Peter Frampton, a name synonymous with rock guitar virtuosity, surprised fans when he announced his Finale Tour in 2022. This wasn’t a typical farewell; it was rooted in a stark reality: Frampton had been diagnosed with inclusion body myositis (IBM), a progressive muscle disease. The legendary musician feared his ability to play guitar, the very essence of his being, was in jeopardy. However, the narrative of “Frampton Won’t Come Alive Again” has been proven dramatically wrong.
“I’m grateful I’m still able to play,” Frampton declared, now headlining his aptly titled “Never Ever Say Never Tour.” For a man who marks his 60th year touring as a professional musician – a journey that began at the tender age of 14 – music isn’t just a career; it’s his lifeblood. Despite the challenges posed by his illness, Frampton’s passion and dedication to his craft remain undiminished.
Understanding Peter Frampton’s Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM) Diagnosis
The most significant impact of inclusion body myositis for Peter Frampton is on his mobility. IBM primarily affects the muscles, leading to weakness, particularly in the legs and arms. As a result, Frampton now walks with a cane and performs his electrifying guitar sets while seated. This physical adaptation is a visible testament to his determination to continue performing despite the progression of the disease.
While IBM has undeniably presented physical hurdles, Frampton’s spirit and musical prowess remain remarkably resilient. He acknowledges the weakening in his fingers but emphasizes the ingrained muscle memory that allows him to continue playing. “My fingers are ‘weakened’ but ‘know what to do,’” he explained. Adapting his technique, especially for expressive elements like bending notes, has become a necessary part of his ongoing musical journey.
Adapting and Evolving: Frampton’s Musical Journey with IBM
Interestingly, Peter Frampton perceives a silver lining in his adapted playing style. He believes his guitar work has evolved, becoming “in some ways better.” This isn’t about physical strength; it’s about emotional depth. “There’s less notes but more soul. Every note I play now has much more meaning,” he reflects. This perspective highlights Frampton’s artistic growth, finding new dimensions in his music through the lens of his experience with illness.
Importantly, Frampton’s audiences haven’t noticed a decline in his performance quality. When asked about this, he humorously quips, “Then I’m faking it good.” This self-deprecating humor underscores his commitment to delivering a top-tier performance, illness or not. It’s a testament to his professionalism and unwavering connection with his fans.
A Career Spanning Retrospective: The “Never Ever Say Never Tour”
Frampton’s current tour is a comprehensive career retrospective, celebrating his illustrious musical journey. He delves into his early days with Humble Pie, revisiting classics that laid the foundation for his rock legacy. Fans are also treated to his iconic solo hits, including the timeless “Baby, I Love Your Way,” songs that cemented his place in rock history. Furthermore, the setlist includes instrumental pieces from his more recent albums, showcasing his continued musical exploration and virtuosity beyond vocal performances.
These instrumental records, especially 2006’s “Fingerprints,” which earned him his first Grammy Award, have been crucial in solidifying Frampton’s reputation as a truly exceptional guitarist. While the phenomenal success of his 1976 concert album “Frampton Comes Alive” initially cast him as a teen idol, his instrumental work has consistently reminded audiences and critics alike of his profound guitar skills.
Reclaiming Guitarist Credibility: From Teen Idol to Guitar Hero
Post “Frampton Comes Alive,” Frampton navigated the complexities of fame, often overshadowed by his pop image. His guitar credibility was somewhat overlooked until a pivotal moment in 1987 when David Bowie, a childhood friend (Frampton’s father was Bowie’s art teacher), invited him to be the lead guitarist on the “Never Let Me Down” album and subsequent Glass Spider Tour.
Frampton recognizes the profound impact of this collaboration. “I realized he’d given me this huge gift of a career bump by taking me around the world for five, six months, and reintroduced me as the guitar player,” Frampton explained. This partnership with Bowie was transformative, altering the trajectory of his career and re-emphasizing his guitar prowess to a global audience.
The Talk Box Legacy: A Signature Sound
A defining element of Peter Frampton’s solo success is his innovative use of the talk box, a device that allows him to manipulate the sound of his guitar with his mouth via a plastic tube. He stumbled upon this unique apparatus during a 1970 recording session for George Harrison’s “All Things Must Pass” in England.
During a break, Nashville session musician Pete Drake demonstrated a homemade talk box, singing through his pedal steel guitar. Frampton was instantly captivated. “I almost freaked out,” Frampton recalled. “I said ‘I have to have one.’” Intriguingly, Drake’s talk box was briefly lent to Joe Walsh, who famously used it on “Rocky Mountain Way.” Eventually, a manufacturer was found for Drake’s invention, and Frampton received his own talk box as a Christmas gift in 1973, forever changing his sonic landscape.
Frampton’s masterful deployment of the talk box on hits like “Do You Feel Like We Do” and “Show Me the Way” was instrumental in propelling “Frampton Comes Alive” to become the best-selling album of 1976 and a landmark in concert recording history. Despite the immense success, it also contributed to a simplified public perception of him as a pop icon, even earning him the dismissive label of the “Farrah Fawcett of rock.”
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Nomination and Future Horizons
Despite a career spanning decades and significant musical contributions, Peter Frampton faced a surprising delay in Rock & Roll Hall of Fame recognition. Eligible since 1997, his nomination only came this year. “It was a surprise, to say the least,” he admitted.
He expresses gratitude to Sheryl Crow for inviting him to perform at her Rock Hall of Fame induction the previous fall. This performance may have served as a timely reminder to the institution of Frampton’s enduring talent and influence. However, Frampton remains humble about the nomination, stating, “I’m not one of those people that say, ‘Dammit, I deserve this.’ If it happens, it happens.”
Looking ahead, Frampton is not resting on his past achievements. He is actively working on new music, his first album of original material since 2010, demonstrating his continued creative drive. Furthermore, he is collaborating with Rob Arthur, his bandleader, keyboardist, and a multi-talented creative force, on a documentary project.
Arthur, described by Frampton as a “Renaissance man,” is not only instrumental to his band but also serves as the cinematographer for Frampton’s Phenix Features. The documentary project includes filming in England with Frampton’s brother and music luminaries like Bill Wyman, exploring his formative years and musical roots. Frampton deeply values Arthur’s multifaceted contributions, highlighting his band leadership, musical expertise, and cinematography skills.
Frampton’s Enduring Spirit and Legacy
Despite a full agenda, Peter Frampton maintains a realistic perspective on his future, particularly concerning his health. “If it comes to a time when I can’t hold a pick or I can’t make a chord, I’m so lucky to have had the life I’ve had.” His focus extends beyond his own career, channeling his energy into philanthropic endeavors, notably the Peter Frampton Myositis Research Fund at Johns Hopkins.
Frampton’s commitment to “helping other people with IBM, helping animals, helping homeless people” reveals a deep sense of empathy and purpose. His concluding sentiment, “Life will be good. Who am I to complain of having 60 years of doing what I love the most?” encapsulates his resilient spirit and profound gratitude. Peter Frampton’s journey is not just a testament to musical talent but also to the human capacity to adapt, create, and inspire in the face of adversity, proving that even with illness, the music, and the life, goes on.
