Peter Kenneth Frampton is an
EnglishEngland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
musicianA musician is an artist who plays a musical instrument. It may or may not be the person's profession. Musicians can be classified by their roles in performing music and writing music.Also....* A person who makes music a profession....
, singer,
producerA record producer is an individual working within the music industry, whose job is to oversee and manage the recording of an artist's music...
,
guitaristA guitarist is a musician who plays the guitar. Guitarists may play a variety of instruments such as classical guitars, acoustic guitars, electric guitars, and bass guitars. Some guitarists accompany themselves on the guitar while singing.- Versatility :The guitarist controls an extremely...
and
multi-instrumentalistA multi-instrumentalist is a musician who plays a number of different instruments.The Bachelor of Music degree usually requires a second instrument to be learned , but people who double on another instrument are not usually seen as multi-instrumentalists.-Classical music:Music written for Symphony...
. He was previously associated with the bands
Humble PieHumble Pie was a rock band from England, finding success both in the UK and the US. They are remembered for songs such as "Black Coffee" "30 Days in the Hole", "I Don't Need No Doctor", and "Natural Born Bugie"...
and
The HerdThe Herd were an English psychedelic rock group, founded in 1965, that came to prominence in the late 1960s. They launched the career of Peter Frampton and scored three UK top twenty hits.-Biography:...
. Frampton's international breakthrough album was his live release,
Frampton Comes Alive!Frampton Comes Alive! is a double live album by English rock musician Peter Frampton released in 1976, and one of the best-selling live albums in the United States. Following four solo albums with little commercial success, Frampton Comes Alive! was a breakthrough for the artist.Released on January...
. The album sold over 6 million copies in the United States alone and spawned several hits. Since then he has released several major albums. He has
also worked with
David BowieDavid Bowie is an English musician, actor, record producer and arranger. A major figure for over four decades in the world of popular music, Bowie is widely regarded as an innovator, particularly for his work in the 1970s...
and both
Matt CameronMatthew David "Matt" Cameron is an American musician who serves as the drummer for the American rock bands Pearl Jam and Soundgarden...
and
Mike McCreadyMichael David McCready is an American musician who serves as the lead guitarist for the American rock band Pearl Jam. Along with Jeff Ament, Stone Gossard, Dave Krusen, and Eddie Vedder, he is one of the founding members of Pearl Jam...
from
Pearl JamPearl Jam is an American rock band that formed in Seattle, Washington, in 1990. Since its inception, the band's line-up has included Eddie Vedder , Jeff Ament , Stone Gossard , and Mike McCready...
, among others. Frampton is best known for such hits as "
Show Me the Way"Show Me the Way" is a song written by Peter Frampton, which was originally released on his 1975 album Frampton and as a single, but gained its highest popularity as a song from his 1976 live album Frampton Comes Alive!...
", "
Baby, I Love Your Way"Baby, I Love Your Way" is a song written and performed by singer Peter Frampton that was first featured on Frampton's 1975 album, Frampton...
", "
Do You Feel Like We Do"Do You Feel Like We Do" is a song by Peter Frampton originally on the Frampton's Camel album released in 1973. The song became one of the highlights of his live performance in following years...
", and "I'm in You", which remain staples on classic-rock radio. He has also appeared as himself in television shows such as
The SimpsonsThe Simpsons is an American animated sitcom created by Matt Groening for the Fox Broadcasting Company. The series is a satirical parody of a middle class American lifestyle epitomized by its family of the same name, which consists of Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie...
and
Family GuyFamily Guy is an American animated television series created by Seth MacFarlane for the Fox Broadcasting Company. The series centers on the Griffins, a dysfunctional family consisting of parents Peter and Lois; their children Meg, Chris, and Stewie; and their anthropomorphic pet dog Brian...
. Frampton is known for his work as a guitar player and particularly with a Talkbox and his
tenorThe tenor is a type of male singing voice and is the highest male voice within the modal register. The typical tenor voice lies between C3, the C one octave below middle C, to the A above middle C in choral music, and up to high C in solo work. The low extreme for tenors is roughly B2...
voice.
Early life
Frampton was born in
BeckenhamBeckenham is a town in the London Borough of Bromley, England. It is located 8.4 miles south east of Charing Cross and 1.75 miles west of Bromley town...
, England. He attended Bromley Technical High School, at which his father, Owen Frampton, was a teacher and the head of the Art department. He first became interested in music when he was seven years old. Upon discovering his grandmother's
banjoleleThe banjolele is a four-stringed musical instrument with a small banjo-type body and a fretted ukulele neck. "Banjolele," sometimes also spelled "banjelele" or "banjulele" is a generic nickname given to the instrument, which was derived from the "banjulele-banjo", introduced by Alvin D...
(a
banjoIn the 1830s Sweeney became the first white man to play the banjo on stage. His version of the instrument replaced the gourd with a drum-like sound box and included four full-length strings alongside a short fifth-string. There is no proof, however, that Sweeney invented either innovation. This new...
-shaped
ukuleleThe ukulele, ; from ; it is a subset of the guitar family of instruments, generally with four nylon or gut strings or four courses of strings....
) in the attic, he taught himself to play, and later taught himself to play
guitarThe guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
and
pianoThe piano is a musical instrument played by means of a keyboard. It is one of the most popular instruments in the world. Widely used in classical and jazz music for solo performances, ensemble use, chamber music and accompaniment, the piano is also very popular as an aid to composing and rehearsal...
as well. At age eight he started taking
classical musicClassical music is the art music produced in, or rooted in, the traditions of Western liturgical and secular music, encompassing a broad period from roughly the 11th century to present times...
lessons.
Early influences were
Cliff RichardSir Cliff Richard, OBE is a British pop singer, musician, performer, actor, and philanthropist who has sold over an estimated 250 million records worldwide....
&
the ShadowsThe Shadows are a British pop group with a total of 69 UK hit-charted singles: 35 as 'The Shadows' and 34 as 'Cliff Richard and the Shadows', from the 1950s to the 2000s. Cliff Richard in casual conversation with the British rock press frequently refers to the Shadows by their nickname: 'The Shads'...
(featuring guitarist
Hank MarvinHank Brian Marvin is an English guitarist, best known as the lead guitarist for The Shadows. The group, which primarily performed instrumentals, was formed as a backing band for vocalist Cliff Richard...
) and American rockers
Buddy HollyCharles Hardin Holley , known professionally as Buddy Holly, was an American singer-songwriter and a pioneer of rock and roll...
and
Eddie CochranEddie Cochran , was an American rock and roll pioneer who in his brief career had a small but lasting influence on rock music through his guitar playing. Cochran's rockabilly songs, such as "C'mon Everybody", "Somethin' Else", and "Summertime Blues", captured teenage frustration and desire in the...
, and then the Ventures,
Jimi HendrixJames Marshall "Jimi" Hendrix was an American guitarist and singer-songwriter...
, and the Beatles. His father introduced him to the recordings of
BelgianBelgium , officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.Belgium is also a member of, or affiliated to, many...
gypsy
jazzJazz is a musical style that originated at the beginning of the 20th century in African American communities in the Southern United States. It was born out of a mix of African and European music traditions. From its early development until the present, jazz has incorporated music from 19th and 20th...
guitarist
Django ReinhardtDjango Reinhardt was a pioneering virtuoso jazz guitarist and composer who invented an entirely new style of jazz guitar technique that has since become a living musical tradition within French gypsy culture...
.
Early bands
By the age of ten, Frampton played in a band called The Little Ravens. Both he and
David BowieDavid Bowie is an English musician, actor, record producer and arranger. A major figure for over four decades in the world of popular music, Bowie is widely regarded as an innovator, particularly for his work in the 1970s...
were pupils at
BromleyBromley is a large suburban town in south east London, England and the administrative headquarters of the London Borough of Bromley. It was historically a market town, and prior to 1963 was in the county of Kent and formed the administrative centre of the Municipal Borough of Bromley...
Technical School. The Little Ravens played on the same bill at school as Bowie's band, George and the Dragons. 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 followed by a band called The Preachers, produced and managed by
Bill WymanBill Wyman is an English musician best known as the bass guitarist for the English rock and roll band the Rolling Stones from 1962 until 1992. Since 1997, he has recorded and toured with his own band, Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings...
of
The Rolling StonesThe Rolling Stones are an English rock band, formed in London in April 1962 by Brian Jones , Ian Stewart , Mick Jagger , and Keith Richards . Bassist Bill Wyman and drummer Charlie Watts completed the early line-up...
.
He became a successful child singer, and in 1966, he became a member of
The HerdThe Herd were an English psychedelic rock group, founded in 1965, that came to prominence in the late 1960s. They launched the career of Peter Frampton and scored three UK top twenty hits.-Biography:...
. He was the lead guitarist and singer, scoring a handful of British pop hits. Frampton was named "The Face of 1968" by
teen magazineTeen magazines are magazines aimed at female teenage readers. They usually consist of gossip, news, fashion tips and interviews and may include posters, stickers, small samples of cosmetics or other products and inserts. Magazines targeting teenage boys are not often called teen...
Rave.
In early 1969, when Frampton was 18 years old, he joined with
Steve MarriottStephen Peter Marriott , popularly known as Steve Marriott, was an English musician, songwriter, and frontman of several notable rock and roll bands, spanning over two decades...
of
The Small FacesThe Small Faces were an English rock and roll band from East London, heavily influenced by American rhythm and blues. The group was founded in 1965 by members Steve Marriott, Ronnie Lane, Kenney Jones, and Jimmy Winston, although by 1966 Winston was replaced by Ian McLagan as the band's...
to form
Humble PieHumble Pie was a rock band from England, finding success both in the UK and the US. They are remembered for songs such as "Black Coffee" "30 Days in the Hole", "I Don't Need No Doctor", and "Natural Born Bugie"...
.
While playing with Humble Pie, Frampton also did session recording with other artists, including:
Harry NilssonHarry Edward Nilsson III was an American singer-songwriter who achieved the peak of his commercial success in the early 1970s. On all but his earliest recordings he is credited as Nilsson...
,
Jim PriceJim Price was, together with Bobby Keys and Jim Horn, one of the most in demand horn session players of the 1970s. He toured extensively with The Rolling Stones from 1970 until 1973, including their 1972 American Tour, and appears on the albums, Sticky Fingers, Exile on Main St. and Goats Head Soup...
,
Jerry Lee LewisJerry Lee Lewis is an American rock and roll and country music singer-songwriter and pianist. An early pioneer of rock and roll music, Lewis's career faltered after he married his young cousin, and he afterwards made a career extension to country and western music. He is known by the nickname 'The...
, as well as on
George HarrisonGeorge Harrison, MBE was an English musician, guitarist, singer-songwriter, actor and film producer who achieved international fame as lead guitarist of The Beatles. Often referred to as "the quiet Beatle", Harrison became over time an admirer of Indian mysticism, and introduced it to the other...
's solo
All Things Must PassAll Things Must Pass is a triple album by George Harrison, recorded and released in 1970. The original vinyl release featured two LPs of rock songs as well as Apple Jam, a third LP of informal jams...
, in 1970, and
John EntwistleJohn Alec Entwistle was an English bass guitarist, songwriter, singer, horn player, and film and record producer who was best known as the bass player for the rock band The Who. His aggressive lead sound influenced many rock bass players...
's
Whistle RymesWhistle Rymes is the second solo album by John Entwistle, bassist for The Who. The album, his most successful solo output, features work by a then lesser known Peter Frampton and Jimmy McCulloch. The album title itself is a play on how his last name is often misspelled...
, in 1972. During the Harrison session he was introduced to the '
talk boxA talk box is an effects unit that allows a musician to modify the sound of a musical instrument. The musician controls the modification by lip syncing, or by changing the shape of the mouth...
' that was to become one of his trademark guitar effects.
Solo career
After five albums with
Humble PieHumble Pie was a rock band from England, finding success both in the UK and the US. They are remembered for songs such as "Black Coffee" "30 Days in the Hole", "I Don't Need No Doctor", and "Natural Born Bugie"...
, Frampton left the band and went solo in 1971, just in time to see
Rockin' The FillmorePerformance Rockin' the Fillmore is the 1971 live double-album/one-cd by English blues-rock group Humble Pie. It reached #21 on the Billboard 200, and hit the UK Top 40.-Album profile:...
rise up the
USThe United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
charts. He remained with
Dee AnthonyDee Anthony was an American talent manager who started in the business with fellow Bronx native Jerry Vale. After meeting Tony Bennett in 1954 at a nightclub in Yonkers, New York, he ended up representing the singer for more than a decade...
, the same personal manager that Humble Pie had used.
His own debut was 1972's
Wind of ChangeWind of Change is the first solo album of Peter Frampton. It was released in 1972. This album features appearances by Ringo Starr, Billy Preston, and Klaus Voorman.- Background :Frampton decided to remain with Humble Pie's U.S...
, with guest artists
Ringo StarrRichard Starkey, MBE better known by his stage name Ringo Starr, is an English musician and actor who gained worldwide fame as the drummer for The Beatles. When the band formed in 1960, Starr was a member of another Liverpool band, Rory Storm and the Hurricanes. He became The Beatles' drummer in...
and
Billy PrestonWilliam Everett "Billy" Preston was a musician who gained notoriety and fame, first as a session musician for the likes of Sam Cooke, Ray Charles and The Beatles, and later finding fame as a solo artist with hits such as "Space Race", "Will It Go Round in Circles" and "Nothing from...
. This album was followed by
Frampton's CamelFrampton's Camel is Peter Frampton's second album, recorded and released in 1973. It was the first album that Frampton recorded in the United States. Most of the album was written in New York...
in 1973, which featured Frampton working within a group project. In 1974, Frampton released
Somethin's HappeningSomethin's Happening is the third studio album by Peter Frampton, released in 1974. It reached #125 on the Billboard 200 album chart.- Background :...
. Frampton toured extensively to support his solo career, joined for three years by his former Herd mate
Andy BownAndy Bown is an English musician, who has specialised in keyboards and bass guitar. He is a member of the rock band Status Quo.-Career:...
on keyboards, Rick Wills on Bass, and American drummer John Siomos. In 1975, the
Frampton album was released. The album went to #32 in the US charts, and is certified Gold by the RIAA.
Peter Frampton had little commercial success with his early albums. This changed with Frampton's breakthrough best-selling live album,
Frampton Comes Alive!Frampton Comes Alive! is a double live album by English rock musician Peter Frampton released in 1976, and one of the best-selling live albums in the United States. Following four solo albums with little commercial success, Frampton Comes Alive! was a breakthrough for the artist.Released on January...
, in 1976, from which "
Baby, I Love Your Way"Baby, I Love Your Way" is a song written and performed by singer Peter Frampton that was first featured on Frampton's 1975 album, Frampton...
", "
Show Me the Way"Show Me the Way" is a song written by Peter Frampton, which was originally released on his 1975 album Frampton and as a single, but gained its highest popularity as a song from his 1976 live album Frampton Comes Alive!...
", and an edited version of "
Do You Feel Like We Do"Do You Feel Like We Do" is a song by Peter Frampton originally on the Frampton's Camel album released in 1973. The song became one of the highlights of his live performance in following years...
", were hit singles. The latter two tracks also featured his use of the
talk boxA talk box is an effects unit that allows a musician to modify the sound of a musical instrument. The musician controls the modification by lip syncing, or by changing the shape of the mouth...
guitar effect. The album was recorded in 1975, mainly at the Winterland Arena in
San Francisco, CaliforniaSan Francisco , officially the City and County of San Francisco, is the financial, cultural, and transportation center of the San Francisco Bay Area, a region of 7.15 million people which includes San Jose and Oakland...
, where Humble Pie had previously enjoyed a good following. Frampton had a new lineup, with Americans
Bob MayoBob "Bobby" Mayo was a session keyboardist and guitarist, perhaps best known for his work with Peter Frampton....
on keyboards and rhythm guitar and Stanley Sheldon on bass. Wills had been sacked by Frampton at the end of 1974, and Bown had left on the eve of
Frampton Comes Alive, to return to England and new fame with Status Quo.
Frampton Comes Alive was released in early January, debuting on the charts on 14 February at number 191. The album was on the
Billboard 200The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists...
for 97 weeks, of which 55 were in the top 40, of which 10 were at the top. The album beat, among others,
Fleetwood MacFleetwood Mac are a British–American rock band formed in 1967 in London.The only original member present in the band is its eponymous drummer, Mick Fleetwood...
's
Fleetwood Mac2004 Re-issueOn 24 March 2004, Warner Bros. Records re-released the remastered album, with the following bonus tracks:"Jam #2" – 5:41"Say You Love Me" [single version] – 4:03...
to become the top selling album of 1976, and it was also the 14th best seller of 1977. With sales of 6 million copies it became the biggest selling live album, although with others subsequently selling more it is now the fourth biggest.
Frampton Comes Alive! is 6 times platinum.
The success of
Frampton Comes Alive! put him on the cover of
Rolling StoneRolling Stone is a US-based magazine devoted to music, liberal politics, and popular culture that is published every two weeks. Rolling Stone was founded in San Francisco in 1967 by Jann Wenner and music critic Ralph J...
, in a famous shirtless photo by
Francesco ScavulloFrancesco Scavullo was an American fashion photographer best known for his work on the covers of Cosmopolitan and his celebrity portraits.-Biography:...
. Frampton later said he regrets the photo because it changed his image as a credible artist into a teen idol.
In late 1976 he and manager Dee Anthony visited the
White HouseThe White House is the official residence and principal workplace of the president of the United States. Located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, D.C., the house was designed by Irish-born James Hoban, and built between 1792 and 1800 of white-painted Aquia sandstone in the Neoclassical...
at the invitation of
Steven FordSteven Meigs Ford is an American actor and son of former United States President Gerald Ford and Former First Lady Betty Bloomer Ford.-Early life:...
, the president's son. Frampton starred, with The Bee Gees, in producer
Robert StigwoodRobert Stigwood is an impresario and entertainment entrepreneur who relocated to England in 1954...
's poorly received film
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club BandSgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band is a 1978 American musical film. Its soundtrack, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, features new versions of songs originally written and performed by The Beatles. The film draws primarily from two of their albums, 1967's Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club...
. Frampton's career seemed to be falling as quickly as it had risen.
His following album,
I'm in YouI'm in You is the fifth studio album by Peter Frampton, released in 1977. Frampton returned from touring in 1976 to record this album. Stevie Wonder is also featured.-Background:...
(1977) contained the hit title single and went platinum, but fell well short of expectations compared to
Frampton Comes Alive!Frampton Comes Alive! is a double live album by English rock musician Peter Frampton released in 1976, and one of the best-selling live albums in the United States. Following four solo albums with little commercial success, Frampton Comes Alive! was a breakthrough for the artist.Released on January...
.
Frampton suffered a near-fatal auto accident in the Bahamas in 1978 that marked the end of his prolific period and the beginning of a long fallow period where he was less than his old self. He returned to the studio in 1979 to record the album
Where I Should Be- Personnel :The line-up on this album was varied and did not consist solely of the previous Frampton band.*Donald "Duck" Dunn - bass*Tower of Power - horn section*Gary Mallaber - drums*Steve Forman - percussion*Jamie Oldaker - drums*Bob Mayo - keyboards...
. Among those contributing to the album were past band members
Stanley SheldonStanley Sheldon is a bass guitar player best known for his work with Peter Frampton. He is notable as an early adopter of the fretless bass for rock music....
(bass),
Bob MayoBob "Bobby" Mayo was a session keyboardist and guitarist, perhaps best known for his work with Peter Frampton....
(keyboards/guitar/vocals),
Chad CromwellChad Cromwell is an American drummer, best known for his work with Neil Young and with Mark Knopfler.- Personal life :Cromwell was born in Paducah, Kentucky, and three years later moved with his family to Memphis, Tennessee...
(drums), and
John SiomosJohn Siomos, was an American rock drummer who performed with Todd Rundgren, Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels, Rick Derringer, Carly Simon, Mark Moogy Klingman, Buzzy Linhart, Frampton's Camel and played on Peter Frampton's "Frampton Comes Alive", once the biggest selling album of all time,...
(drums/vocals).
In 1980 his album
Rise Up was released to promote his tour in Brazil, although he suffered another serious setback that year when all his guitars were destroyed in a cargo plane crash that killed three people. Among the instruments he lost was the treasured black Les Paul Custom (pictured on the cover of
Frampton Comes Alive) given to him by Mark Mariana and first used on the night of the recording of the Humble Pie live album
Performance, and which he had used all through his early solo career. The album eventually turned into
Breaking All the Rules, released the next year in 1981. These albums were the first he recorded almost completely live. In 1982 Frampton tried unsuccessfully to split his ties with
A&M RecordsA&M Records is an American record label owned by Universal Music Group that operates under the mantle of its Interscope-Geffen-A&M division.-Beginnings:...
; he, however, re-signed with the label in 2006 and released his
Grammy Award-winningA Grammy Award — or Grammy — is an accolade by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States to recognize outstanding achievement in the music industry...
FingerprintsFingerprints, released in 2006, is Peter Frampton's first instrumental album, and features guest appearances from friends and musical acquaintances, as well as Frampton's signature effect, the talkbox...
.
Although his albums generally met with little commercial success, Frampton continued to record throughout the 1980s. He did, however, achieve a brief, moderate comeback of sorts in 1986 with the release of his
PremonitionPremonition is Peter Frampton's ninth studio album and his follow up to 1982's Art of Control. This album featured one of Frampton's biggest hits from the 1980s, "Lying."-Track listing:...
album, and the single "Lying," which became a big hit on the
Mainstream RockMainstream rock is a radio format used by many commercial radio stations in the United States and Canada.-Format background:...
charts. Most notably, he also united with old friend David Bowie, and both worked together to make albums. Frampton played on Bowie's 1987 album
Never Let Me DownNever Let Me Down is an album by David Bowie, released in April 1987. Written over a 3-month period and recorded in Switzerland, Bowie regarded the album at the time as a "move back to rock 'n roll music...
and joined the
Glass SpiderGlass Spider is a video album by David Bowie, recorded during the 1987 Glass Spider Tour at Sydney Entertainment Centre.-Release details:...
world tour.
Looking for that band experience again after touring with Bowie, Frampton kept referencing Steve Marriott, and at the beginning of 1991 rejoined his old Humble Pie mate for some shows (Marriott's last English gigs) at the Half Moon in Putney, London. The chemistry was still there for a while, as both Frampton and Marriott laid down some tracks in L.A. and prepared to do a "Frampton-Marriott" tour. However, Marriott abruptly returned to England in April (some say he didn't want to do the Humble Pie thing, others claim he would have returned to play with Frampton) but he died in a house fire less than 24 hours after his return. Broken up by Marriott's death, Frampton went off the road for a time, then reformed his old touring band with his old friends Mayo and John Regan (at least three songs, and possibly a fourth from the sadly ended Marriott-Frampton partnership were subsequently recorded; two ending up on Frampton's "Shine On" compilation, a third on his subsequent solo album.
In the late 1990s he starred in an infomercial plugging the internationally successful eMedia Guitar Method, a piece of instructional software represented as an alternative to taking actual
guitar lessonsThe guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
. He claimed in the infomercial that the software was the best way to learn guitar.
In 1994 Frampton wrote and released the album
Peter FramptonPeter Frampton is the eleventh studio album by English singer-songwriter Peter Frampton, released in 1994. An expanded version of the album was issued in 2000...
, the final version of which contained material recorded on Tascam cassette recorders. Originally released on the Relativity label, this record was re-released in 2000 by Legacy Records, with four bonus tracks and additional notes by Peter.
In 1995 Frampton released
Frampton Comes Alive! IIFrampton Comes Alive! II is a 1995 live album by English musician Peter Frampton. It is a sequel to his 1976 multiplatinum album Frampton Comes Alive. The title is styled as Frampton Comes Alive II on packaging....
which contained live versions of many of the songs from his 1980s and 1990s solo albums.
Frampton Comes Alive! II was accompanied by a video release on DVD, recorded at
The FillmoreThe Fillmore Auditorium is a historic music venue in San Francisco, California, made famous by Bill Graham. Named for its original location at the intersection of Fillmore Street and Geary Boulevard, it lies on the boundary of the Western Addition and the Pacific Heights neighborhoods.In 1968,...
Theatre on June 15, 1995. Although there was a large amount of marketing for the album, it did not sell well. After
Frampton Comes Alive! II, he recorded and toured with
Bill Wyman's Rhythm KingsBill Wyman's Rhythm Kings are a blues-rock band founded and led by former Rolling Stones bass guitarist Bill Wyman. Together with his lifelong musical partner Terry Taylor, The "Dirty Boys" duo produce, arrange and compose original material for the award winning band.The Rhythm Kings are known for...
and Ringo Starr's All-Starr Band, where he and
Jack BruceJohn Symon Asher "Jack" Bruce is a Scottish musician and songwriter, respected as a founding member of the British psychedelic rock power trio, Cream, for a solo career that spans several decades, and for his participation in several well-known musical ensembles...
performed a cover version of
Cream'sCream were a 1960s British rock supergroup consisting of bassist/vocalist Jack Bruce, guitarist/vocalist Eric Clapton, and drummer Ginger Baker...
"
Sunshine of Your Love"Sunshine of Your Love" is a 1967 song by the British supergroup Cream. The song was originally released on the album Disraeli Gears in November 1967, and was later released as a single in January 1968. It is Cream's only gold-selling single in the United States. It features a distinctive...
".
In 2003, Frampton released the album
Now, and embarked on a tour with
StyxStyx is an American rock band that became famous for its albums from the late 1970s and early 1980s. The Chicago band is known for melding the style of prog-rock with the power of hard rock guitar, strong ballads, and elements of American musical theater....
to support it. He also toured with
The ElmsThe Elms were an American rock and roll band known for their breed of rootsy, blues-based rock, with the essence of the music of the 60's and 70's. Although the band had been in existence since 2000, 2001 saw the release of their first full-length album, with the first musical contribution from...
, and even appeared in 2006 on the Fox Broadcasting
variety showA variety show, also known as variety arts or variety entertainment, is an entertainment made up of a variety of acts, especially musical performances and sketch comedy, and normally introduced by a compère or host. Other types of acts include magic, animal and circus acts, acrobatics, juggling...
Celebrity DuetsCelebrity Duets was an American reality television show of the progressive game-show type, which combined celebrities of different backgrounds with professional singers in a weekly elimination competition....
, paired with
Chris JerichoChristopher Keith Irvine , better known by his ring name Chris Jericho, is an inactive Canadian-American professional wrestler, musician, songwriter, radio personality, television host, actor, author, and dancer...
of
WWEWorld Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. is an American publicly traded, privately controlled entertainment company dealing primarily in professional wrestling, with major revenue sources also coming from film, music, product licensing, and direct product sales...
fame. They were the first pair voted out.
On 12 September 2006 Frampton released an instrumental work titled
Fingerprints. His band consisted of drummer Shawn Fichter, guitarist
Audley Freedthumb|250px|Audley Freed playing with [[New Earth Mud]] on June 28, 2004 at [[Irving Plaza]], [[New York]]Audley Freed is a guitarist. He started his professional career on the Southeastern club and fraternity circuit. He then formed the band Cry of Love, which was signed to Columbia Records and...
, bassist
John ReganJohn Regan is an American musician, songwriter, producer and bassist. He is notable for being a member of ex-KISS guitarist Ace Frehley's band "Frehley's Comet" from 1984 to 1990. He has also recorded and performed with Peter Frampton 1979 til currently, John Waite, The Rolling Stones, Stephen...
(Frampton's life long best friend,), and keyboardist/guitarist Rob Arthur, and guest artists such as members of
Pearl JamPearl Jam is an American rock band that formed in Seattle, Washington, in 1990. Since its inception, the band's line-up has included Eddie Vedder , Jeff Ament , Stone Gossard , and Mike McCready...
,
Hank MarvinHank Brian Marvin is an English guitarist, best known as the lead guitarist for The Shadows. The group, which primarily performed instrumentals, was formed as a backing band for vocalist Cliff Richard...
, and his bassist on
Frampton Comes Alive!Frampton Comes Alive! is a double live album by English rock musician Peter Frampton released in 1976, and one of the best-selling live albums in the United States. Following four solo albums with little commercial success, Frampton Comes Alive! was a breakthrough for the artist.Released on January...
,
Stanley SheldonStanley Sheldon is a bass guitar player best known for his work with Peter Frampton. He is notable as an early adopter of the fretless bass for rock music....
- the only member of the backing band on that album still alive.
On 11 February 2007
Fingerprints was awarded the 2007
Grammy AwardA Grammy Award — or Grammy — is an accolade by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States to recognize outstanding achievement in the music industry...
for Best Pop Instrumental Album. In February 2007, he also appeared on the Chicago based PBS television show
Soundstage.
Frampton released his fourteenth studio album,
Thank You Mr. ChurchillThank You Mr. Churchill is the fourteenth studio album from Peter Frampton, released through New Door Records in North America and through Eagle Rock in Europe.-Track listing:# "Thank You Mr. Churchill" - 4:55# "Solution" - 3:49...
, on 27 April 2010. In Summer 2010 he began touring North America with the English band
YesYes are an English rock band who achieved worldwide success with their progressive, art, and symphonic style of rock music. Regarded as one of the pioneers of the progressive genre, Yes are known for their lengthy songs, mystical lyrics, elaborate album art, and live stage sets...
; the two acts had played stadium shows on a bill together in 1976. His 2010 band consisted of Rob Arthur (keyboards, guitar, backing vocals), John Regan (bass), Adam Lester (guitar), and Dan Wojciechowski (drums).
Frampton embarked on a UK Tour in March 2011 in support of his new album, visiting Leamington Spa, Glasgow, Manchester, London and Bristol.
Peter took to the road in 2011 with The Frampton Comes Alive 35th Anniversary Tour that showcased and followed exactly the songs played at that famed night in San Francisco where the famous Frampton Comes Alive album was recorded. The concerts each night started with the prerecorded thump of a microphone being turned on, that was so familiar to many fans of the album, followed by that recorded voice saying, "If there was ever a musician that was an honorary member of San Francisco society, Mr. Peter Frampton"...and then the crowd goes wild. He played the album song for song to a dizzying 69 locations between June 15, 2011 and October 22, 2011 throughout the US.
Media appearances
In 1978, Frampton played character "Peter Buckley" in an episode of
Baa Baa Black SheepBaa Baa Black Sheep is a television series that aired on NBC from 1976 until 1978. Its premise was based on the experiences of United States Marine Corps aviator Pappy Boyington and his World War II "Black Sheep Squadron". The series was created and produced by Stephen J. Cannell...
entitled "A Little Bit of England".
In 1978, Frampton played character " " in the movie "SGT. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band" staring along with the three brothers Gibbs of the band the Bee Gees. The movie was inspired by The Beatles album of the same name.
In 1996, Frampton appeared in an episode of
The SimpsonsThe Simpsons is an American animated sitcom created by Matt Groening for the Fox Broadcasting Company. The series is a satirical parody of a middle class American lifestyle epitomized by its family of the same name, which consists of Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie...
entitled "
Homerpalooza"Homerpalooza" is the 24th episode of The Simpsons seventh season and originally aired on May 19, 1996. The plot focuses around Homer's depression about aging and no longer being cool, and his quest to become cool again by joining the "Hullabalooza" music festival as a carnival freak. The episode...
", in which he played "
Do You Feel Like We Do"Do You Feel Like We Do" is a song by Peter Frampton originally on the Frampton's Camel album released in 1973. The song became one of the highlights of his live performance in following years...
".
He also made a TV appearance in the
Family GuyFamily Guy is an American animated television series created by Seth MacFarlane for the Fox Broadcasting Company. The series centers on the Griffins, a dysfunctional family consisting of parents Peter and Lois; their children Meg, Chris, and Stewie; and their anthropomorphic pet dog Brian...
episode "
Death Lives", in which
Peter GriffinPeter Griffin is a fictional character and the protagonist of the animated comedy series Family Guy and the patriarch of the Griffin family. He is voiced by cartoonist Seth MacFarlane and first appeared on television, along with the rest of the family in the 15-minute short on December 20, 1998....
asks
DeathThe concept of death as a sentient entity has existed in many societies since the beginning of history. In English, Death is often given the name Grim Reaper and, from the 15th century onwards, came to be shown as a skeletal figure carrying a large scythe and clothed in a black cloak with a hood...
to bring Peter Frampton to play "
Baby, I Love Your Way"Baby, I Love Your Way" is a song written and performed by singer Peter Frampton that was first featured on Frampton's 1975 album, Frampton...
" to his wife.
In 1999, Frampton appeared in "
Blues Brothers 2000Blues Brothers 2000 is a 1998 American musical comedy film that is a sequel to the 1980 film The Blues Brothers. Directed by John Landis, the film featured Dan Aykroyd and John Goodman, with cameos by many musicians.-Plot:...
" as a member of a competing blues band.
Also in 2000, Frampton served as a
technical advisorA technical advisor is an individual who is expert in a particular field of knowledge, hired to provide detailed information and advice to people working in that field...
for
Cameron CroweCameron Bruce Crowe is an American screenwriter and film director. Before moving into the film industry, Crowe was a contributing editor at Rolling Stone magazine, for which he still frequently writes....
's autobiographical film
Almost FamousAlmost Famous is a 2000 musical comedy-drama film written and directed by Cameron Crowe and telling the fictional story of a teenage journalist writing for Rolling Stone magazine while covering the fictitious rock band Stillwater , and his efforts to get his first cover story published...
and also was the guitar instructor for
Billy CrudupWilliam Gaither "Billy" Crudup is an American actor of film and stage. He is well known for his roles as guitarist Russell Hammond in Almost Famous, Will Bloom in Big Fish, and Ashitaka in Princess Mononoke. He also starred in the 2007 romantic comedy film Dedication, alongside Mandy Moore...
, who starred in the film as Russell Hammond, the guitarist for fictitious band "Stillwater." Crudup is quoted as saying, "Who could ask for a better tutor than Peter Frampton?" As an inside joke, he also appears briefly in the film as 'Reg', a
road managerIn music industry, a Road Manager is a person who works with small to mid-sized tours...
for Humble Pie, Frampton's real-life former band.
Frampton has made an appearance in a television commercial as well. He played a supporting role in a
GEICOThe Government Employees Insurance Company is an auto insurance company. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway that as of 2007 provided coverage for more than 10 million motor vehicles owned by more than 9 million policy holders. GEICO writes private passenger automobile insurance...
commercial, where he performed a small portion of "Do You Feel Like We Do".
On April 23, 2010, Peter Frampton became the all-time celebrity champion of the trivia game called
No Apparent Reason, with five correctly answered questions on the nationally syndicated Mark and Brian Radio Program originating from KLOS Los Angeles. However, on May 5, 2010, Frampton was reduced to second place after only two short weeks by
Luke PerryLuke Perry is an American actor. Perry starred as Dylan McKay on the TV series Beverly Hills, 90210, a role he played from 1990–95, and then from 1998–2000. Much publicity was garnered over the fact that even though he was playing a sixteen-year-old when 90210 began, Perry was actually in his...
's answering six questions correctly.
On November 4, 2010, Frampton appeared on
The Oprah Winfrey ShowThe Oprah Winfrey Show is an American syndicated talk show hosted and produced by its namesake Oprah Winfrey. It ran nationally for 25 seasons beginning in 1986, before concluding in 2011. It is the highest-rated talk show in American television history....
as one of her favorite musicians.
On October 21, 2011, Frampton was honored at Music City’s at Walk of Fame Park in Nashville, Tennessee.
Marriages and family
Frampton has been married three times and has four children:
Mary Lovett (1972–1976); Barbara Gold (1983–93), with whom he had two children, Jade and Julian (who sang on Frampton's song "Road To The Sun" from
Thank You Mr Churchill); and Tina Elfers (13 January 1996 – 22 June 2011), with whom he has two children, actress
Mia FramptonMia Rose Frampton , also known as Mia Frampton, is an American actress. She is mostly known for her role as Becca Keeler, the younger sister of Payson Keeler, in the ABC Family teen drama Make It or Break It...
who is currently starring as Becca Keeler on
Make It or Break It and a step-daughter by the name of Tiffany Wiest.
Frampton filed for divorce from his third wife Tina Elfers in Los Angeles on June 22, 2011 citing irreconcilable differences.
Jade Frampton earned a degree in fashion merchandising from
Kent State UniversityKent State University is a public research university located in Kent, Ohio, United States. The university has eight campuses around the northeast Ohio region with the main campus in Kent being the largest...
, Ohio, in 2005.
Frampton has lived in London, Guatemala, and the USA, including
Westchester County, New YorkWestchester County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York. Westchester covers an area of and has a population of 949,113 according to the 2010 Census, residing in 45 municipalities...
, Los Angeles, and Nashville. He moved to
Indian HillThe Village of Indian Hill is a city in Hamilton County, Ohio, United States, and an affluent suburb of the Greater Cincinnati area. The population was 5,907 at the 2000 census. Prior to 1970, Indian Hill was incorporated as a village, but under Ohio law became designated as a city once its...
, an eastern suburb of
Cincinnati, OhioCincinnati is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio. Cincinnati is the county seat of Hamilton County. Settled in 1788, the city is located to north of the Ohio River at the Ohio-Kentucky border, near Indiana. The population within city limits is 296,943 according to the 2010 census, making it Ohio's...
, USA in June 2000. This is the birthplace of his wife Tina Elfers and the city in which they were married in 1996. They chose to live there to be closer to Tina's family. After the
September 11, 2001 attacksThe September 11 attacks The September 11 attacks The September 11 attacks (also referred to as September 11, September 11th or 9/119/11 is pronounced "nine eleven". The slash is not part of the pronunciation...
, Frampton decided to become an American citizen.
Car accident
In June 1978, Frampton was involved in a near fatal
car accidentA traffic collision, also known as a traffic accident, motor vehicle collision, motor vehicle accident, car accident, automobile accident, Road Traffic Collision or car crash, occurs when a vehicle collides with another vehicle, pedestrian, animal, road debris, or other stationary obstruction,...
in the Bahamas, suffering multiple broken bones, a concussion and muscle damage. Dealing with the pain of the accident contributed to a brief period of
drug abuseSubstance abuse, also known as drug abuse, refers to a maladaptive pattern of use of a substance that is not considered dependent. The term "drug abuse" does not exclude dependency, but is otherwise used in a similar manner in nonmedical contexts...
.
Discography
- Wind of Change
Wind of Change is the first solo album of Peter Frampton. It was released in 1972. This album features appearances by Ringo Starr, Billy Preston, and Klaus Voorman.- Background :Frampton decided to remain with Humble Pie's U.S...
(1972)
- Frampton's Camel
Frampton's Camel is Peter Frampton's second album, recorded and released in 1973. It was the first album that Frampton recorded in the United States. Most of the album was written in New York...
(1973)
- Somethin's Happening
Somethin's Happening is the third studio album by Peter Frampton, released in 1974. It reached #125 on the Billboard 200 album chart.- Background :...
(1974)
- Frampton (1975)
- Frampton Comes Alive!
Frampton Comes Alive! is a double live album by English rock musician Peter Frampton released in 1976, and one of the best-selling live albums in the United States. Following four solo albums with little commercial success, Frampton Comes Alive! was a breakthrough for the artist.Released on January...
(1976)
- I'm in You
I'm in You is the fifth studio album by Peter Frampton, released in 1977. Frampton returned from touring in 1976 to record this album. Stevie Wonder is also featured.-Background:...
(1977)
- Where I Should Be
- Personnel :The line-up on this album was varied and did not consist solely of the previous Frampton band.*Donald "Duck" Dunn - bass*Tower of Power - horn section*Gary Mallaber - drums*Steve Forman - percussion*Jamie Oldaker - drums*Bob Mayo - keyboards...
(1979)
- Breaking All The Rules (1981)
- Art of Control
Art of Control is Peter Frampton's eighth studio album.-Track listing:All songs written by Peter Frampton and Mark Goldenberg.Side one# "I Read the News" – 4:00# "Sleepwalk" – 4:35# "Save Me" – 3:46# "Back to Eden" – 7:46Side two...
(1982)
- Premonition
Premonition is Peter Frampton's ninth studio album and his follow up to 1982's Art of Control. This album featured one of Frampton's biggest hits from the 1980s, "Lying."-Track listing:...
(1986)
- When All the Pieces Fit (1989)
- Peter Frampton
Peter Frampton is the eleventh studio album by English singer-songwriter Peter Frampton, released in 1994. An expanded version of the album was issued in 2000...
(1994)
- Now (2003)
- Fingerprints
Fingerprints, released in 2006, is Peter Frampton's first instrumental album, and features guest appearances from friends and musical acquaintances, as well as Frampton's signature effect, the talkbox...
(2006)
- Thank You Mr Churchill (2010)
- Coming Up For Air
Coming Up for Air is a 2009 album by Davy Knowles. It is the follow-up to Back Door Slam's debut album Roll Away. The effort was co-produced by Peter Frampton. Davy Knowles plays electric and acoustic guitars, mandolin, sings lead and contributes backing vocals...
(producer) (2010)
External links