Blue Monday

The Zoo Crew is spinning the bluesy instrumental "Blue Monday" by White Lion, from their 1991 album Mane Attraction, for all the Zoo Freaks tuning in. This track stands out as the band's only instrumental, a heartfelt tribute to the legendary guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan, who tragically died in a helicopter crash in 1990 while the band was writing the album. According to sources, the song channels a Gary Moore-inspired blues vibe, showcasing guitarist Vito Bratta’s melodic and soulful soloing. In a 2018 review on HardRock 80, the track was praised for allowing Bratta to flex his “talent as a soloist and melodist,” with its somber tone reflecting the band’s emotional response to Vaughan’s passing. Interestingly, the song’s creation came during a period when White Lion was aiming for a heavier, more mature sound, as noted in a Destroyer of Harmony review, which described it as a nod to blues influences like Jeff Beck and Eric Clapton.

Another layer to "Blue Monday" is its context within Mane Attraction’s release, which was overshadowed by the rise of grunge. A post on X from BraveWords in 2025 quoted lead singer Mike Tramp reflecting on the album’s timing, saying, “The timing just wasn’t in our favor.” Despite the album’s struggle to gain airplay, "Blue Monday" resonated with fans, particularly for its emotional depth. The track’s raw blues feel was a departure from the band’s glam metal roots, and some fans, as seen in comments on Mike Ladano’s blog, appreciated it as a standout, even if the album didn’t match the commercial success of earlier works like Pride. The song’s dedication to Vaughan remains a poignant moment in White Lion’s discography, capturing a fleeting but powerful expression of loss.

White Lion was formed in New York City in 1983 by Danish vocalist Mike Tramp and American guitarist Vito Bratta, a duo that defined the band’s melodic hard rock sound. Tramp, born in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1961, had already been active in the Danish music scene with bands like Mabel before moving to the U.S. to chase his rock dreams. Bratta, a Staten Island native with Italian-American roots, was a virtuosic guitarist influenced by classic rock and blues. The two met through a mutual connection in the New York music scene, bonding over their shared vision of blending catchy hooks with technical prowess. Their debut album, Fight to Survive, released in 1985, laid the groundwork, but it was their 1987 double-platinum album Pride, featuring hits like “Wait” and “When the Children Cry,” that catapulted them to fame. The band’s mix of Tramp’s emotive vocals and Bratta’s intricate guitar work earned them a loyal following, though they disbanded in 1992 after Mane Attraction due to the grunge wave and internal challenges.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, you can follow Mike Tramp, who carries the White Lion legacy, on his official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Vito Bratta has largely stepped away from the public eye since the band’s breakup, focusing on family, as he revealed in a 2007 Eddie Trunk radio interview. Fans can connect through communities like the White Lion Fan Club on Facebook, where enthusiasts share memories and updates. Another fan hub is the White Lion Universe website, offering discographies, photos, and forum discussions. These platforms keep the spirit of White Lion alive, perfect for any Zoo Freak looking to rock out to “Blue Monday” and beyond.