October and November are killer months when it comes to bands touring Europe. This year it is no different, but due to timing I only managed to catch two shows. That said, the second show is offering not one band, not two, but three killer bands. All of which are ready to rock. A great night out, filled with different styles of music, but above all classic sing-a-longs that together with a cold beer in your hand make it the perfect Saturday night.
MIKE TRAMP
Danish singer-songwriter Mike Tramp is perhaps best known as the original vocalist of White Lion. Back in the ’80s and ’90s, the band found major success with songs like Little Fighter, When the Children Cry, and their great cover of Radar Love. Though White Lion disbanded in the early ’90s, their music lives on—and tonight, Mike Tramp isn’t here to play his solo material or tracks from his other band, Freak of Nature. No, tonight is all about White Lion.
Joined by lead guitarist Marcus Nand, the stage initially felt a bit sparse. This feeling was heightened when pre-recorded drums kicked off the first song, quickly followed by pre-recorded bass. If I heard correctly, this choice was due to the rising costs of touring—a reality many artists face today. But Mike took it in stride, even joking, “You’re looking at the Milli Vanilli of rock,” which got a good laugh from the crowd. Despite the minimal setup, the energy quickly picked up as the music came alive. Both Mike and Marcus are incredible musicians, and Marcus nailed the classic White Lion licks with precision.
Mike’s voice? Still top-notch. Years of rocking stages around the world have kept him in excellent shape, and his vocal power remains intact. As a frontman, he’s charming and funny, with the kind of charisma that commands attention. Standout moments of the six-song set included Little Fighter, Tell Me, and Wait—each delivered with passion and precision, reminding everyone why these tracks are still beloved classics.
BEASTÖ BLANCÖ
Shock rockers Beastö Blancö might have been the wildcard on the line-up, but they brought a hard-hitting set that blended gritty, industrial rock with a live show packed with theatrical flair. Fronted by Chuck Garric and Calico Cooper, the band delivers a one-two punch of heavy riffs, pounding rhythms, and dark, rebellious energy. Chuck is a familiar name, not just as Alice Cooper’s long-time bassist but also for his work with the Eric Singer Project—and, fun fact, he was the star of the sound campaign I created for my job last year.
Beastö Blancö is an intriguing band, both visually and musically. Chuck and Calico share vocal duties seamlessly, creating a dynamic balance. Chuck’s voice shifts effortlessly from raw power to melodic precision, while Calico’s mix of melody and piercing screams adds a dramatic edge. Rounding out the line-up were Chris Latham on guitar, Jan LeGrow on bass, and Tim Husung on drums—all of whom brought their own fire to the stage.
The band delivered a live spectacle that was impossible to ignore, and thankfully, the crowd was fully onboard. From their larger-than-life personas to the theatrical approach and top-tier musicianship, everything clicked perfectly. They sounded fantastic, and I had an absolute blast watching them dominate the stage. Highlights for me included Run for Your Life, Grind, Feed My Frankenstein, and Lowlands.
After the show, I had the chance to meet both Chuck and Calico in person. Working with Chuck last year for the Sound Campaign was an awesome experience. He’s an incredibly nice guy with an undeniable passion for music and motorcycles. Calico, too, was super nice: down-to-earth, warm, and just as lovely as you’d imagine. Meeting the two of them—the backbone of Beastö Blancö—was the perfect way to cap off an unforgettable night.
THE DEAD DAISIES
Supergroup The Dead Daisies have been rocking stages for over a decade, cycling through various line-ups along the way. I’ve been lucky enough to catch them live several times with different members, and tonight was no exception. This time, lead singer John Corabi is back in the fold after a few years away, bringing his signature energy to the stage. But it’s David Lowy on guitar who remains the band’s steady anchor, having founded The Dead Daisies back in 2012.
The last time I caught The Dead Daisies live was back in 2018. With two new faces in the lineup, it’s time for a quick rundown. We’ve already mentioned him, but on vocals, it’s John Corabi. Famous as the ’90s frontman for Mötley Crüe and the Eric Singer Project. On drums, it’s none other than Tommy Clufetos, who’s played with legends like Black Sabbath and Rob Zombie. Lowy holds it down on guitar as always, and the new guy, Michael Devin, takes over on bass. Known for his time with Whitesnake, it was awesome to see him rocking out here. Unfortunately, Doug Aldrich had to miss this tour for cancer treatment, but stepping in is none other than the legendary Reb Beach. Once again, The Dead Daisies rolled out a killer all-star lineup to tear up the stage in Enschede.
Although it was Reb Beach’s first live show with the band, he fit right in, nailing all the riffs while adding his own flair. I really enjoyed his performance! The whole band sounded tight. And just like the last time I saw them, they were an absolute blast to watch. Some of my personal favorites from the night were Rise Up, I’m Gonna Ride, Mexico, and Midnight Moses.
Once again, The Dead Daisies proved they’re a flawless live act! A killer group that knows how to put on a kick-ass show. The setlist leaned heavily on the newer material, which, to be honest, isn’t always my favorite. The Glenn Hughes-era songs, in particular, don’t fully connect with me. But aside from that, it was a hard-rocking night packed with classics, covers, and newer tunes that kept the energy high.
