Peter Frampton seems to be the Forrest Gump of music.
Just as the fictional movie character portrayed by Tom Hanks was involved in milestone events throughout history, Frampton was at many historic rock ?n? roll moments.
Consider: He started his musical career at age 10 playing in a band with schoolmate David Bowie; founded rock-blues pioneer Humble Pie at age 19; acted in the film version of “Sgt. Pepper?s Lonely Hearts Club Band”; played session musician for musical greats; was the mastermind of the best-selling 1976 double album “Frampton Comes Alive” ? and those are just some of the highlights.
But in all his years of producing the proverbial something for everybody, this year Frampton finally grabbed the gold ring ? his first Grammy, for the pop instrumental album “Fingertips.”
Although Frampton was hailed as a sex symbol, rock god and premier vocalist by the time he was 26, his guitar skills are his proudest achievement.
“Wining the Grammy was very emotional for me,” he said. “When I started in music, I got noticed because I was ahead of my years in playing guitar. I didn?t want to sing, I wanted to play guitar.”
But record company execs pushed Frampton into singing duties, despite his protests. He satisfied his musical hunger by playing as a session guitarist for The Who?s John Entwistle, The Beatles? George Harrison and other musical greats.
“It is like my psychologist, my guitar,” Frampton said. “We say things to each other that we don?t say to anybody else.”
Not that Frampton has abandoned his signature sound. He knows his four-generation audience expects classics such as “Do You Feel Like We Do,” and he aims to please, mixing those favorites through set lists. His shows, he said, are a “trip back in time for everyone.”
While he realizes that his early work brought with it status that few ever realize, his thoughts keep returning to the Grammy for what he considers his best work ? guitar.
“I know that awards shouldn?t make a difference,” he said. “But it?s very humbling to have the voters recognize my work.”
The award has also sparked even more recognition for his work by fans, including young teens.
“I am thrilled by that,” he said.
” ?Comes Alive? has taken my music through generations.”
IF YOU GO
Peter Frampton
» Venue: Rams Head Live, 20 Market Place, Baltimore
» Time: 8 p.m. Tuesday
» Tickets: $40; $45 day of show
» More info: 410-244-8854
