Tuesday, June 04, 2002 11:21:41 AM
Rock 'n' Roll Artists A-Z...Peter Frampton
http://www.frampton.com/
Peter Frampton has been revelling in that "two hour event" since he became a professional musician at age 16. Born April 22, 1950, in Beckenham, England, Peter first became interested in music as a seven-year old, when he discovered his grandmother's banjolele (a banjo-shaped ukulele) in the attic. Teaching himself to play, he became near obsessed, and, upon receiving a guitar from his parents, mastered that as well.
By the age of 10, Frampton was playing in a band called The Little Ravens and played on the same bill at school as George & The Dragons, a group including David Bowie, then a student of Peter's art teacher/ dad, Owen Frampton. In fact, Peter and David would spend time together at lunch breaks, playing Buddy Holly songs. At the age of 11, Peter was playing with a band called The Trubeats, before playing with a band called The Preachers, produced and managed by Bill Wyman, of the Rolling Stones. By 16, Peter had been recruited to be the lead guitarist/singer in The Herd, scoring a handful of British teenybopper hits. Peter was named "The Face 0f 1968" by the UK press - he was well on his way.
By 1969, he had formed Humble Pie with ex-Small Faces singer/guitarist Steve Marriott. Peter was 19 years old. The original band stayed together for five albums.
PF - "The great thing for me about Humble Pie was that it was energy unlimited. We were all at that age where we were just going for it. lt was the perfect band for me to develop and define the Frampton style guitar. When everybody was listening to Blues Breakers and Cream for Eric Clapton, so was I. But at the same time I was listening to Kenny Burrell, George Benson, Wes Montgomery and Django Reinhardt. When it came to working my style out with Humble Pie, it was sort of a jazzy lyrical style that developed over a very rockin', blues based band. Just listen to 'Stone Cold Fever' from Humble Pie's 'Performance - Rockin' The Fillmore' album. We were on fire. We played with so many different people.....and I guess that playing Shea Stadium in the the summer of '70, with Grand Funk, was one of the biggest thrills because we were actually the first band to play Shea Stadium since the Beatles. So it was pretty historic for us. "
After five albums with Humble Pie, Frampton went solo in 1971, just in time to see 'Rockin' The Fillmore' chase up the US charts. But not regretting his decision to leave, the next five years were a period of writing, recording and touring, as well as guesting on many other artists records ( Nilsson, George Harrison to name two ). Signed to A&M, his first 3 albums were building the foundations of a solid fan base - 'Wind Of Change' in 1971, 'Frampton's Camel' in 1973 ( which featured Peter within a group project ) and 'Somethin's Happening' in 1974. Peter's live work did much to enhance his reputation and eventually the hard work paid off with the release in 1975 of 'Frampton', which gave the world a taste of what was yet to come. The album went to #32 in the US charts, and went gold.
PF - "My most prolific writing period was right before we recorded 'Frampton'. The whole album took only three weeks to write, and gave us 'Show Me The Way', which was written one day before lunch, and 'Baby I Love Your Way', which was written the same day after tea, as the sun was setting! 'Frampton' was the most satisfying album to date, as I felt I had a really good selection of songs."
All this culminated in the astonishing success of 'Frampton Comes Alive!', a live album recorded at San Francisco's famed Winterland, and released in 1976.
The concert was recorded, and the album went from a single album to a double when one of the record label's bosses, Jerry Moss ( the 'M' in 'A&M' Records ) said "Where's the rest?"! The extra tracks put on to make it a double included Peter's two biggest hits.
PF - "I remember it was one of the first nights we had ever headlined in San Francisco, or anywhere else for that matter. I wasn't worried about the (recording) truck being outside, I was worried that we had enough material to do an hour and a half act. It was a stretch at that point. We were used to doing 50 minutes. lt was a special night overall. Looking back, I like the vibe on 'Lines On My Face'. The feeling was magical for that song."
The resulting publicity and multi-million-dollar grossing tour made Peter Frampton an international superstar and launched three singles, 'Do You Feel Like We Do?', 'Baby I Love Your Way' and 'Show Me The Way' that exemplify the best of '70s rock, and remain radio play fixtures.
In 1976, Frampton was named Rolling Stone Magazine's 'Artist of the Year' and received innumerable industry plaudits for album and concert sales. The album was the biggest selling live album in rock music history, selling an estimated 10 million copies. By the end of 1976, Peter had reportedly earned an estimated gross of $70 million in concert fees and royalties. To date, the album has sold over 16 million copies.
The subsequent years were a challenge, both musically and personally. Although, he would have preferred a long break from the nonstop hubbub of '76, Peter nonetheless returned to the studio, and released 'I'm In You' in 1977, seeing the album and same-titled single reach platinum and #1 respectively. Guest musicians lined up to help out....Mick Jagger and Stevie Wonder included. A version of Stevie Wonder's 'Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I'm Yours' was a single success.
In 1978 Peter appeared in the movie version of The Beatles' 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band', alongside the Bee Gees. He played the role of Billy Shears......sadly the movie was not received well, although it did give Peter another Rolling Stones magazine cover appearance! The soundtrack WAS successful though....it reached #5 in the album charts and went platinum! Peter appears on the album, performing Beatles tunes alongside people like George Burns!
In 1978, Peter suffered a near fatal car crash in the Bahamas, which left him with a concussion, muscle damage and broken bones. But in 1979, he released the album 'Where I Should Be', which went gold and produced the hit 'I Can't Stand It No More'.
Frampton continued to release albums on a semi-annual basis throughout the 80's. There was 'Breaking All The Rules' in 1981, 'Art Of Control' in 1982 and then a four year break from releasing albums was ended by the release of 'Premonition' in 1986. Looking back on his music of this time Frampton said:
PF - "I think that basically I wasn't on track. People forgot about me, the guitarist, my image became that of a singer/personality. Up until 'Frampton Comes Alive!' and the success of that, I'd always written for my own enjoyment. I wasn't thinking about what anybody else would want to hear from me. lt was what came out naturally. The pressure that 'FRAMPTON COMES ALIVE!' brought to bear on me was that I started to second guess myself and think, 'I wonder what I should write?'. No artist can ever think about what anybody else wants. It's got to come from you. So for the first time in my life, I was starting to wonder what I should do instead of letting it happen. That was a mistake. The first sign that I was over that came with the song 'Lying', which is on the 2nd live record, 'Frampton Comes Alive II', released in 1995, and originally on the album 'Premonition', released in 1986. That one sort of wrote itself. I finally stopped thinking about it."
In 1987, Frampton's career enjoyed a tremendous surge when he was invited by David Bowie to play lead guitar on the latter's Glass Spider World Tour.
PF - "It was right after that period of writing 'Lying.' I went on the road to promote the 'Premonition' record. David Bowie called me on the road and asked me if I would play on the 'Never Let Me Down' record. He had heard the 'Premonition' record and said, "My God, your guitar playing is great. Would you come and do some of that for me?". I said, "Absolutely!". I went to Switzerland for the 'Never Let Me Down' sessions. Then he asked me if I would go on the road with him. There was no pressure on that tour. In fact, I shied away from doing my backing vocals. I didn't really want to sing at all. So for the better part of a year, I was able to play whatever I felt like playing. I was a hired gun and it really reminded me of being in Humble Pie again. lt was a pretty raucous, flat out, straight ahead rock band, with a lot of energy. I'll be the first one to admit that I got a huge kick out of standing out there and playing the opening riff to 'Rebel Rebel'. From that, I'd be playing numbers that Stevie Ray Vaughn had played on. I wasn't going to attempt to play them like him, because that's not my style. But it was an honor to be considered to be able to cover all of those musical bases".
Peter had competition for that lead-guitar spot from Carlos Alomar, Bowie's faithful six-stringer who solos on 'Fashion' and 'Scary Monsters'. Frampton isn't used to sharing the stage with any guitarist, lead or otherwise.
PF - "But I think we were incredibly compatible for two completely different styles."
It also helped that Richard Cottle, one of Bowie's keyboardists, played on Frampton's 'Premonition' and toured with him in 1986 and 1998; and bassist Carmine Rojas worked with Frampton on some unreleased songs from the 'Premonition' sessions.
As for David Bowie himself, Frampton admits....
PF - "We've never been this close before. But he's exactly the same as the fifteen-year-old that I knew back at Bromley Tech. I find us very similar in many ways. We come from the same town, we almost sound alike when we talk - talking to him on the phone is like talking to myself. He's just a very easy-going guy who knows what he wants."
After the tour was over, Peter moved to Los Angeles and started writing and recording at home. These songs became the the basis for the 'When All The Pieces Fit' album, released in 1989. ( The previous year, the Florida based band 'Will To Power' had a US #1 hit with a version of Peter's 'Baby I Love Your Way', couple with 'Freebird' as a medley - it also reached #9 in the UK charts ).
In late 1990, Peter contacted his old friend Steve Marriott and began a musical collaboration with him that seemed to have great potential. Sadly, the project was doomed, as Steve was tragically killed in a fire at his home in April 1991. By this time, Peter had cowritten 4 songs with Steve, and recorded 3 of them in LA, rehearsing a band to go out and play. This was the first time they had worked together since 1971, and Peter had even jammed with Steve at a small pub in London.
PF - "We were very close, and we were working together right up until the time he died. We we were not going to redo Humble Pie, but this was gonna be a Peter Frampton/Steve Marriott, Steve Marriott/Peter Frampton project. But the good thing is we did get to write and work and record together, and you can actually hear them on CDs I put out. There's three songs on three different CDs. But, here I was with a partner again, feeling that I was back on track and all of a sudden, he's gone. It was another reason I felt I had to go back on the road".
And he did, this time concentrating on small clubs and venues, in an effort to return to his roots and stay close to the audience. What was to be six weeks turned into seven months, ultimately growing from clubs - breaking the attendance record at New York's Ritz - to playing 15,000 seat amphitheaters in other cities.
PF - "It was phenomenal, especially since I didn't even have a new album to promote".
In 1994, Peter released a self-titled album on Relativity Records, and once again hit the road to support it. The classic guitar work, crisp and melodic, combined with his trademark pop sensibility with a rock song, were evident throughout. Then, in 1995, Peter decided to release another live album. For this album, FRAMPTON COMES ALIVE II, the band of Bob Mayo (also on Frampton Comes Alive!) on keyboard, guitar and vocals, John Regan on bass, and John Robinson (J.R.) on drums, rehearsed for three weeks for a road trip all geared to the last three nights of recording.
PF - "We recorded all three nights, but we filmed just the second one. We didn't talk about it, but we all mentally geared ourselves to this one night which had to be great. It happened to be. Also, FRAMPTON COMES ALIVE II HAD to be recorded in San Francisco! That town picked up on me before everybody else. That was the reason the first one was done there. There is a special feeling that an S.F. audience gives you. It's always going to be great in S.F. Of course, nothing is ever perfect. That's the excitement about it. Whether you've come 800 miles, or from your home, down to the local gig, whatever it is, the whole day is taken up with getting ready for this one two hour event."
In 1997, he played on Bill Wyman's CD, 'The Rhythm Kings: Struttin' Our Stuff'. Later that year, he and Wyman played together in Europe to promote the CD along with Gary Brooker, Albert Lee, Georgie Fame and Beverly Skeets. Plus there were many other projects - including concerts to benefit the aid work in Bosnia and other charity work, two tours with Ringo Starr's All-Starr Band in 1997 and 1998, an appearance on VH-1's Hard Rock Live series, his 1998 tour with Lynyrd Skynyrd, an appearance on the Simpsons as himself, a collaboration with eMedia Guitar Method to support and endorse their guitar tuition program, producing singer/songwriter Eric Stuart, and a performance with the British Rock Symphony in New York City!
PF - "To me now, success has a different meaning than before. I've been there, done that, and I'm very proud and grateful for the success, but basically the family always comes first now. Where before it was always "me, me, me, career, career, career", now as you get a little older, you have children, and I want to spend a little more time with them. So I'm not as driven as I was for success, success, success...to me I'm extremely successful right now. I've got a wonderful family and a great career. But that doesn't mean to say that I'm not gonna put out lots more albums and I plan on doing stuff..it started off as my hobby, music, playing guitar, and it always will be, no matter what...so I would just be doing things that I wanna do, as always, and if people pick up on it, that would be wonderful, if they don't, then I'm still enjoying myself."
The new millenium found Peter involved in a wide array of projects.
Peter worked with Gibson Guitar to create the Peter Frampton Signature Les Paul Guitar. Designed to his specifications, the guitar features antiqued binding, split-diamond headstock, mahogany back with maple top, gold hardware, chambered body for lighter weight, pearl block inlays, Peter's signature in the 12th fret inlay, and three pickups ('57 classic, '57 classic plus, and 500 T) specifically wired to Peter's specifications.
Peter so enjoyed his role in creating this guitar, that he decided to start his own company, Framptone, to create and build high-end handmade accessories for musicians. So far, the company has produced an isolated amplifier switcher and Peter's trademark 'talkbox'. Band members from Bon Jovi, Foo Fighters, Nine Inch Nails, Third Eye Blind and more, are using this equipment, as well as music veteran Joe Walsh.
In May 2000, Peter released his first live DVD, 'Live in Detroit', which was recorded at the Pine Knob Music Theatre in the summer of 1999. It is the first concert DVD to be released in High Definition TV format and 5.1 surround sound. As Peter loves technology and the latest advancements, this DVD format was a major enticement for him to do yet another live project. In addition, the performance was released on both VHS and CD. The project featured two new songs as well as several of his greatest hits. His performance of 'Off The Hook' from this project was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rock Instrumental Performance in 2001 (Peter's first Grammy nomination in nearly 25 years).
Once again, Peter toured across the nation during the summer and fall of 2000, and during this time he also appeared on 'Late Late Show With Craig Kilborn', 'Live With Regis & Kathie Lee', 'The View', 'Access Hollywood', and other national television programs. VH1 premiered 'Peter Frampton: Behind the Music' in August. During this time he and his family also moved from Nashville to Cincinnati in order to be closer to Tina's family.
In August 2000, Walt Disney Records released Tigger Mania, an album celebrating the loveable character from the Winnie-The-Pooh tales. Peter recorded two songs for the project -- a revised 'Show Me The Way' and an original Disney tune, 'Tigger Bop'.
Also in the Fall, Universal re-mastered and re-released four of Peter's solo albums from the 1970s on compact disc for the first time: 'Wind of Change', 'Frampton's Camel', 'Somethin's Happening', and 'I'm In You'. An additional '70s solo album, 'Frampton', was re-mastered and re-released as well although it had previously been re-released on CD. Not wanting to be left out, Sony/Legacy re-released 'Peter Frampton' in December.
Peter returned to the big-screen in the fall with the release of Cameron Crowe's semi-autobiographical movie 'Almost Famous'. The film, which starred Jason Lee, Billy Crudup, Kate Hudson, and Frances McDormand, received high praise both for the movie and for writer/director Crowe (who would eventually receive an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for this movie). Peter had a cameo role in the film as the road manager for Humble Pie, but his role as 'authenticity advisor' played an even more important part in the film. Peter helped Billy Crudup learn how to play guitar. He also gave both Billy and Jason Lee as much insight as he could about performing so they could really act like rock stars of that time. In fact, one of his favorite memories of the movie is that Billy Crudup had never picked up a guitar before, and now he plays everyday. Peter also was an amazing resource to the cast, helping them understand what it was like for rock bands to tour in the '70s, what the audiences were like, and more. He made sure that the equipment seen on stage was actual '70s gear; helped call camera shots during the concert sequences, helping the cameramen get the best shots- and, of course, wrote music for the film. [FYI, the movie is now available on home video and DVD and is highly recommended].
Moving into 2001, Universal Records released 'Frampton Comes Alive: The 25th Anniversary Special Edition'. The legendary album had been re-mixed, re-mastered, and re-sequenced, with four songs added. This was an arduous process, as the original tapes had begun to deteriorate, but well worth it. In order to transfer them to digital, they had to be baked in an oven for eight hours and then cooled for eight hours. If they needed to be played back more than once, the baking process had to be redone. The album still features the original liner notes from Cameron Crowe, but also an extensive new essay by John McDermott as well as additional photos from Peter’s private collection.
Soon after the album release, Peter performed in New York City for the first time in years, receiving rave reviews from Newsday and other publications. While in town, he also sat in with Paul Schaffer and the band on 'Late Night With David Letterman'. Peter and his wife Tina were the subject of a feature story in People Magazine.
Peter went to the Grammy Awards in February since his performance of 'Off The Hook' was nominated for Best Rock Instrumental Performance. Although he did not win (Metallica took home the honors), Peter had a great time at all the festivities. And he didn't come home completely empty-handed. The Gibson Guitar Awards surprised him with the 7th Annual Orville H. Gibson Lifetime Achievement Award during their regular ceremonies. They also awarded him the Best Guitar Performance of the Year Award for his performance of 'Off The Hook'.
One special event that took place in April 2001 was the Steve Marriott Memorial Concert in London. The sold-out concert marked the tenth anniversary of Steve's tragic death and featured a Humble Pie reunion with Peter, Clem Clemson, Greg Ridley, and Jerry Shirley. The show also featured Midge Ure, Paul Weller, former Small Faces drummer Kenney Jones and keyboard player Ian McIagan, and others. Peter had a great time catching up with old friends and playing with these talented musicians.
A&E premiered 'Biography: Peter Frampton' in May. The informative and in-depth spotlight on his life and career also featured interviews with his parents and brother, wife Tina, band members, and his pals David Bowie, Bill Wyman, and Alice Cooper.
Universal Records released 'Anthology/The History of Peter Frampton' in July. This 16-track CD traces his musical career, starting with “From The Underworld” by The Herd, through 5 songs with Humble Pie (including “Natural Born Woman/Natural Born Boogie” and a live version of “I Don’t Need No Doctor”), and ending with 10 solo tracks (which include “Do You Feel Like We Do,” “Baby I Love Your Way,” “Show Me The Way,” “Lines on My Face,” and more).
Peter co-headlined a summer tour with Journey in 2001 (with John Waite as the opening act). Peter received rave reviews on the tour - "His voice in near perfect form, Frampton's guitar playing was even better," wrote Michael Lisi in the Schnectady Daily Gazette. "A superb set by a superb performer." The Hollywood Reporter's John Lappen wrote, "Frampton's sound is a timeless one - his breezy, self-effacing stage manner was refreshing and involving. His 75-minute set was jolly good fun!"
While on tour, Peter teamed up with Musicians On Call, a non-profit organization which uses music to promote and compliment the healing process in healthcare facilities through in-hospital musical performances, weekly music lessons, and a CD library donation program. Peter gave the organization a pair of tickets and backstage passes to nearly every show on tour to auction off to the highest bidder. These auctions raised thousands of dollars for this worthwhile cause. If you'd like more information on Musicians On Call, please log on to www.musiciansoncall.org.
During the St. Louis stop of the tour, Peter made a rare in-store appearance at the Guitar Exchange in support of the Peter Frampton Signature Les Paul Guitar made by Gibson Guitar. And in Detroit, he appeared on "The Mitch Albom Show" which is broadcast live on MSNBC-TV as well as hundreds of radio stations across the country.
In August, Peter once again appeared in animated form, this time on FOX-TV's hit series "Family Guy," where he serenaded the characters Peter and Lois Griffin with a performance of "Baby, I Love Your Way" as they celebrated their wedding anniversary. Peter returned to television in September when he appeared on ABC-TV's "Drew Carey's Back To School Rock'N'Roll Comedy Hour." Peter and his band performed "You Had To Be There" before he revealed a romantic past with the "Drew Carey Show" character of Mimi. Other guest performers on the show included Sugar Ray, Smashmouth, Uncle Kracker, She-DAISY, Jenny McCarthy, and Amanda Bynes.
Alternative Press Magazine interviewed Peter for their monthly "Free Association" column, which appeared in the September 01, 2002 issue. And Home Recording Magazine's interview with Peter about his new home studio appeared in their December issue. Peter joined Styx, REO Speedwagon, Kansas, Journey, Survivor, John Waite, Bad Company, Eddie Money, Edgar Winter, and other classic rockers (as well as host Drew Carey) at the Volunteers For America concert at the Smirnoff Music Center in Dallas, Texas on October 21st. The concert raised funds for the American Red Cross, firefighters, police, rescue workers, and the families of the victims of the September 11th tragedies.
For some time after moving to Cincinnati, Peter had wanted to organize a concert spotlighting the city's vast musical heritage. After the tragedy of September 11th, Peter decided to raise money for the Clear Channel Relief Fund by organizing the "Cincinnati USA For Relief" benefit concert. The show, which was held at Cincinnati's historic Taft Theater on December 9th, featured performances by Peter and other musicians with Cincinnati ties including Blessid Union of Souls, ONE, 98 Degrees' Justin Jeffre, the Reggie Calloway Band, Pay The Girl, and Greg Schaber & High Street (featuring Blues performers Sweet Alice Hoskins, Big Joe Duskin, and Little Al Thomas). Peter and his band ended the show with a stunning performance of "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" as a tribute for his late friend, George Harrison.
At the invitation of good friend Alice Cooper, Peter went to Phoenix, Arizona to perform at "Alice Cooper's Christmas Pudding: A Night of Comedy & Music." Net proceeds from the event benefited the Solid Rock Foundation, a Christian organization that is helping to meet the spiritual, economical, physical, and social needs of teenagers & children within the Arizona community, with goals to ultimately help kids throughout the entire country. Other performers on the bill included Nils Lofgren, Sam Moore, actor John O'Hurley ("Seinfeld's" J. Peterman), and many more.
Peter spent the Christmas holidays enjoying time with his family. Once the New Year began, he started writing songs for a new album which is planned for release in early 2003 from Pioneer Entertainment. Check the news section of the website frequently for updates and more information.
The Little Ravens (1960)
The Trubeats (1961)
The Preachers ( ? - ? )
The Herd (1968 - 1969)
Humble Pie (1969 - 1971)
Frampton's Camel (1973 - 1974)
Peter Frampton - guitar/vocals
Mike Gallagher -
Rick Wills - bass
Mike Kellie - drums - b. March 24, 1947, Birmingham, England - formerly with The VIPs, Art, and Spooky Tooth.
Album:
"Frampton's Camel" (1973)
Rick Wills later joins Roxy Music, The Small Faces, Foreigner, and Bad Company.
Solo albums:
"Wind of Change" (1972)
"Something's Happening" (1974)
"Frampton" (1975)
"Frampton Comes Alive!" (1976) - Singles: "Show Me the Way", "Baby, I Love Your Way", "Do You Feel Like We Do?"
"I'm In You" (1977) - Single: "I'm In You"
"Where I Should Be" (1979) - Single: "I Can't Stand It No More"
"Breaking All the Rules" (1981)
"The Art of Control" (1982)
"Premonition" (1986)
"When All the Pieces Fit" (1989)
"Peter Frampton" (1994)
Compilations:
"Shine On: A Collection" (2-CDs) (1992)
"Greatest Hits" (1996)
"The Very Best of Peter Frampton" (1998)
]
Breaking Clay Makes My Day!
http://www.frampton.com/
Peter Frampton has been revelling in that "two hour event" since he became a professional musician at age 16. Born April 22, 1950, in Beckenham, England, Peter first became interested in music as a seven-year old, when he discovered his grandmother's banjolele (a banjo-shaped ukulele) in the attic. Teaching himself to play, he became near obsessed, and, upon receiving a guitar from his parents, mastered that as well.
By the age of 10, Frampton was playing in a band called The Little Ravens and played on the same bill at school as George & The Dragons, a group including David Bowie, then a student of Peter's art teacher/ dad, Owen Frampton. In fact, Peter and David would spend time together at lunch breaks, playing Buddy Holly songs. At the age of 11, Peter was playing with a band called The Trubeats, before playing with a band called The Preachers, produced and managed by Bill Wyman, of the Rolling Stones. By 16, Peter had been recruited to be the lead guitarist/singer in The Herd, scoring a handful of British teenybopper hits. Peter was named "The Face 0f 1968" by the UK press - he was well on his way.
By 1969, he had formed Humble Pie with ex-Small Faces singer/guitarist Steve Marriott. Peter was 19 years old. The original band stayed together for five albums.
PF - "The great thing for me about Humble Pie was that it was energy unlimited. We were all at that age where we were just going for it. lt was the perfect band for me to develop and define the Frampton style guitar. When everybody was listening to Blues Breakers and Cream for Eric Clapton, so was I. But at the same time I was listening to Kenny Burrell, George Benson, Wes Montgomery and Django Reinhardt. When it came to working my style out with Humble Pie, it was sort of a jazzy lyrical style that developed over a very rockin', blues based band. Just listen to 'Stone Cold Fever' from Humble Pie's 'Performance - Rockin' The Fillmore' album. We were on fire. We played with so many different people.....and I guess that playing Shea Stadium in the the summer of '70, with Grand Funk, was one of the biggest thrills because we were actually the first band to play Shea Stadium since the Beatles. So it was pretty historic for us. "
After five albums with Humble Pie, Frampton went solo in 1971, just in time to see 'Rockin' The Fillmore' chase up the US charts. But not regretting his decision to leave, the next five years were a period of writing, recording and touring, as well as guesting on many other artists records ( Nilsson, George Harrison to name two ). Signed to A&M, his first 3 albums were building the foundations of a solid fan base - 'Wind Of Change' in 1971, 'Frampton's Camel' in 1973 ( which featured Peter within a group project ) and 'Somethin's Happening' in 1974. Peter's live work did much to enhance his reputation and eventually the hard work paid off with the release in 1975 of 'Frampton', which gave the world a taste of what was yet to come. The album went to #32 in the US charts, and went gold.
PF - "My most prolific writing period was right before we recorded 'Frampton'. The whole album took only three weeks to write, and gave us 'Show Me The Way', which was written one day before lunch, and 'Baby I Love Your Way', which was written the same day after tea, as the sun was setting! 'Frampton' was the most satisfying album to date, as I felt I had a really good selection of songs."
All this culminated in the astonishing success of 'Frampton Comes Alive!', a live album recorded at San Francisco's famed Winterland, and released in 1976.
The concert was recorded, and the album went from a single album to a double when one of the record label's bosses, Jerry Moss ( the 'M' in 'A&M' Records ) said "Where's the rest?"! The extra tracks put on to make it a double included Peter's two biggest hits.
PF - "I remember it was one of the first nights we had ever headlined in San Francisco, or anywhere else for that matter. I wasn't worried about the (recording) truck being outside, I was worried that we had enough material to do an hour and a half act. It was a stretch at that point. We were used to doing 50 minutes. lt was a special night overall. Looking back, I like the vibe on 'Lines On My Face'. The feeling was magical for that song."
The resulting publicity and multi-million-dollar grossing tour made Peter Frampton an international superstar and launched three singles, 'Do You Feel Like We Do?', 'Baby I Love Your Way' and 'Show Me The Way' that exemplify the best of '70s rock, and remain radio play fixtures.
In 1976, Frampton was named Rolling Stone Magazine's 'Artist of the Year' and received innumerable industry plaudits for album and concert sales. The album was the biggest selling live album in rock music history, selling an estimated 10 million copies. By the end of 1976, Peter had reportedly earned an estimated gross of $70 million in concert fees and royalties. To date, the album has sold over 16 million copies.
The subsequent years were a challenge, both musically and personally. Although, he would have preferred a long break from the nonstop hubbub of '76, Peter nonetheless returned to the studio, and released 'I'm In You' in 1977, seeing the album and same-titled single reach platinum and #1 respectively. Guest musicians lined up to help out....Mick Jagger and Stevie Wonder included. A version of Stevie Wonder's 'Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I'm Yours' was a single success.
In 1978 Peter appeared in the movie version of The Beatles' 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band', alongside the Bee Gees. He played the role of Billy Shears......sadly the movie was not received well, although it did give Peter another Rolling Stones magazine cover appearance! The soundtrack WAS successful though....it reached #5 in the album charts and went platinum! Peter appears on the album, performing Beatles tunes alongside people like George Burns!
In 1978, Peter suffered a near fatal car crash in the Bahamas, which left him with a concussion, muscle damage and broken bones. But in 1979, he released the album 'Where I Should Be', which went gold and produced the hit 'I Can't Stand It No More'.
Frampton continued to release albums on a semi-annual basis throughout the 80's. There was 'Breaking All The Rules' in 1981, 'Art Of Control' in 1982 and then a four year break from releasing albums was ended by the release of 'Premonition' in 1986. Looking back on his music of this time Frampton said:
PF - "I think that basically I wasn't on track. People forgot about me, the guitarist, my image became that of a singer/personality. Up until 'Frampton Comes Alive!' and the success of that, I'd always written for my own enjoyment. I wasn't thinking about what anybody else would want to hear from me. lt was what came out naturally. The pressure that 'FRAMPTON COMES ALIVE!' brought to bear on me was that I started to second guess myself and think, 'I wonder what I should write?'. No artist can ever think about what anybody else wants. It's got to come from you. So for the first time in my life, I was starting to wonder what I should do instead of letting it happen. That was a mistake. The first sign that I was over that came with the song 'Lying', which is on the 2nd live record, 'Frampton Comes Alive II', released in 1995, and originally on the album 'Premonition', released in 1986. That one sort of wrote itself. I finally stopped thinking about it."
In 1987, Frampton's career enjoyed a tremendous surge when he was invited by David Bowie to play lead guitar on the latter's Glass Spider World Tour.
PF - "It was right after that period of writing 'Lying.' I went on the road to promote the 'Premonition' record. David Bowie called me on the road and asked me if I would play on the 'Never Let Me Down' record. He had heard the 'Premonition' record and said, "My God, your guitar playing is great. Would you come and do some of that for me?". I said, "Absolutely!". I went to Switzerland for the 'Never Let Me Down' sessions. Then he asked me if I would go on the road with him. There was no pressure on that tour. In fact, I shied away from doing my backing vocals. I didn't really want to sing at all. So for the better part of a year, I was able to play whatever I felt like playing. I was a hired gun and it really reminded me of being in Humble Pie again. lt was a pretty raucous, flat out, straight ahead rock band, with a lot of energy. I'll be the first one to admit that I got a huge kick out of standing out there and playing the opening riff to 'Rebel Rebel'. From that, I'd be playing numbers that Stevie Ray Vaughn had played on. I wasn't going to attempt to play them like him, because that's not my style. But it was an honor to be considered to be able to cover all of those musical bases".
Peter had competition for that lead-guitar spot from Carlos Alomar, Bowie's faithful six-stringer who solos on 'Fashion' and 'Scary Monsters'. Frampton isn't used to sharing the stage with any guitarist, lead or otherwise.
PF - "But I think we were incredibly compatible for two completely different styles."
It also helped that Richard Cottle, one of Bowie's keyboardists, played on Frampton's 'Premonition' and toured with him in 1986 and 1998; and bassist Carmine Rojas worked with Frampton on some unreleased songs from the 'Premonition' sessions.
As for David Bowie himself, Frampton admits....
PF - "We've never been this close before. But he's exactly the same as the fifteen-year-old that I knew back at Bromley Tech. I find us very similar in many ways. We come from the same town, we almost sound alike when we talk - talking to him on the phone is like talking to myself. He's just a very easy-going guy who knows what he wants."
After the tour was over, Peter moved to Los Angeles and started writing and recording at home. These songs became the the basis for the 'When All The Pieces Fit' album, released in 1989. ( The previous year, the Florida based band 'Will To Power' had a US #1 hit with a version of Peter's 'Baby I Love Your Way', couple with 'Freebird' as a medley - it also reached #9 in the UK charts ).
In late 1990, Peter contacted his old friend Steve Marriott and began a musical collaboration with him that seemed to have great potential. Sadly, the project was doomed, as Steve was tragically killed in a fire at his home in April 1991. By this time, Peter had cowritten 4 songs with Steve, and recorded 3 of them in LA, rehearsing a band to go out and play. This was the first time they had worked together since 1971, and Peter had even jammed with Steve at a small pub in London.
PF - "We were very close, and we were working together right up until the time he died. We we were not going to redo Humble Pie, but this was gonna be a Peter Frampton/Steve Marriott, Steve Marriott/Peter Frampton project. But the good thing is we did get to write and work and record together, and you can actually hear them on CDs I put out. There's three songs on three different CDs. But, here I was with a partner again, feeling that I was back on track and all of a sudden, he's gone. It was another reason I felt I had to go back on the road".
And he did, this time concentrating on small clubs and venues, in an effort to return to his roots and stay close to the audience. What was to be six weeks turned into seven months, ultimately growing from clubs - breaking the attendance record at New York's Ritz - to playing 15,000 seat amphitheaters in other cities.
PF - "It was phenomenal, especially since I didn't even have a new album to promote".
In 1994, Peter released a self-titled album on Relativity Records, and once again hit the road to support it. The classic guitar work, crisp and melodic, combined with his trademark pop sensibility with a rock song, were evident throughout. Then, in 1995, Peter decided to release another live album. For this album, FRAMPTON COMES ALIVE II, the band of Bob Mayo (also on Frampton Comes Alive!) on keyboard, guitar and vocals, John Regan on bass, and John Robinson (J.R.) on drums, rehearsed for three weeks for a road trip all geared to the last three nights of recording.
PF - "We recorded all three nights, but we filmed just the second one. We didn't talk about it, but we all mentally geared ourselves to this one night which had to be great. It happened to be. Also, FRAMPTON COMES ALIVE II HAD to be recorded in San Francisco! That town picked up on me before everybody else. That was the reason the first one was done there. There is a special feeling that an S.F. audience gives you. It's always going to be great in S.F. Of course, nothing is ever perfect. That's the excitement about it. Whether you've come 800 miles, or from your home, down to the local gig, whatever it is, the whole day is taken up with getting ready for this one two hour event."
In 1997, he played on Bill Wyman's CD, 'The Rhythm Kings: Struttin' Our Stuff'. Later that year, he and Wyman played together in Europe to promote the CD along with Gary Brooker, Albert Lee, Georgie Fame and Beverly Skeets. Plus there were many other projects - including concerts to benefit the aid work in Bosnia and other charity work, two tours with Ringo Starr's All-Starr Band in 1997 and 1998, an appearance on VH-1's Hard Rock Live series, his 1998 tour with Lynyrd Skynyrd, an appearance on the Simpsons as himself, a collaboration with eMedia Guitar Method to support and endorse their guitar tuition program, producing singer/songwriter Eric Stuart, and a performance with the British Rock Symphony in New York City!
PF - "To me now, success has a different meaning than before. I've been there, done that, and I'm very proud and grateful for the success, but basically the family always comes first now. Where before it was always "me, me, me, career, career, career", now as you get a little older, you have children, and I want to spend a little more time with them. So I'm not as driven as I was for success, success, success...to me I'm extremely successful right now. I've got a wonderful family and a great career. But that doesn't mean to say that I'm not gonna put out lots more albums and I plan on doing stuff..it started off as my hobby, music, playing guitar, and it always will be, no matter what...so I would just be doing things that I wanna do, as always, and if people pick up on it, that would be wonderful, if they don't, then I'm still enjoying myself."
The new millenium found Peter involved in a wide array of projects.
Peter worked with Gibson Guitar to create the Peter Frampton Signature Les Paul Guitar. Designed to his specifications, the guitar features antiqued binding, split-diamond headstock, mahogany back with maple top, gold hardware, chambered body for lighter weight, pearl block inlays, Peter's signature in the 12th fret inlay, and three pickups ('57 classic, '57 classic plus, and 500 T) specifically wired to Peter's specifications.
Peter so enjoyed his role in creating this guitar, that he decided to start his own company, Framptone, to create and build high-end handmade accessories for musicians. So far, the company has produced an isolated amplifier switcher and Peter's trademark 'talkbox'. Band members from Bon Jovi, Foo Fighters, Nine Inch Nails, Third Eye Blind and more, are using this equipment, as well as music veteran Joe Walsh.
In May 2000, Peter released his first live DVD, 'Live in Detroit', which was recorded at the Pine Knob Music Theatre in the summer of 1999. It is the first concert DVD to be released in High Definition TV format and 5.1 surround sound. As Peter loves technology and the latest advancements, this DVD format was a major enticement for him to do yet another live project. In addition, the performance was released on both VHS and CD. The project featured two new songs as well as several of his greatest hits. His performance of 'Off The Hook' from this project was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rock Instrumental Performance in 2001 (Peter's first Grammy nomination in nearly 25 years).
Once again, Peter toured across the nation during the summer and fall of 2000, and during this time he also appeared on 'Late Late Show With Craig Kilborn', 'Live With Regis & Kathie Lee', 'The View', 'Access Hollywood', and other national television programs. VH1 premiered 'Peter Frampton: Behind the Music' in August. During this time he and his family also moved from Nashville to Cincinnati in order to be closer to Tina's family.
In August 2000, Walt Disney Records released Tigger Mania, an album celebrating the loveable character from the Winnie-The-Pooh tales. Peter recorded two songs for the project -- a revised 'Show Me The Way' and an original Disney tune, 'Tigger Bop'.
Also in the Fall, Universal re-mastered and re-released four of Peter's solo albums from the 1970s on compact disc for the first time: 'Wind of Change', 'Frampton's Camel', 'Somethin's Happening', and 'I'm In You'. An additional '70s solo album, 'Frampton', was re-mastered and re-released as well although it had previously been re-released on CD. Not wanting to be left out, Sony/Legacy re-released 'Peter Frampton' in December.
Peter returned to the big-screen in the fall with the release of Cameron Crowe's semi-autobiographical movie 'Almost Famous'. The film, which starred Jason Lee, Billy Crudup, Kate Hudson, and Frances McDormand, received high praise both for the movie and for writer/director Crowe (who would eventually receive an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for this movie). Peter had a cameo role in the film as the road manager for Humble Pie, but his role as 'authenticity advisor' played an even more important part in the film. Peter helped Billy Crudup learn how to play guitar. He also gave both Billy and Jason Lee as much insight as he could about performing so they could really act like rock stars of that time. In fact, one of his favorite memories of the movie is that Billy Crudup had never picked up a guitar before, and now he plays everyday. Peter also was an amazing resource to the cast, helping them understand what it was like for rock bands to tour in the '70s, what the audiences were like, and more. He made sure that the equipment seen on stage was actual '70s gear; helped call camera shots during the concert sequences, helping the cameramen get the best shots- and, of course, wrote music for the film. [FYI, the movie is now available on home video and DVD and is highly recommended].
Moving into 2001, Universal Records released 'Frampton Comes Alive: The 25th Anniversary Special Edition'. The legendary album had been re-mixed, re-mastered, and re-sequenced, with four songs added. This was an arduous process, as the original tapes had begun to deteriorate, but well worth it. In order to transfer them to digital, they had to be baked in an oven for eight hours and then cooled for eight hours. If they needed to be played back more than once, the baking process had to be redone. The album still features the original liner notes from Cameron Crowe, but also an extensive new essay by John McDermott as well as additional photos from Peter’s private collection.
Soon after the album release, Peter performed in New York City for the first time in years, receiving rave reviews from Newsday and other publications. While in town, he also sat in with Paul Schaffer and the band on 'Late Night With David Letterman'. Peter and his wife Tina were the subject of a feature story in People Magazine.
Peter went to the Grammy Awards in February since his performance of 'Off The Hook' was nominated for Best Rock Instrumental Performance. Although he did not win (Metallica took home the honors), Peter had a great time at all the festivities. And he didn't come home completely empty-handed. The Gibson Guitar Awards surprised him with the 7th Annual Orville H. Gibson Lifetime Achievement Award during their regular ceremonies. They also awarded him the Best Guitar Performance of the Year Award for his performance of 'Off The Hook'.
One special event that took place in April 2001 was the Steve Marriott Memorial Concert in London. The sold-out concert marked the tenth anniversary of Steve's tragic death and featured a Humble Pie reunion with Peter, Clem Clemson, Greg Ridley, and Jerry Shirley. The show also featured Midge Ure, Paul Weller, former Small Faces drummer Kenney Jones and keyboard player Ian McIagan, and others. Peter had a great time catching up with old friends and playing with these talented musicians.
A&E premiered 'Biography: Peter Frampton' in May. The informative and in-depth spotlight on his life and career also featured interviews with his parents and brother, wife Tina, band members, and his pals David Bowie, Bill Wyman, and Alice Cooper.
Universal Records released 'Anthology/The History of Peter Frampton' in July. This 16-track CD traces his musical career, starting with “From The Underworld” by The Herd, through 5 songs with Humble Pie (including “Natural Born Woman/Natural Born Boogie” and a live version of “I Don’t Need No Doctor”), and ending with 10 solo tracks (which include “Do You Feel Like We Do,” “Baby I Love Your Way,” “Show Me The Way,” “Lines on My Face,” and more).
Peter co-headlined a summer tour with Journey in 2001 (with John Waite as the opening act). Peter received rave reviews on the tour - "His voice in near perfect form, Frampton's guitar playing was even better," wrote Michael Lisi in the Schnectady Daily Gazette. "A superb set by a superb performer." The Hollywood Reporter's John Lappen wrote, "Frampton's sound is a timeless one - his breezy, self-effacing stage manner was refreshing and involving. His 75-minute set was jolly good fun!"
While on tour, Peter teamed up with Musicians On Call, a non-profit organization which uses music to promote and compliment the healing process in healthcare facilities through in-hospital musical performances, weekly music lessons, and a CD library donation program. Peter gave the organization a pair of tickets and backstage passes to nearly every show on tour to auction off to the highest bidder. These auctions raised thousands of dollars for this worthwhile cause. If you'd like more information on Musicians On Call, please log on to www.musiciansoncall.org.
During the St. Louis stop of the tour, Peter made a rare in-store appearance at the Guitar Exchange in support of the Peter Frampton Signature Les Paul Guitar made by Gibson Guitar. And in Detroit, he appeared on "The Mitch Albom Show" which is broadcast live on MSNBC-TV as well as hundreds of radio stations across the country.
In August, Peter once again appeared in animated form, this time on FOX-TV's hit series "Family Guy," where he serenaded the characters Peter and Lois Griffin with a performance of "Baby, I Love Your Way" as they celebrated their wedding anniversary. Peter returned to television in September when he appeared on ABC-TV's "Drew Carey's Back To School Rock'N'Roll Comedy Hour." Peter and his band performed "You Had To Be There" before he revealed a romantic past with the "Drew Carey Show" character of Mimi. Other guest performers on the show included Sugar Ray, Smashmouth, Uncle Kracker, She-DAISY, Jenny McCarthy, and Amanda Bynes.
Alternative Press Magazine interviewed Peter for their monthly "Free Association" column, which appeared in the September 01, 2002 issue. And Home Recording Magazine's interview with Peter about his new home studio appeared in their December issue. Peter joined Styx, REO Speedwagon, Kansas, Journey, Survivor, John Waite, Bad Company, Eddie Money, Edgar Winter, and other classic rockers (as well as host Drew Carey) at the Volunteers For America concert at the Smirnoff Music Center in Dallas, Texas on October 21st. The concert raised funds for the American Red Cross, firefighters, police, rescue workers, and the families of the victims of the September 11th tragedies.
For some time after moving to Cincinnati, Peter had wanted to organize a concert spotlighting the city's vast musical heritage. After the tragedy of September 11th, Peter decided to raise money for the Clear Channel Relief Fund by organizing the "Cincinnati USA For Relief" benefit concert. The show, which was held at Cincinnati's historic Taft Theater on December 9th, featured performances by Peter and other musicians with Cincinnati ties including Blessid Union of Souls, ONE, 98 Degrees' Justin Jeffre, the Reggie Calloway Band, Pay The Girl, and Greg Schaber & High Street (featuring Blues performers Sweet Alice Hoskins, Big Joe Duskin, and Little Al Thomas). Peter and his band ended the show with a stunning performance of "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" as a tribute for his late friend, George Harrison.
At the invitation of good friend Alice Cooper, Peter went to Phoenix, Arizona to perform at "Alice Cooper's Christmas Pudding: A Night of Comedy & Music." Net proceeds from the event benefited the Solid Rock Foundation, a Christian organization that is helping to meet the spiritual, economical, physical, and social needs of teenagers & children within the Arizona community, with goals to ultimately help kids throughout the entire country. Other performers on the bill included Nils Lofgren, Sam Moore, actor John O'Hurley ("Seinfeld's" J. Peterman), and many more.
Peter spent the Christmas holidays enjoying time with his family. Once the New Year began, he started writing songs for a new album which is planned for release in early 2003 from Pioneer Entertainment. Check the news section of the website frequently for updates and more information.
The Little Ravens (1960)
The Trubeats (1961)
The Preachers ( ? - ? )
The Herd (1968 - 1969)
Humble Pie (1969 - 1971)
Frampton's Camel (1973 - 1974)
Peter Frampton - guitar/vocals
Mike Gallagher -
Rick Wills - bass
Mike Kellie - drums - b. March 24, 1947, Birmingham, England - formerly with The VIPs, Art, and Spooky Tooth.
Album:
"Frampton's Camel" (1973)
Rick Wills later joins Roxy Music, The Small Faces, Foreigner, and Bad Company.
Solo albums:
"Wind of Change" (1972)
"Something's Happening" (1974)
"Frampton" (1975)
"Frampton Comes Alive!" (1976) - Singles: "Show Me the Way", "Baby, I Love Your Way", "Do You Feel Like We Do?"
"I'm In You" (1977) - Single: "I'm In You"
"Where I Should Be" (1979) - Single: "I Can't Stand It No More"
"Breaking All the Rules" (1981)
"The Art of Control" (1982)
"Premonition" (1986)
"When All the Pieces Fit" (1989)
"Peter Frampton" (1994)
Compilations:
"Shine On: A Collection" (2-CDs) (1992)
"Greatest Hits" (1996)
"The Very Best of Peter Frampton" (1998)
] Breaking Clay Makes My Day!
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