Mike Tramp opines MTV playing videos in ’80s had dark side as artists branded for life with videos

Photo by Christopher Carroll ROCK Photography

Mike Tramp opines MTV playing videos in ’80s had dark side as artists branded for life with videos

Former White Lion frontman Mike Tramp was recently interviewed by Mick Michaels for The Cosmick View.

In terms of MTV‘s role in White Lion‘s Pride album achieving so much success, Tramp indicated: “Of course MTV played a major role, and it did that for every single artist including Michael Jackson. Suddenly the music was visual and people coast to coast and around the world could watch their favorite artist pose and pout. But looking back now, it also had a dark side…we just didn’t know that we’re being branded for life with those videos.”

Tramp continued: “Like I just said, MTV was King and God, but when they turned their back on all the 80’s bands that had built MTV and done videos per three requests, MTV now became the executioner…and it was a big stab in the back…there we learned that we were all replaceable and disposable.”

In terms of whether music videos are relevant today, Tramp opined: “No, they are not relevant. It’s great if you can do one and can afford one. But they are an exclusive YouTube thing, and talk about competition. Now your video has to compete with stupidity.”

You can read the rest of the interview with Mike Tramp at The Cosmick View‘s website.