The guitar legend comes alive in a stunning final show in London.
Words and pictures: Kohl Farhani
Billed as ‘The End: The Farewell Tour’, tonight is a UK farewell show from one of Britain’s finest guitarists/singers. With a full house and camera crew, it feels like a special occasion before the first note is even played.
Support is provided tonight in rather impressive fashion by up-and-coming rocker Revival Black. The Welsh band, fronted by impressive singer Tom Hollister, makes the most of the opening slot and manages to seemingly convert the entire Royal Albert Hall as new fans. It is very rare for a young opener to get such an enthusiastic response, but Cardinal Black leaves the stage to a standing ovation.
“Hello London!” says a jubilant Peter Frampton. “It’s amazing – I think the first time I played here was in 1902!” Opening with the adorable ‘Baby (Something Happens)’. Frampton still looks great at 72 years old, and is clearly enjoying being back on stage after a forced absence. While he may be playing sit-down tonight, it makes no difference to the intensity of his singles and solos.
Frampton is also an engaging storyteller, providing introductory stories to many of Tonight’s Songs:
“We were recording and I called Eddie Kramer and said we needed a new drummer since our drum blew up! He recommended John Seumus and I sorted out this beautiful drum set for him. It was what he used on Frampton Comes Alive and many others. Time passed and years later someone told me that I look on Ebay because they recognized that kit – it sure was there! I said “So I have to buy it a second time?!” (laughs). They were much more expensive the second time around but these are the drums you see behind me tonight with our friend Dan on them “. Dedicated to his band as well as the late John Siomos, “Lines on My Face” is a smooth, almost beautiful song that dips into jazz while mixing elements of rock and pop – it’s a perfect example of the best of Frampton’s solo work.
The bulk of the setlist for Frampton Tonight is from the Frampton Comes Alive compilation. Although it’s often said to be the best-selling live album of all time, these songs are simply timeless and still vital even in 2022. Like ‘Show Me The Way’ everything sounds great tonight and Frampton’s voice has hardly changed in what Almost 45 years since it was originally launched.
We were supposed to be here in May 2020, but we had to reschedule. It’s been a long time coming, but I never gave up hope that we got here and thank God we made it back.” The feeling is mutual in the audience.
Peter Frampton holding a phoenix
Frampton tells the audience the story of his legend. Three times capture Les Paul. Now called the phoenix, the guitar was thought to have been cremated and lost in a plane crash over 30 years ago – not only did the guitar make it out, but it eventually came back to Frampton who still uses it live. It’s the perfect story to set up a stunning rendition of “Do You Feel Like We Do.”
Tonight’s appearance kicks off with a tribute to a very special band – Humble Pie. “The best band I could have been in – this is for Steve and the band” says Frampton as he leads a heartwarming tribute to the late, great Steve Marriott. Starting with a rendition of “Four Day Creep,” the entire band and Frampton himself seem to have tapped into something totally electrifying. Things come to a head with the stunning ballad “I Don’t Need a Doctor” that leaves humble believers punching the air and singing, while the pop fans who came here in the first place baffle “Baby, I love your way.” This is followed by an extended, sweeping jam of the Beatles “while my guitar gently weeps”. More than 50 years down the road, Frampton’s guitar still cries and cries and sings whenever he wants to.
Finishing in just over two and a half hours, it’s a great finish and very suitable for a career on the road. After another long standing ovation, Frampton appears already moved by the crowd’s reaction. “I don’t want to say goodbye,” Frampton says with a smile, and adds, with a hint of hope for the future, “I guess you’ll never say.” In that wonderful melody, the night was drawing to a close.
Make the list
child (something happens)
He lies
lines on my face
Show me the way
Tenant
It’s an ordinary shame
Georgia (On My Mind) (Hoagy Carmichael and His Orchestra Cover)
All I want is to be by your side
Break all the rules
Black Hole Sun (Soundgarden cover)
(I will give you money
Baby, I love your style
Do you feel as we do
Encore:
Four days of crawling
You don’t need a doctor
While My Guitar Gently Weeps (The Beatles cover)
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