Peter Frampton, a name synonymous with rock guitar virtuosity, has captivated audiences for decades. Born on April 22, 1950, Peter Kenneth Frampton is an English musician celebrated as a rock icon, singer, songwriter, producer, and exceptional guitarist. While many instantly recognize hits from his groundbreaking live album, Frampton Comes Alive!, understanding when did Peter Frampton come out as a solo artist requires a journey through his early musical endeavors.
Frampton’s musical journey began remarkably early. By the age of twelve, he was already immersed in the band scene, playing with a group called The Little Ravens. Interestingly, his path intertwined with another future music legend, David Bowie. Both attended Bromley Technical School, with Bowie, three years Frampton’s senior, also leading his band, George and the Dragons, which occasionally shared the stage with The Little Ravens at school events.
Peter Frampton in his early band, The Little Ravens
By fourteen, Frampton’s dedication to music solidified further as he joined The Trubeats. His talent quickly garnered attention, leading him to The Preachers, a band produced and managed by none other than Bill Wyman of The Rolling Stones. These early experiences were crucial in shaping his musical foundation and stage presence.
The mid-1960s saw Peter Frampton transition from a promising young talent to a recognized “face” in the British pop scene. In 1966, he joined The Herd, stepping into the role of lead guitarist and singer. His time with The Herd brought significant success, achieving several British pop hits and earning Frampton the title “The Face of 1968” by the teen magazine Rave. This period established him as a teen idol and showcased his songwriting and guitar skills to a broader audience.
However, Peter Frampton’s ambitions extended beyond the teen pop realm. In early 1969, at the age of 18, he took a pivotal step in his career by co-founding Humble Pie with Steve Marriott of Small Faces. This marked a significant shift towards a heavier, blues-rock sound. Humble Pie quickly gained recognition as one of the pioneering supergroups of the late 1960s, achieving transatlantic success with powerful tracks like “30 Days in the Hole” and “I Don’t Need No Doctor.” His role in Humble Pie further solidified his reputation as a formidable guitarist and performer within the burgeoning rock scene.
After contributing to four studio albums and a live album with Humble Pie, Peter Frampton decided to embark on a solo career. In 1971, Peter Frampton came out as a solo artist, marking a crucial turning point. This decision allowed him to fully explore his musical vision and songwriting independently. His solo debut album, Wind of Change, was released on May 26, 1972. This album was notable not only for launching his solo journey but also for featuring collaborations with esteemed musicians such as Klaus Voorman, Billy Preston, and Ringo Starr, signifying the respect he had already garnered within the music industry.
While his solo career began in 1971, it was the release of Frampton Comes Alive! in 1976 that catapulted him to superstardom. The live album achieved phenomenal success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart on April 10, 1976, and holding the top spot for an impressive ten weeks. Frampton Comes Alive! became the best-selling album of 1976, selling over 8 million copies in the United States alone and achieving estimated worldwide sales of 11 million, cementing its place as one of the best-selling live albums in history.
In conclusion, Peter Frampton’s journey to becoming a solo artist was a gradual yet definitive progression. From his early band experiences in The Little Ravens and The Herd to his hard rock stint with Humble Pie, each phase contributed to his artistic development. Peter Frampton officially “came out” as a solo artist in 1971 when he left Humble Pie and embarked on his independent career, a move that ultimately paved the way for his monumental success with Frampton Comes Alive! and solidified his legacy in rock music history.
