Peter Frampton: live at The Royal Albert Hall 08/11/2022

“Hello London!” says a beaming Peter Frampton. “This is amazing – the first time I played here was in 1902 I think!”. Opening with a superb `Baby (Somethin’s Happening)`. Still looking and sounding great at age 72, Frampton is clearly enjoying being back on stage after a forced absence. While he may be playing sitting down tonight, it makes no difference to the intensity of his riffs and solos.

Frampton is also an engaging storyteller, giving introductory stories to many of tonight’s songs:

“We were recording and I called Eddie Kramer and said we needed a new drummer since ours has exploded! He recommended John Siomos and I sorted this beautiful drum kit for him. That was the one he used on Frampton Comes Alive and a load of other things. Time went by and years later somebody told me to look on Ebay because they recognized that kit – sure enough there it was! I said “so I have to buy them a 2nd time?!” (Laughs). It was considerably more expensive the 2nd time but those are the drums you see behind me tonight with our friend Dan on them”. Dedicated to his band and also the late John Siomos, `Lines on My Face` is a smooth and beautiful song that almost dips into jazz while blending rock and pop elements – it’s a perfect example of Frampton’s finest solo work.

The bulk of Frampton’s setlist tonight is drawn from the Frampton Comes Alive set. Even though it’s often said to be the best-selling live album of all time, those songs are simply timeless and still vital even in 2022. The chunky riffing and solos of `(I’ll Give You) Money` to the massive popular hits like `Show Me The Way` all sound fantastic tonight and Frampton’s voice has barely changed in the almost 45 years since they were originally released.

“We were supposed to be here in May 2020 but we were forced to reschedule. It’s been a long time, but I never gave up hope we’d get here and thank God, we made it back”. The feeling is mutual in the audience.

Frampton tells the audience the story of his legendary. triple pick up Les Paul. Now called the phoenix, the guitar was thought to be burned up and lost in a plane crash more than 30 years ago – the guitar not only made it out but eventually made its way back to Frampton who still uses it live. It’s the perfect story to set up a stunning performance of `Do You Feel Like We Do`

Tonight’s encore begins with a tribute to a very special band indeed – Humble Pie. “The best band I ever could have been in – this is for Steve and the band” says Frampton as he leads into a superb tribute to the late great Steve Marriott. Starting with a stomping rendition of `Four Day Creep`, the entire band and Frampton himself sound like they’ve tapped into something absolutely electrifying. Things reach their intense peak with a stunning `I Don’t Need No Doctor` which leaves the Humble Pie faithful punching the air and singing along, while simultaneously confusing the pop fans who primarily came to here `Baby, I Love Your Way`. It’s followed by a sweeping, extended jam of The Beatles `While My Guitar Gently Weeps`. After more than 50 years on the road, Frampton’s guitar still weeps, cries and sings whenever he wants it to.

Ending at just over two and a half hours, it’s a superb and very fitting end to a career spend on the road. After another lengthy standing ovation, Frampton seems genuinely moved by the reaction of the audience. “I don’t want to say goodbye” says a smiling Frampton and, with a hint of hope for the future, adds “I guess you never say never”. On that splendid note the night is brought to a close.

Baby (Somethin’s Happening)
Lying
Lines on My Face
Show Me the Way
The Lodger
It’s a Plain Shame
Georgia (On My Mind) (Hoagy Carmichael and His Orchestra cover)
All I Wanna Be (Is by Your Side)
Breaking All the Rules
Black Hole Sun (Soundgarden cover)
(I’ll Give You) Money
Baby, I Love Your Way
Do You Feel Like We Do

Encore:
Four Day Creep
I Don’t Need No Doctor
While My Guitar Gently Weeps (The Beatles cover)