Mike Tramp | |
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Background information | |
Birth name | Michael Trempenau |
Born | January 14, 1961 |
Origin | Copenhagen, Denmark |
Genres | Glam metal, hard rock |
Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter |
Instruments | Vocals, guitar |
Years active | 1978–present |
Labels | Atlantic, Frontiers |
Associated acts | Mabel, White Lion, Freak of Nature |
Website | http://www.miketramp.com/ |
Michael Trempenau (born January 14, 1961), better known as Mike Tramp, is a Danish singer and songwriter who is best known for his work with the hard rock bands, White Lion and Freak of Nature. Since 1998, he has released several solo albums. In 2012, Tramp went on a solo acoustic tour. He came back with a full band show in 2015. In 2017, his new album "Maybe Tomorrow" achieved a very successful chart position of #1 in Denmark.
Michael Trempenau was born in Denmark and grew up in Vesterbro with his mother, Doris, who died April 2010 at the age of 80, and two brothers, Dennis and Kim. Trempenau started his musical career singing in Vesterbro Ungdomsgård, a youth group club in Copenhagen, and appears on their first album: Vi lever på Vesterbro (1974). In 1976, Trempenau, now known professionally as Tramp, joined the pop band Mabel as the lead singer. Mabel released five studio albums and were very popular in Denmark and Spain, with Mike receiving "teen idol" status. In 1978, Mabel won the Danish Song Contest with the song Boom Boom and represented Denmark in the Eurovision Song Contest 1978 that same year. Later, Mabel moved to Spain and became Studs, releasing a debut self-titled album in 1981 and then moved to New York City and became Danish Lions in 1982. After recording demos, the band returned home to Denmark, however, Tramp decided to remain in America.
Tramp met Vito Bratta and formed White Lion in 1983; the band became very successful in the mid-1980s to early '90s. White Lion released their debut album, Fight to Survive, in 1985. The band achieved success with their number 8 hit "Wait" and number 3 hit "When the Children Cry" from their second album, the triple-platinum selling Pride. The band enjoyed continued success with their third album, Big Game, which achieved gold status, and their fourth album, Mane Attraction, which they supported with a tour. White Lion disbanded in 1992; their first compilation album, The Best of White Lion, was released not long after.