Peter Frampton is ALIVE!!!

I just finished watching a Peter Frampton Concert from Chicago on AXES-TV.
Boy did it bring back memories.

I was 12 years old and trying to figure out the whole guitar thing. I was over at a buddies house jamming (if you could call it that!).
I had a red sparkle Norma Strat knock-off and he had a 335 knock-off. We were getting no where fast when his brother burst into the room with a new album he had just picked up. It was called Humble Pie: Rockin' the Fillmore.He loaded it on the turntable and moved the needle to a selection called, I Don't Need No Doctor. When it got to the guitar solo I was blown away. I grabbed the album cover to see who the guitarist was. The picture was of this kid who looked to be about 14 (he was 18 at the time). I couldn't believe someone so young could play like that. His name was Peter Frampton.

I think it is safe to say that that moment was the turning point in my dedication to be a really good guitar player. If some skinny-ass 14 year old could be that good, then with a lot of hard work I could be better.

Well, suffice it to say the 14 year old had one of the best selling albums of all time and I still spend a good chunk of time still jamming in my basement.

One of the things I loved about the concert from Chicago (apart from Peter's phenomenal playing) is how much he obviously loves what he does. For most of the concert, he has a big smile on his face and you can tell he loves interacting with the audience. There was no pretense, mask or Rock God syndrome. Just a great player who is truly a gifted entertainer .

With ticket prices going north of $100.00, my expectation for a concert is that when it is over and I'm headed for the Metro, I want to be absolutely delighted and wanting more.

A few years ago I attended a Clapton concert and was very disappointed. He played great, but he barely acknowledged the audience. It felt like he had that Clapton is God thing still going kinda like McCartney still flashing peace signs at every opportunity when that whole thing has been passe for years. It just comes across as kind of out of touch. It is a good thing he has retired from the road. I wouldn't spend that kind of money on one of his shows ever again. If all I want is to hear his great playing, I'll listen to the Crossroads box set and be in Nirvana.

Now Frampton...well that is a whole other story!