I would say that Peter Frampton was my gateway into rock music. I couldn’t really help it, being an impressionable teen when “Frampton Comes Alive” took over the world. I was swept up, as were millions of others, by this fair-haired British guitarist with the sweet voice and majestic guitar licks. Take that young impressionable mind to its first concert and make that concert one of the legendary “Day on the Green”s that Bill Graham put on, then make the headliner be Peter Frampton and the result is an obsessed little music fan FOR LIFE!
Ebb and Flow
Frampton was just perfect back in 1976 when that live album launched him into the stratosphere. Unfortunately, his popularity had nowhere to go but down. Fast forward to 2003 and Frampton was struggling a little. He had a new album out called “Now”. It was his first record in 9 years. His 12th studio album release. He brought his tour to San Francisco and played the 1000 seat Fillmore. The Fillmore can house everyone from the unknowns to the superstars. It’s size does not deter some big stars from making a stop there for sentimental purposes. However, I have a feeling that Frampton played there because he couldn’t fill other, bigger theaters. I was just happy that he was making the trek back to the city that kickstarted it all for him.
Unwavering Support
Nothing before this night nor after ever swayed my devotion to Frampton. His popularity may have risen and fallen a dozen times in his career but to me, he was always THE one! So I was excited, to say the least, to see him up close at the Fillmore. I will say that Frampton’s very next album, 2006’s “Fingerprints“, did give him a huge boost! So on this October night in 2003, we may have been witnessing the end of the “Great Frampton Funk”. Fingerprints won a Grammy in 2007 for Best Pop Instrumental Album!
Looking back, I cannot pull a specific musical memory of Frampton from that night other than my personal excitement about being there. I remember I stood stage-right about halfway back. I am sure the set list featured songs off of his latest release, “Now” and of course some choice cuts from his Comes Alive magic. The obligatory “Do You Feel Like We Do” opus with a close up view of the famous “talk box” apparatus was definitely enjoyed
The Poster
The poster for this evening was a sort of ‘generic’ one. The image is a cool one of a solo guitarist alone on the Fillmore stage being dwarfed by HUGE speakers overhead. One of the famous Fillmore chandeliers is visible. The poster artist was veteran Chris Peterson. As I stand here looking at this poster hanging in my room, I am struck by (maybe) the MOST important thing on the poster. The name of the opening act. As you can see, the opener for Peter Frampton on this tour was none other than JOE BONAMASSA!
Baby Bonamassa
At this moment in time, Bonamassa had just released the album “Blues Deluxe”. A collection of lesser known blues songs that was never supposed to be released. Bonamassa recorded the album to allegedly “burn off some steam”. Apparently, it was so good that they decided to release it. This album, Bonamassa’s third, was his first blues release. It ended up defining his career as a modern expert on the blues. I remember enjoying Bonamassa as the opening act that night. Which is saying a lot! Opening acts, in general, are annoying and quickly forgotten. They are more tolerated than enjoyed. But I remember saying that Bonamassa was good.
Fast forward 16 years to 2019 and I unexpectedly get a last minute invite to a Joe Bonamassa concert. I am blown away by him and his band! I did NOT remember seeing him before. Soon after this show, I happened to look at this Fillmore poster and noticed Joe’s name as Frampton’s opener. Imagine my surprise realizing that I had already experienced the great Joe Bonamassa many years prior. I am a big fan of Joe’s AND the Blues today!
Full Circle Peter
This was not the last time I saw Peter Frampton in concert. I have continued, over the years, to be a big fan and supporter! The full-circle moment for me came in 2011 on the occasion of “Frampton Comes Alive!” 35th Anniversary. This was when Peter toured the country and played that famous live album, cover to cover. Imagine seeing what you imagined for years and years come to life! It was surreal! Check out my pictures HERE.
One more chapter
At the time of this writing, Frampton is being nominated for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Much, much overdue! I sure hope he gets voted in and I have cast my ballot already! Unfortunately, Frampton is suffering from a rare degenerative disease. Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM) is atrophying his muscles and will eventually prohibit him from playing the guitar. He has stepped up his album production since his diagnosis and, shockingly, is on tour at this moment. His disease has progressed and the normally spry Frampton remains seated the whole show. That’s tough to see but the man has not lost ANY of his skills. God Bless Peter Frampton! Good Luck on the HOF!
