PETER FRAMPTON – At Royal Albert Hall (2023)
In November 2022, Grammy-winning PETER FRAMPTON performed at the historic Royal Albert Hall in London to a rapturous sold-out crowd. The special evening delivered stunning performances of Frampton’s finest songs. Now the event is being released as “At Royal Albert Hall“, featuring 9 live performances of Frampton with his long standing band of Rob Arthur, Adam Lester, Dan Wojciechowski, and Steve Mackey.
The track list features Peter Frampton timeless classic from the Seventies like “Show Me the Way,” “Baby, I Love Your Way,” “Do You Feel Like We Do?”, “Somethin’s Happening”, and more. In many ways, this recording resembles the classic ‘Frampton Comes Alive!’ – one of the best-selling live albums of all time.
On “At Royal Albert Hall” Peter and his band are in top form, tight, with an organic sound very well taped & mixed.
While Peter has been diagnosed with inclusion body myositis, an extremely rare condition that causes muscle weakness and degeneration in certain areas of the body, he’s in great form as performer. Right now, his fingers sound as good as they ever have, but his mobility is limited and he sits for the duration of the performance.
Despite the long-term implications of the condition, Frampton is remarkably sanguine. He plays the guitar with confidence and with that special touch which is his trademark.
The spirit of ‘Frampton Comes Alive’, his live release from 1976, and one of the best-selling live albums of all time, is present during this show. There are clear nods to it that tonight, not least that he starts with ‘Something’s Happening’, also the set opener recorded 47 years ago. We’re reminded of the album cover too on this release – it’s very ’70s.
The band sounds great. Playing additional guitar is Adam Lester. He’s a long-time collaborator and a superlative musician. At times he fills the sonic space with relaxed acoustic guitar. At times he performs the other half of melodic harmonies. And at times he’s given the opportunity to demonstrate that he too, is a formidable lead guitarist.
One of these occurs in ‘(I’ll Give You) Money’. The band take it down whilst Lester and Frampton trade a few tasty licks. It builds to a fantastic proggy, loud climax.
Keyboardist Rob Arthur plays a major role in ‘Do You Feel Like We Do’, arguably the highlight of the entire set. Once again, Frampton is swapping licks, only this time it’s with Arthur and that oh so funky Rhodes. The keys player wins out and those licks resolve into a brilliant solo. It finishes as all rock piano solos should, with multiple keys being banged by both fists.
The massive popular hit ‘Show Me The Way’ sound fantastic too, and Frampton’s voice has barely changed in the almost 45 years since they were originally released.
After more than 50 years on the road Frampton’s guitar still weeps, cries and sings whenever he wants it to. “At Royal Albert Hall” is a superb and very fitting end to a career spend on the road. While he’s not ‘retiring’, he need to continue health treatment. “Never say never. I’m going to keep on fighting” say Frampton.
Highly Recommended
1. Somethin’s Happening
2. Lying
3. Lines on My Face
4. Show Me the Way
5. Georgia on My Mind
6. All I Want to Be (Is By Your Side)
7. (I’il Give You) Money
8. Baby, I Love Your Way
9. Do You Feel Like We Do
Peter Frampton – vocals, guitars
Adam Lester – guitars
Steve Mackey – bass
Rob Arthur – Hammond, piano
Dan Wojciechowski – drums, percussion
Pre order:
amazon.com/Peter-Frampton-Royal-Albert-Hall/dp/B0CBQ6LCMD
