 |
When Peter Frampton released his wildly famous double live album ‘Frampton Comes Alive’ in the 1970’s, it sold over 16 million copies worldwide, and he became a huge arena rock star.
Tonight he preformed in the Avalon Ballroom at Fallsview Casino Resort in Niagara Falls for just 1,600 people, but based on volume and sheer enthusiasm the crowd could have given an arena audience a run for their money.
It is easy to see why this ‘70’s heartthrob is known for his live performances. The show opened with an instrumental piece featuring Frampton on lead guitar, and I must admit I have never been to a Frampton show before, but my God, that man can play!
With his fingers flying faster than any other guitar player I have witnessed before, he wowed the captivated audience, eyes closed, making it seem so easy and yet incredibly difficult all at the same time.
“Is there anyone here from last night?” Frampton asked the crowd, with a large portion of the audience cheering loudly in response. Tonight’s performance was the second of two back to back shows Frampton played at Fallsview.
Over the next two hours, Frampton and his band played all of the fan favorites, from ‘All I Wanna Be (Is By your Side)’ to ‘Do You Feel Like We Do’. The audience was also treated to a preview of Frampton’s upcoming album ‘Fingerprints’ which featured an instrumental piece entitled ‘Float’ and brilliant instrumental cover of Soundgarden’s ‘Black Hole Sun’.
The album, which Frampton says is still ‘a ways off’, is back on his old label A&M, which Frampton joked "Dropped me in the 80’s. I wasn’t writing the hits then.”
One would hope this upcoming release will feature the band who performed with Frampton tonight as they played as smoothly and flawlessly as a band that has been together forever.
It wouldn’t be a Frampton show of course without his trademark talk-box, a guitar device used to alter a singer’s voice, making it sound almost robotic.
“Here we are in Niagara Falls,” Frampton said through the talk-box. “Can you imagine going over the falls in a barrel? Must be crazy! Is there anyone here who has done that? I guess they didn’t make it,” he joked. A very charming and engaging performer, Frampton chatted with the audience, and encouraged them to sing along, which they were happy to oblige.
As is the fashion with most musicians, Frampton had a political message to convey, albeit a subtle one, wearing a t-shirt reading ‘The Iraqi Horror Picture Show’.
The crowd had a surprise for Frampton and his band tonight, waving paper hearts back and forth during the chorus of ‘Baby, I Love Your Way’. Frampton thanked the crowd and smiled widely saying “We may have to start a hearts club!”
A highlight of the night was during the two song encore, when Frampton, bathed in yellow light, played a version of The Beatles classic, ‘While My Guitar Gently Weeps’, with most of the crowd gathered around the stage.
Taking a final bow, Frampton thanked the crowd again, gave a wave to everyone in the intimate venue and made his way off stage, the ear to ear smile never leaving his face.