Mike Tramp’s White Lion to headline Legends of Rock in Cebu concert

CEBU, Philippines —  A week from now, on February 8, the streets of Mango Avenue in Cebu City will be electrified as the iconic Danish band White Lion, led by lead vocalist Mike Tramp, will headline the “Legends of Rock in Cebu” concert at the newly opened Social Park Avenue in Mango Square Mall.

Known for hits such as “You’re All I Need” and “When the Children Cry”, Tramp will perform alongside lead guitarist Marcus Nand.

This marks the band’s first time performing in the Philippines. They are set to play in Cagayan de Oro, Surigao, Leyte, and Quezon City, with Cebu as their first stop to kick off their Philippine tour in February.

Ronje Kyo, one of the concert’s organizers through Tribe Production, said they connected with the band through mutual friends based in Florida, USA, who have connections to Tramp.

“My friends in Florida have this desire to bring international bands to the Philippines, and Cebu is one of their destinations since it’s located at the center of the country,” Kyo said during their January 29 press conference.

The concert was originally slated to take place at Hoops Dome in Lapu-Lapu City before it was moved to Social Park Avenue for convenience, as the venue is centrally located in Cebu City.

The resto-bar opened in January after closing its IT Park branch last year, relocating to Mango Avenue, an area known for its thriving local music scene.

“In most venues, you either sit or stand. We chose Social Park Avenue because you can chill and dine while watching the acts. We wanted patrons to enjoy the good food offered here, paired with good music,” Kyo said.

“It’s a different experience when you watch a concert with a beer in your hand and enjoy it with friends,” added Mardi Patroza, managing director of Weird Emily Production, who is co-organizing the concert with Kyo.

While White Lion may be best known among Generation X, the organizers hope to attract a wider audience.

“White Lion played their music before Gen Z was even born, but they created some of the greatest, timeless songs. Filipinos, including Gen Z, love good music. The band has great music, and we hope to share that with everybody, regardless of age,” said Phil Yieh, director of Social Park Avenue Inc.

Cebuano band Aeon, one of the opening acts, performed at the press conference as a sneak peek of their setlist for the concert.

The band’s lead singer, Shi Ann Delgado, expressed excitement about the opportunity. “Who wouldn’t be stoked to open [for White Lion]? It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and we are excited!” she shared.

Fellow local bands Xs and Missioned Souls will also open the show before Mike Tramp’s White Lion takes the stage as the main act.

Originally, Steelheart’s lead vocalist Miljenko Matijevic was set to co-headline the concert before canceling his February appearances in the Philippines, which included stops in Cagayan de Oro and Quezon City.

“Due to external unforeseen circumstances, Miljenko will not be traveling to the Philippines this February. We hope to reschedule the show dates later this year and will keep you posted. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to seeing you all real soon!” the band announced on their Facebook page.

The concert organizers said they were “saddened” by the news but affirmed that the show would go on with White Lion as the sole headliner.

“Due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, we regret to announce that Miljenko Matijevic will no longer be part of the tour. Mike Tramp’s White Lion will still headline. See you at the shows,” the organizers stated.

The organizers also shared that it will be a rain-or-shine show and that they have reached out to the Cebu City Hall for the event’s security.

Also organizing the event with Tribe Production and Weird Emily Production are JUST4Show Production, Np.Asia Inc., and Electric Gold Tattoo Co.

Tickets are available for purchase at Ticketnation Philippines (www.ticketnation.ph) in five tiers: P700 (general admission), P1,000 (bronze), P2,000 (silver), P3,000 (gold), and P5,000 (VIP), the latter of which includes a meet and greet.

Those who purchased tickets hoping to see Matijevic before his cancellation can request a refund through the Ticketnation Philippines website or by reaching out to The Tribe Production’s Facebook page.