Vito Bratta (b. July 1, 1961, Staten Island, New York) is the former lead guitarist and lead songwriter for the 1980s rock band White Lion, playing with the band from 1983 to 1992. He was influenced by Eddie Van Halen, Stevie Ray Vaughan and many other rock and blues guitar players of the 1980s. His playing has been described as melodic, original and technically accomplished, employing two-handed tapping, legato lines, artificial harmonics and various tricks that made him the center of attention on stage. While far from a household name, he is well known and respected by many guitarists. Following the breakup of White Lion, Bratta produced an album for the band CPR on Atlantic Records. Bratta has not been involved in the music industry in any capacity since 1994. He is said to be currently living in his childhood house in Staten Island with his parents.
In 2003, Mike Tramp (former White Lion vocalist), attempted to reunite with Bratta but was unsuccessful. Tramp talked about Bratta in a 2007 interview with Anarchy Music, claiming Bratta was always quiet and distant and the rest of the band "hardly knew his birthday".
On February 16, 2007, Bratta gave his first live interview in over 12 years. The following key points were revealed during the Eddie Trunk interview: Bratta's father suffered through a 5-year illness, which required a large amount of personal time and commitment on Vito's part, both emotionally and financially. In 1997, he injured his wrist while playing classical guitar and finds it painful to move his hand up and down the guitar neck; he manages to play nylon-string guitars without too much discomfort. This injury seems to not be fully healed. In addition, he clarified that he has never ruled out a White Lion/Mike Tramp reunion; up until now, they have simply been impossible due to family obligations and his wrist injury.
In April 2007, Vito Bratta made his first public musical appearances in over 15 years, at both Friday and Saturday nights shows at the L'Amour Reunion Shows in New York.