bring back the old times. So he's moving on as a solo artist. But that's what he does anyway since 1998. 
He's been here before in Germany, also with his other band Freak Of Nature. But the glory and fame from back then could not be repeated so far, despite the fact, that he's been the frontman of one of the best known Melodic Rock bands of the Eighties. - Presently he is married to indonesian actress Ayu Azhari and has 3 children with her. The family mainly live in Indonesia as well. But he never lost his love for music, the music giving him the drive still to tour the world, though in a much smaller frame. Recently Mike Tramp and his band Rock'n'Roll Circuz have released their second album 'Stand Your Ground'
(the 1st album of this band project was released in 2009 but only released in Denmark). However, reason enough to do another club tour to give it another try to get a piece of the icing of the cake from back then. And this trip has made him come to Munich as well in our Rockclub No. 1 - the Garage.


Support comes from  Crimes Of Passion.


And maybe some of you remember this group from the supportslot on the last Saxon tour, which is still going ahead. And inbetween there is enough space to jump on a different wagon as well. For insiders this english band is already known, but not for everyone. And that's why Crimes Of Passion have to take on every chance to make their name more familiar to the rest of the world.. Music doesn't make things easier. Because this lot is going for traditionall Heavy Metal. And that again is not neccessarely the most trendy music style in entertainment. 


But these boys go straight ahead following their path. That's why I'd say, enjoy as long as possible, you never know how long you can survive in the present music business. As a young band unfortunately you don't have cult status or carry a big name, so it's hard, unless you've won a lottery, if you know what I mean by that. So Crimes Of Passion do play a solid set, but not neccessarely leaving an overwhelming impression. 
http://www.myspace.com/crimesofpassionrock

And then a very fit Mike Tramp is stepping onto stage as if this was Madison Square Garden to conquer, the place, where he once upon a time in the past celebrated a victory with White Lion.   


He remembers and tells us, that back then at those glory times, he was mega successful, but not really happy. Tonight he stands on this small stage here in front of only 100 fans and is more than just happy. Well hard to believe really.... But well, what else should he say? I for my part would rather describe it, that he's probably happy, that he still has got venues like this to play live. And yes we do get a speech and laudatio about our Garage, that it's so great, that there are still clubs like this supporting this kind of music and can still exist. Hey, didn't we have this same thing recently at the show of Eric Sardinas, who did the same prayers. Yes of course and it makes me thinking.... Are we really such a unique place in this small world? 
Never mind - Mike Tramp is here tonight  to prove, that he's still up to date and hasn't forgotten anything. And that he's not too old for Rock'n'Roll despite his age. Apart from that his guitarist Søren Andersen is celebrating his 38th birthday. Reason enough to move on gear higher.  Well and not to forget, there are also bassist Claus Langeskov and drummer Morten Hellborn. 


Songwise it's mainly stuff from Mike Tramp's solo back cataloge what we get, spiced with some White Lion, most of all what's up to ‚When The Children Cry’ und ‚Broken Heart’.

Musically there ain't too much to criticice, exept maybe the fact, that Melodic Rock itselves is pretty much out of fashion and almost dead. But I don't tell you any news by that. Personally I do miss a little the edges, - how shall I describe it best...? - the pepper in the engine, as we say so. A small acoustic set is supposed to give the show a little extra and change. Well, some like it some not. 


Don't get me wrong now. Mike Tramp's Rock'n'Roll Circuz ain't bad and the band delivers a decent show tonight here in Munich.But it doesn't let me jump out of my boots, if you know what I mean by that. And so this event leaves a feeling such as: nice evening entertainment in a little frame with some nostalgic moments for everybody who remember White Lion. But that's it. And you definately can't compare this here with back then, which is not only due to ageing or selfdeclared happiness. It's more or less the famous flavour of the moment...
http://miketramp.dk/  

Off Stage Snapshot at the Diary