Introduction to Vito Bratta and White Lion
Vito Bratta was born in Connecticut in 1961 and began playing guitar at a young age, forming his first bands as a teenager. He was heavily influenced by guitar virtuosos like Eddie Van Halen, Randy Rhoads and Yngwie Malmsteen and practiced relentlessly to hone his skills.
In 1983, Bratta formed the band White Lion along with vocalist Mike Tramp. The two had met through an ad in a local music magazine and shared a vision for creating a new brand of melodic hard rock and glam metal. White Lion stood out from other ’80s metal bands with Tramp’s soaring vocals and Bratta’s advanced guitar techniques like sweep picking and tremolo bar wizardry.
After some early lineup changes, White Lion cemented their classic roster with Bratta on guitar, Tramp on vocals, James Lomenzo on bass and Greg D’Angelo on drums. They gained a following playing New York clubs before signing with Atlantic Records and releasing their debut album Fight to Survive in 1985. The album’s single "Broken Heart" showcased Bratta’s Eddie Van Halen-influenced style.
White Lion’s 1987 album Pride featured their breakthrough hits "Wait" and "When the Children Cry", propelling them to international fame. Bratta’s creative guitar parts and solos were critical to the band’s signature sound and success. His innovative playing established him as one of the top guitarists in 80s metal.
Vito Bratta on Eddie Van Halen and His World-Beating Guitar Skills
As a young guitarist coming of age in the late 1970s and early 1980s, Vito Bratta was heavily inspired by the trailblazing playing of Eddie Van Halen. Van Halen’s 1978 self-titled debut album was a revelation for aspiring rock guitarists like Bratta, showcasing Eddie’s dizzying mix of rapid tapping, two-handed tapping, dive bombs, and whammy bar theatrics.
"Eddie Van Halen really changed the game. He showed guitarists that there were all these unexplored techniques we could utilize to take our playing to the next level," Bratta said in a 1990 interview.
Bratta immediately began practicing and incorporating Van Halen’s techniques into his own playing style. Like Van Halen, he became adept at lightning-fast alternate picking runs combined with legato phrasing. His vibrato technique and feel for bending notes also closely mirrored Van Halen’s influence.
Nowhere is the Van Halen inspiration more apparent than in Bratta’s tapping solos. Songs like White Lion’s "Broken Heart" feature extended tapping passages very reminiscent of "Eruption." Bratta employed both one-handed and two-handed tapping in his solos, seamlessly transitioning between tapping licks, dive bombs, and shred sequences. His composition "Wait" off the Pride album highlights his Van Halen-esque talents, with a finger-tapping intro leading into a high-speed solo peppered with artificial harmonics.
While Bratta never quite matched Van Halen’s sheer speed and precision, he came closer than most. His alternate picking chops were top-notch, allowing him to trade lightning-fast runs with the likes of Randy Rhoads and George Lynch. When he locked into a groove with his right hand, Bratta could let the notes fly as fast as anyone.
Vito Bratta will always be remembered for bringing the excitement and innovation of Eddie Van Halen’s style to a new generation of metal fans. Though he forged his own identity, the influence of his hero can be heard loud and clear in Bratta’s playing.
Vito Bratta Nearly Joined Kiss and Failed His Ozzy Osbourne Audition
In the early 1980s, Vito Bratta had two high-profile opportunities that could have significantly altered his career trajectory – auditions with Kiss and Ozzy Osbourne.
In 1982, Kiss was looking to replace original lead guitarist Ace Frehley. They had seen Bratta performing around New York and were impressed with his skills, inviting him to audition. For Bratta, it was a dream come true to play with one of his biggest musical inspirations. At the audition, he jammed with Kiss members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, and by all accounts held his own against Frehley’s legendary guitar work.
However, in the end Kiss decided to go with Vinnie Vincent instead of Bratta. While the exact reasons are unclear, some speculate that Bratta’s glam image at the time may not have meshed well with Kiss’s persona. Others suggest his improvisational style wasn’t an ideal fit for Kiss’s tightly structured songs.
A year later, Bratta had the opportunity to audition for Ozzy Osbourne’s band, following the tragic death of Randy Rhoads. By this point, Bratta had developed more experience and confidence as White Lion started making a name for themselves. However, Osbourne ultimately chose Jake E. Lee over Bratta for the gig.
Ozzy later recalled that he felt Bratta’s playing was too similar to Randy Rhoads, and he wanted someone to take the band in a new direction. Bratta was disappointed to be passed over again, but remained determined to make it big with White Lion.
These experiences showed Bratta the ruthlessness of the music industry. But they also lit a fire under him to hone his skills and prove he could succeed on his own terms with White Lion. Though he didn’t join these famous bands, Bratta’s auditions only strengthened his resolve to become one of the top guitarists of the 80s glam metal scene.
Bratta’s Guitar Gear and Signature Sound
Vito Bratta crafted a signature guitar tone and style that became instantly recognizable. Let’s dive into the gear and techniques that defined his sound.
Bratta’s main guitar for much of his career was the ESP Horizon, featuring a Floyd Rose tremolo bridge. The Floyd Rose allowed Bratta to perform his trademark divebombs and whammy bar acrobatics. The Horizon’s HSH pickup configuration provided the searing lead tones cutting through the mix.
For amplification, Bratta used Marshall JCM800 heads running through Marshall 1960A and 1960B cabs loaded with Celestion speakers. This classic metal rig provided the distorted crunch and scooped mids emblematic of 80s hard rock.
Effects-wise, Bratta kept things simple. A Boss SD-1 Super Overdrive provided extra saturation, while an Ibanez Tube Screamer added mid-boost for solos. A TC Electronic 2290 Dynamic Digital Delay supplied rhythmic echoes in his intricate runs.
Bratta’s alternate picking technique enabled rapid flurries of notes. His legato phrasing produced smooth, connected runs. Creative use of the tremolo bar – dips, dives, warbles – added expressiveness. Rapid tapping licks brought an Eddie Van Halen flavor.
For guitarists aiming to sound like Bratta, the key is lots of gain and practice. Nail down your alternate picking and get comfortable with the tremolo arm. Learn Bratta’s solos note-for-note, focusing on phrasing and vibratos. With dedication, you too can unleash your inner Vito Bratta.
Bratta’s Influence and Legacy
Vito Bratta’s impact on the world of rock guitar cannot be understated. Though his time in the spotlight was short, his influence on future generations of guitarists was immense.
Bratta’s technical yet melodic playing style set the template for many of the shred and glam metal guitarists that emerged later in the 80s and into the 90s. His use of effects like the Floyd Rose tremolo system was widely copied, as were his rapid alternate picking runs and finger-tapping solos. Without Bratta’s pioneering guitar work in White Lion, the genres of melodic metal and glam metal may have sounded quite different.
The mystery surrounding Bratta’s disappearance from the music scene after White Lion’s 1991 breakup has only added to his legend over the years. Some speculate that a hand injury hampered his playing abilities and led him to shy away from performing. But the possibility of a Vito Bratta comeback continues to loom, even after decades out of the public eye. Were Bratta to return to the stage or studio, it would undoubtedly be a momentous occasion for his legions of fans across the globe.
When ranking the top rock guitarists of the 1980s, Vito Bratta’s name deserves to be included among the genre’s most influential players. Alongside legends like Eddie Van Halen, Randy Rhoads and Yngwie Malmsteen, Bratta brought a level of technical precision and melodic sensibility that pushed the boundaries of guitar playing. Though he never achieved quite the same commercial success as some of his peers, Bratta’s skill and artistry on the guitar cannot be denied. For those in the know, he stands tall among the top echelon of 80s guitar heroes.
Early Life and Musical Influences
Vito Bratta was born on July 22, 1961 in Westbury, New York. Growing up on Long Island in the 1960s and 70s, Bratta was exposed to a wide variety of music from an early age. He became interested in playing guitar after seeing The Beatles perform on The Ed Sullivan Show at just 7 years old.
Bratta began taking guitar lessons and was heavily influenced by the British invasion bands of the 1960s, including The Who, The Kinks, and Cream. As a teenager in the 1970s, he started getting into heavier blues-inspired bands like Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, and AC/DC. He was inspired by the fiery guitar playing of legends like Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, and Angus Young.
During his high school years, Bratta played in a number of local bands on Long Island, honing his skills as a guitarist. He took lessons from renowned guitar teacher Dan Gilbert, who helped Bratta develop his fast alternate picking technique. Bratta also cites Randy Rhoads as a major influence on his neo-classical guitar style later in his career.
Formation of White Lion
Vito Bratta and Danish singer Mike Tramp first crossed paths in 1983 when Tramp moved to New York City to look for musicians for his new band. The two immediately hit it off, finding common ground with their shared influences and determination to make it big. Bratta’s exceptional guitar skills made him the perfect match for the charismatic Tramp.
Rounding out the initial White Lion lineup was bassist Felix Robinson and drummer Nicki Capozzi. The foursome started playing shows on the Sunset Strip club circuit, honing their sound and stage presence. While the glam metal scene was starting to explode around them, White Lion stood out for their bluesier, more soulful brand of hard rock compared to the pop metal style that dominated at the time.
After months of gigging and promoting themselves, White Lion scored a record deal with Elektra Records in 1984. They retreated to Toronto to record their debut album, Fight to Survive, with producer Michael Wagener. Their early demos exhibited Bratta’s technical guitar chops and Tramp’s powerful vocals. Songs like "Broken Heart" and "All the Fallen Men" highlighted the band’s musical chemistry and set the stage for their breakthrough success.
White Lion’s Rise to Fame
White Lion burst onto the glam metal scene in 1987 with their second album, Pride. Propelled by Bratta’s shredding guitar licks and vocalist Mike Tramp’s soaring vocals, the album spawned several hit singles that showcased the band’s talent.
The anthemic "Wait" and the hard-rocking "Tell Me" both featured blistering guitar solos by Bratta that highlighted his technical skills and feel for melody. But it was the ballad "When the Children Cry" that became White Lion’s biggest hit, reaching #3 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its poignant lyrics about world issues and children matched with Bratta’s emotive guitar playing connected with fans.
Pride was a smash success, selling over 2 million copies and firmly establishing White Lion as rising stars in the hair metal genre. They followed it up with another hit album, Big Game, in 1989. The record delivered more radio-friendly hits like "Little Fighter" and "Cry for Freedom."
Bratta’s creative and catchy guitar work was integral to White Lion’s formula. With their pop metal sound and MTV-friendly look, White Lion became icons during glam metal’s peak. They stand as one of the most memorable bands of the late 80s scene.
Bratta’s Post-White Lion Career
After White Lion disbanded in 1992, Vito Bratta largely disappeared from the public eye and the music industry. The band had reached great heights, including headlining shows and supporting legends like Aerosmith. However, the rise of grunge led to a swift fall from the limelight.
Bratta continued writing and recording music in the 90s, though details are scarce. He collaborated with former White Lion singer Mike Tramp on his solo efforts. Rumors circulated about experimental projects and session work, but nothing surfaced officially.
The big mystery is why Bratta retreated from live performance and interviews. Some speculate it was disillusionment with the music business. Others point to potential health issues. Whatever the reasons, Bratta faded away just as fans wanted to see him shine brighter.
In recent years, interest in a Vito Bratta comeback has grown. He still garners admiration for his sheer musicality. The internet makes it easier for new generations to discover his talents. Could Bratta resurface for guest solos, a new album, or even a White Lion reunion? It may seem unlikely, but hopes remain that this guitar great still has more genius to unveil.
Conclusion
Vito Bratta’s career may have been relatively short, but his impact on rock guitar was immense. As the lead guitarist and co-songwriter for White Lion, Bratta was instrumental in the band’s rapid rise to fame in the 80s glam metal scene. His innovative playing style – influenced heavily by his idol Eddie Van Halen – pushed the boundaries of shred guitar. Songs like "Wait" and "When the Children Cry" featured some of Bratta’s most stunning solos and instantly recognizable riffs.
Though mainstream success eluded him after White Lion’s 1991 breakup, Bratta is rightfully considered one of the most underrated guitar virtuosos of his era. His technical skills rivaled legends like Steve Vai and Joe Satriani, yet Bratta remains an unsung hero in many circles. His unparalleled alternate picking and tapping abilities inspired a generation of metal guitarists.
While the mystery around Bratta’s retreat from the public eye makes a true comeback unlikely, fans still hold out hope of seeing him on stage again one day. His unique style and pioneering guitar work cemented his status as a true great among the shred heroes of the 80s. Vito Bratta kept the art of guitar virtuosity alive during hair metal’s heyday, leaving behind an incredible legacy that deserves reappraisal.