Pop Break Live: Peter Frampton Finale — The Farewell Tour with Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening at The Met in Philadelphia
When legendary guitarist Peter Frampton announced a new tour it must have come as a surprise to fans especially since it was being billed as a farewell tour. Frampton had been diagnosed with a rare degenerative disease called Inclusion body myositis. Knowing it would eventually effect his unique guitar skills Frampton decided he wanted to go out on top so he recorded some new music.
The fact that his newest album All Blues (which covers songs from some of the greatest R&B artists of all-time) has been the #1 Blues Album on Billboard’s chart since it debuted four weeks ago speaks for itself.
Frampton has been playing music for well over 50 years with bands like The Herd and Humble Pie and of course his solo career. The tour billed as Peter Frampton Finale — The Farewell Tour has been packing them in since it was announced and has been receiving stellar reviews.
The show opened up with Jason Bonham‘s Led Zeppelin Evening and really set the tone for the night. The son of Zeppelin drummer John Bonham fired up the crowd with Zeppelin classics like “The Immigrant Song,” “Good Times Bad Times” and “Stairway to Heaven.”
Frampton’s set started off with a a photo slide show of his early days. He then walked out on stage, looking unbelievably fit at 69, and flashed that famous smile of his to the crowd. He started the show with “Somethings Happening,” the first track from his classic 1976 double album, Frampton Comes Alive.
The setlist was the perfect mix of new and old. He played fan favorites like “Baby I Love Your Way” and “Show Me the Way” — songs which are still in heavy rotation on classic rock stations. Frampton delivered a powerful three song punch early on in his set with covers from his newest release — “Georgia (On My Mind),” “Me and My Guitar,” and “Same Old Blues.” This trio of tunes really showed off what Peter Frampton does best. Also, his solos were impressive as ever.
Frampton’s chemistry with the crowd was evident from the minute he walked out on the stage. He weaved stories in between songs and came off endearing and appreciative. Some of the highlights of the night included a memorable cover of Soundgarden’s “Black Hole Sun” and a blistering guitar duel with his guitarist (his backing band was incredible by the way) on “(I’ll Give You) Money” that brought the crowd to its feet!
The energy/vibe in the room when he played “Do You Feel Like We Do” was really special. The audience participation was high on this one as they sang along loudly. Talk about nostalgic! For those like myself who got to see him on his headlining tour at the old JFK Stadium in Philadelphia in 1976 this was a magic moment that brought back so many great memories. There were times during this song that Frampton playfully teased the audience via his famous “talkbox that drew a few laughs. It ended in epic fashion after 15 minutes. It was a mic drop moment.
Frampton encored with “Four Day Creep” and “I Don’t Need No Doctor,” both songs from his Humble Pie days. Knowing this is his last tour, it was fitting for him to end the night with the Beatles classic “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.” I am sure it was just as emotional for him to play that to end the night as it was for the fans to hear it. He told the crowd he loved Philly and the feeling was obviously mutual.
Frampton’s accomplishments over the years are many. He is one of the most celebrated artists in rock history. He is a Grammy winner for his 2007 album Fingerprints and has collaborated with some of biggest names in music. Also it’s not too shabby to have bragging rights on Frampton Comes Alive, which 43 years later is still considered one of the best live albums EVER made.
Frampton is still putting out great music as evident by the fantastic reviews his new album is getting. Frampton did it his way. He wanted to go out on top and that is exactly what has happened. What a truly masterful joyous performance at The Met in Philly by one of the greatest guitarists of our time. Cheers to a rock and roll legend.
