Peter Frampton • April 9, 2024 • Eccles Theater
Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe
Last summer Peter Frampton was scheduled to play a show at the Sandy Amphitheater. I strolled up to the venue about 20 minutes before showtime to find a long line outside. That was pretty unusual for shows that I’ve been to in the past at Sandy Amp so I wondered what the situation was. I was fortunate enough to surpass the line with my media credentials and go inside the venue to try and get the inside scoop. What I discovered was that there would be no Frampton concert due to some unforeseen technical issues. My hope was that the show would be rescheduled, but that doesn’t always happen. I wondered if I missed my chance to see Peter Frampton live.
When I saw the announcement that Frampton would be returning to Utah, this time at the Eccles Theater in downtown Salt Lake City, I knew I had to get there. Back in 2019, Peter Frampton embarked on what was meant to be his Farewell Tour. Unfortunately, health issues seemed to suggest that he would no longer be able to tour or play guitar the same way. Fortunately, after the pandemic, he realized that he could still play, and as long as he sat in a chair for his shows, he could still tour. When the Sandy Amp show was canceled I was worried because who knows how much longer Frampton will want to tour. So I was happy to have this opportunity. As were the thousands in attendance. People lined up to buy merch and there was an obvious excitement about the show.
With no support band on the bill, we knew when the lights went down that Peter Frampton would be the one taking the stage. Once the band took their place on stage, Peter, with the assistance of a cane, walked out onto the stage. The audience rose to their feet and gave a thunderous ovation to the legendary rocker. It was a heartfelt applause not only indicating the crowd’s excitement but also the appreciation they had for Frampton pushing through any health issues to be there and to walk to his place. Early into the show, some fans pointed to their friend who was in a wheelchair. They told Peter that this person had the same disease. Frampton was gracious in his praise for the man being in attendance as well as feeling a sense of community for what he is medically going through.
Yes, Peter Frampton is in his mid-seventies. And yes, it’s necessary for him to sit during his shows now. It’s not the same show as it was 20, 30, 40 years ago. But one thing if for sure. Peter Frampton still sounds great! Both vocally and on the guitar. I was so inspired by his playing. Lengthy jams and solos throughout the night grew more and more impressive as the evening went on. Hits like “Show Me The Way” delighted fans while amazing instrumentals like his cover of “Georgia” put the audience in a trance. When songs were over it was impossible to stay seated. Standing ovations galore! To the point of Peter deeming them the best crowd of the tour. Frampton seemed in great spirits and the crowd was right there with him.
One of the highlights for me that night was when Peter decided to read off a ticket and give that lucky fan a signed copy of one of his albums. As the vinyl giveaway ensued, I noticed that the ticket winner was not in their seat. I could see her husband telling the people around him that his wife had gone to the bathroom. With the encouragement of his friends, the man stood up and walked up to the stage to accept the album. He shook hands with Peter Frampton, had the vinyl signed, and got a few selfies with the rock star. All while his wife was in the bathroom. By the time she returned, the concert had resumed.
I kept my eye on that section because I had to see her reaction when she found out what she missed. Sure enough, her expression was as you’d expect. Her mouth was agape and she was completely shocked at what had transpired. It was a funny thing to watch and while I feel bad for her that she missed her opportunity to meet the great Peter Frampton, it was a very entertaining thing to witness.
Frampton played so many great songs. Some he hadn’t played in a long time. Of course, the big hits were warmly embraced by the audience. When he played, “Baby, I Love Your Way,” I noticed several couples get up and slow dance to the song. A couple in the very front row led the way with that. I mean, being serenaded by Peter Frampton only 10 feet from you must have been a pretty amazing thing.
The two songs that I loved the most were Frampton’s hit “Do You Feel Like We Do” and his incredible cover of The Beatles’ song “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”. “Do You Feel Like We Do” went on for almost twenty minutes! The song included band intros and amazing solos. I loved every minute of it. Peter was in amazing form and the audience was feeling it. “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” is an amazing song. And to hear it played by Peter Frampton was a treat. It was the perfect way to close out the almost two-and-a-half-hour show. That’s right, the show was just about two and a half hours! No one can accuse him of slowing down. Because that show was action-packed.
I’m glad I was finally able to see the Rock N Roll legend. His band was amazing and paired perfectly with Frampton. I left wondering if I’d ever get the chance to see him perform again. If I don’t, I was glad to see this particular show. A gracious audience, in a beautiful venue, with a guitar icon still playing at a high level. Peter Frampton is a nominee for the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame. It’s ridiculous that he’s not already in. My prediction is that he will make it in this year.
UPDATE April 22, 2024
It was announced today that Peter Frampton was in fact announced as a member of the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame 2024 class. Congratulations, Peter!
