B&T Extra: Peter Frampton

Summary

Podcast Summary: B&T Extra – Peter Frampton

Episode Title: B&T Extra: Peter Frampton
Release Date: January 1, 2025
Host/Author: The BOB & TOM Show | Cumulus Podcast Network
Duration: Approximately 17 minutes of content

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1. Introduction and Guest Introduction

The episode kicks off with Bob welcoming listeners back to another edition of B&T Extra, the afternoon segment of The BOB & TOM Show. Christy briefly mentions Lala Kent from Vanderpump Rules, setting a light-hearted tone before Tom shifts the focus to the main guest.

Tom enthusiastically introduces the episode's star, Peter Frampton, highlighting his prestigious induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The hosts express their admiration, with Bob humorously noting, "Tom, you didn't do it right" at [00:23], setting a playful dynamic for the interview.

2. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction

The conversation delves into Peter Frampton's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Peter shares his appreciation for the honor, mentioning his nomination of Humble Pie, specifically Steve Marriott and Jerry Shirley, at [01:43]. This gesture underscores his respect for fellow musicians and his desire to honor influential figures in rock history.

Tom echoes this sentiment, expressing his fandom for Humble Pie and encouraging listeners to explore their music [02:11].

3. Crafting "I Don't Need No Doctor"

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the creation of the iconic song "I Don't Need No Doctor." Peter recounts the spontaneous genesis of the song during a sound check with Grand Funk Railroad at Madison Square Garden [02:30]. He describes how a simple A chord played on his Marshall stack evolved into the legendary riff, with Steve Marriott stepping in to shape the song on the spot [02:28 - 03:53]. This anecdote highlights the organic and collaborative nature of rock music creation.

4. Health Challenges and Adaptations

Peter opens up about his battle with IBM, a muscle disease affecting his strength [04:21]. Despite the challenges, he maintains a positive outlook, stating, "I'm gonna live. So that's much better than a lot of other things that I'm so glad I don't have" [04:21]. He discusses how the disease gradually impacts his guitar playing, necessitating adaptations in his technique and composition style [05:00]. Embracing these changes, Peter mentions exploring alternate tunings inspired by Michael Hedges, which not only ease his physical strain but also invigorate his songwriting process [07:44 - 08:46].

5. Continuing to Tour and Perform

Addressing his touring schedule, Peter expresses enthusiasm about returning to the stage, referencing the "Thankful Tour" and his commitment to performing as long as possible [05:40 - 06:44]. His gratitude towards fans is palpable, especially when recounting how his daughter informed him of his Hall of Fame vote count, reinforcing the importance of his fanbase in his enduring career [05:36 - 06:44].

6. Personal Life and Lifestyle Choices

Peter discusses his personal lifestyle, notably his sobriety. Celebrating 24 years without alcohol, he reflects on the benefits of this choice, contrasting it with the negative repercussions of drinking [06:56 - 07:35]. This revelation adds depth to his character, showcasing his resilience and commitment to personal health.

He also shares amusing stories about his dog, Bigsby, a 60-pound companion who supports him at home [12:54 - 13:02]. Their bond is evident as Peter humorously describes the challenges and joys of managing life with a large, intelligent pet [13:02 - 13:41].

7. Songwriting and Musical Evolution

The discussion touches upon Peter's songwriting process, influenced by his health constraints. By adopting alternate tunings, he fosters creativity and adapts to his physical limitations, allowing his music to evolve naturally [07:44 - 08:46]. This adaptability not only sustains his musical output but also enriches his artistic expression.

8. Reflections on Career and Early Days

Reflecting on his illustrious career, Peter recounts his early experiences with The Rolling Stones on the TV show Ready, Steady, Go [11:09 - 12:01]. He shares fond memories of performing alongside Bill Wyman and witnessing the iconic performance of "Satisfaction Live." Tom expresses awe at these anecdotes, emphasizing the significance of these moments in rock history [14:03 - 15:19].

9. Legacy and Future Endeavors

As the interview wraps up, Peter conveys his dedication to music and his audience. He talks about potential future tours and his passion for performing live, underscoring his belief that music remains his true calling [05:40 - 05:44].

Tom and Bob reciprocate the admiration, with Tom reminiscing about seeing Peter live at Hyde Park opening for Grand Funk Railroad [15:31 - 16:26]. The hosts and guest share a mutual respect and camaraderie, concluding the episode on a heartfelt note.

10. Notable Quotes

• Peter Frampton on the spontaneous creation of "I Don't Need No Doctor":
  "When I did an A chord... There was nobody there... Steve Marriott just ran to the stage and said, 'Hold it on the E.' And that was it." [02:28 - 03:53]

• Peter Frampton reflecting on his health journey:
  "I'm gonna live. So that's much better than a lot of other things that I'm so glad I don't have." [04:21]

• Peter Frampton on adapting his guitar playing:
  "I'm enjoying it because I'm having to work around it. It's a challenge." [05:36]

• Peter Frampton celebrating sobriety:
  "I don't drink anymore. It's like been 24 years." [06:56]

• Peter Frampton discussing his bond with Bigsby:
  "He can pick up anything that I drop. And it's just incredible what they've taught him to do." [13:02]

• Peter Frampton on his Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction speech:
  "I've known Roger since I was 16... He's one of the nicest guys in rock." [11:16]

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Conclusion

This episode of B&T Extra offers an intimate glimpse into the life and career of Peter Frampton, blending humor, heartfelt stories, and insightful reflections. From his legendary status in rock music and overcoming health challenges to his personal life and enduring passion for performance, Peter embodies the resilience and creativity that have defined his decades-long career. Listeners are left with a deeper appreciation for his contributions to music and his unwavering dedication to his craft and fans.

Transcript

[Bob]

Welcome back. It's another Bob and Tom. Extra. This is Christopher. Not only is the Bob and Tom show live every weekday morning, but every afternoon. We'll give you a little extra. In case you missed anything on the big show today, rocker Peter Frampton. We'll talk to him in just a minute.

[Christy]

You met Lala Kent on Vanderpump Rules. Now Lala and her friends share everything on Give Them Lala Bagel. Everybody says it is ruined by a proposal story.

[Tom]

How Jason proposed and she was like.

[Christy]

He brought in a bunch of bagels.

[Tom]

I was like, I have to stop this. I will punch you in the throat if you ever tell this story again and call it a bagel.

[Christy]

Let me tell you now, when I tell the story, I go. He went and got breakfast.

[Bob]

There you go.

[Christy]

Bagels.

[Bob]

Yeah.

[Christy]

Watch what Lala is talking about on YouTube or search for Give them Lala. Wherever you listen.

[Tom]

A great way to get your morning started.

[Bob]

This is Bob and Tom Extra. Tom. We have a royalty, a special guest. My goodness gracious.

[Tom]

There he is.

[Bob]

Oh, there's the puppy dog.

[Tom]

There's the puppy Bigsby, right?

[Peter Frampton]

It's Bigsby. It's Bigsby's World. We just live in.

[Tom]

That's exactly right. We're joined by Looking dog, the great Peter Frampton. Peter, obviously great, great work. The Rock and Roll hall of Fame. So cool.

[Bob]

Tom, you didn't do it right.

[Tom]

And now, ladies and gentlemen, an honorary member of San Francisco Society, Mr. Peter Frampton. Okay, Peter, I, I, I loved it in your stage where you kind of sort of broke. And you said, by the way, is it cool if we nominate Humble Pie?

[Peter Frampton]

Well, you know, Steve's. Steve Marriott is in because of the Small Faces and the Faces. But as, as a band, obviously, there's lots of terrific bands that, But I'm, you know, that's personal for me, so. And Jerry Shirley, obviously, who I say, good morning, Jerry, wherever he is. And he. And I would love to, to do this for the other guys, too. So we'll see.

[Tom]

Yeah, I'm a big fan of Humble Pie and get their records, listen to them.

[Bob]

Can you tell the story, Peter? When you first did the.

[Tom]

I think I've got this right.

[Bob]

It's from your book.

[Tom]

I don't need. I don't need no doctor no doctor from the Riff. And Steve came running up and said, hey, what is that?

[Bob]

What the hell was that?

[Peter Frampton]

Yeah, it's. We were playing, I think we were opening for Grand Funk Railroad. And, and we, we were allowed a sound check, which was not the norm in the. When you're the opening act, you know. So we got to know a Grand Funk pretty well, and they were really nice guys and. And gave us a sound check at Madison Square Garden. And my amp was turned on my Marshall stack. And so I just did an A chord. And there was. There was nobody there, obviously. It was just this huge. I'd never seen anywhere this big before. And this E chord just rang out throughout the place. And I looked at Jerry, and Jerry just started playing drums. And I was. Started playing this riff of the beginning of Dr. And then. Which I had no idea what it was. It was just a riff, you know. And then Steve Marriott was at the mixing console and he. He just ran to the stage, jumped up. He didn't have a guitar on, and he just went straight to the mic and said, hold it on the E. And he started, I don't need no Doctor. And that was it. We arranged it that day, that sound check.

[Tom]

Wow.

[Peter Frampton]

We had long enough. And we did it that night. And I believe it was the last number of every show after that, man.

[Tom]

Oh, it's great. I. I often do the we go home on Monday speech myself because. Because I love it so much.

[Peter Frampton]

We do that on stage, too. We play Steve.

[Tom]

Oh, that's. That's. That's the best. Peter Frampton, now a member of the Rock and Roll hall of Fame. And you have the dog because you. You have some pretty serious health issues. How's that going? Everything. You look great.

[Peter Frampton]

I feel great. Yeah, no, everything's good. It's IBM. It's a muscle disease, but, you know, it's not. I'm. I'm gonna live. So that's much better than a lot of other things that I'm so glad I don't have. So. No things are good for me. In fact, even. Even though my muscles are getting weaker very slowly all the time, so it's getting a little. You know, hands are losing strength a little bit. So.

[Tom]

Is it affecting your playing? Is it affecting the guitar playing? I'm sorry.

[Peter Frampton]

Yeah. Yes, it has started to affect it, but I. I think that what I'm enjoying now is adapting to, you know, maybe this finger isn't as strong as. As that finger right at this moment. And I'll Just. As I'm playing, I'll switch my ideas. And it's. I'm enjoying it because I'm having to work around it. It's a challenge. And there's one thing about the Frampton family. We do like a good challenge.

[Tom]

Now, are you going to Be continuing to tour. What's your schedule? Do you know?

[Peter Frampton]

It looks like we're going to do another couple of weeks either in the spring or the beginning of the summer. We're working on that. Right? Yeah. Because I just feel it would just be great to go back out there and we did the Thankful tour, positively Thankful tour, and I think I'd like to continue that. And just because so many people when you wake up and your daughter calls you and goes, darling, dad, you've got over 500,000 votes. And I go, for what? For what? And she goes, the Rock and Roll hall of Fame, you idiot. So 500 people plus voted. And those are the people I want to thank because without them it wouldn't have happened and without the fans, none of this would have happened. So, you know, that's, those are the people. You know me, I'm. And I'm most comfortable on stage playing live. So I'm going to do it as, as for as long as I can.

[Tom]

Bravo.

[Christy]

Yes.

[Tom]

Over the years you've had to give up a lot of habits, a lot of bad ones. Do you have any cool vices? I do like Eddie. Can you have an occasional anything?

[Peter Frampton]

No, I, I, well, you know, I, I, no, I don't drink anymore. It's like be 24 years. Actually it just happened 24 years on the 5th. Wow, what an auspicious day. And, and so yeah, I, you know, the thought of, of a hangover is far, far in the, in the past. So that's the one good thing. Because, you know, the thing about a hangover is that when you wake up in the morning, that's the best you're ever gonna feel all day. It just gets worse.

[Tom]

Let me ask you this. With the difficulties that you're having with your playing, has that in any way made it more interesting to write a song?

[Peter Frampton]

Very interesting question I've been using. I've always been a alternate tuning guy and, but limited to open A or open A or open G, something like that. But I came across the great Michael Hedges tunings and wonderful player Arrested Peace. And, and so I started just going through his tunings and picking up the acoustic or the electric and, and doing them on, on that end. And very inspiring. But also it's kind of easier for my fingers with an open tuning because depending on what notes you have ringing or whatever, it's just, it's a little easier for me. So it's completely changed my, my style of writing and it's working so far.

[Tom]

Good.

[Peter Frampton]

I got some Killers songs.

[Tom]

Do you have someone out there that tries to market your songs to movies and stuff.

[Peter Frampton]

Yes, but at the moment, I am not with a publishing company because I sold my soul to bmg, so they have my. My publishing and my record royalties and everything, and they gave me, like, $5.

[Tom]

Yeah. Do they have to ask you. Do they have to ask your permission for, you know, like.

[Peter Frampton]

They officially don't, but they are very polite, and they do. So, you know, when I was with Universal Publishing for all those years, you know, then the songs would, you know, they. I definitely would say, no, I don't want it for the, you know, diarrhea medicine, you know.

[Tom]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Bob]

Do you feel like this?

[Tom]

Do you feel like a kale pector? Have you ever taken one of your tunes while joking around during a sound check and turned it into a commercial and then went, wait a minute, maybe I should call them?

[Peter Frampton]

No, but I. I do, because we sometimes have to do show me the way or. Or, Baby, I love you ate a sound check. We don't like practicing those because we kind of know them. And sometimes I do it bizarre with different kind of accents, you know, you know, about. You know, that kind of thing. I love you.

[Tom]

Do you feel. Do you feel like a shoe? We're speaking. We're speaking to Peter Frampton, distinguished guitar player, singer, songwriter, and we. We hope to see him back out on tour. Christy, just saw you not too long ago.

[Christy]

Yeah, I did. And Charles. But I wanted to ask a quick question about the Rock and Roll hall of Fame induction. Did you get to pick Roger Daltrey to induct you, or did they say Roger's gonna do it?

[Peter Frampton]

No, I got to ask him. Yes.

[Christy]

Was it hard to pick. I mean, was it hard to pick someone to do that for you or.

[Peter Frampton]

Well, it always is. And then you've got availability at that time of year as well. So, you know, I had to have a couple of different people that I went after to. To ask to do this and. But when Roger. Because I've known Roger since I was 16, so with the herds. Or 17. 16. 17. Around there, and. And he's known me for. And I played with Roger on a British rock symphony. And so, yeah, we've known each other for. For years, and he's always been a. And he's one of the nicest guys in rock. He really is.

[Christy]

That was a great story.

[Tom]

I also. I also have read that Roger is a. A bad man. He can. Back in the day, he would punch out a guy in a second.

[Peter Frampton]

Oh, yeah. Well, he, you know, He. On the Rock and Roll hall of Fame, he was using a wireless mic, but usually he has a wire on the mic, you know, because he does the whip business, right? And then, you know, if there's someone in the front he doesn't like, you know, just like.

[Tom]

Clang. Once again, we're speaking with the great Peter Frampton. And now are you just primarily chilling out and writing songs and kicking back that.

[Peter Frampton]

That's it? Yeah, I'm just home. Bigsby and I rule the roost here and. Oh, are you there, Biggs?

[Tom]

It looks to us. Is he. Is he a black lab? Is he a doodle of some sort? Peter?

[Peter Frampton]

He is, yeah. He's. He's 60 pounds now. So he's a big dude. And he has to be that. They wanted. The trainers wanted him to be, you know, £60. So. Hi, babe. How you doing? So that he could support me, you know. Oh, my weight. So, yeah, I mean, he has. He can pick up anything that I drop. And it's just incredible what they've taught him to do. And basically, he knows everything. I just have to. I have to learn how to. To. To control all that. So.

[Tom]

Are there any. Any of your songs that he particularly doesn't like? Or any guitar tune or any guitar toys?

[Peter Frampton]

He likes Gibsons, kind of like me. Now he's walking away now. That's it. We've upset. You're not gonna.

[Bob]

Oh, he turned his back on you.

[Peter Frampton]

Yeah, he's. He's not. Offender guy.

[Christy]

Okay.

[Tom]

In your speech at the Rock and Roll hall of Fame, you think Bill Wyman from the Rolling Stones, and you mentioned that you were on TV on some show with the Stones when you were 14.

[Peter Frampton]

Yeah, yeah. That was Ready, Steady, Go, which was the big Friday night show. Six, eight minutes past six. And we have strange beginning times in England. That's. You have to get used to that. But. But yeah, we were on that because the Stones took over the show and renamed it Ready Steady Zones for one week. And Michael Lindsay Hogg, the director, directed that one. And so it was the only one that was taped, actually. So, yeah, I got to play with the band the Preachers, the band that Bill had produced the track. And so each one of the Stones got a choice of who they wanted on the show, and Bill had chosen us. And so, yeah, I actually saw them do Satisfaction Live for the first time.

[Tom]

Oh, wow. Wow, that's. That's amazing. Well, Peter, it's always a great pleasure. Thanks so much for your time. Congratulations once again. And that's it. Yeah. Well.

[Peter Frampton]

I told you we were going to be here for a little longer, didn't you?

[Tom]

Next time you're out. I'm coming. I'm gonna come see the show again. I was a big fan, and the first time I saw Mr. Frampton was in Hyde park opening for Grant Funk Railroad with Humble Pie. And for some weird reason, I was right up front losing my mind. What a great. What a great show. And the photograph of that, Isn't that in the middle of one of the vinyl records?

[Peter Frampton]

Yeah, it's in the Rock and the Fillmore. There's lots of pictures from Hyde Park. H. Yeah, that's that. Some of the best pictures of me and Steve in action are from Hyde park, definitely.

[Tom]

Okay, well, be sure to check out that great album and many others from Mr. Frampton. It's always a great pleasure, Peter.

[Peter Frampton]

Oh, my pleasure, too, you guys. We love you and hope to see you soon. And, Christy, I'll see you at the next show.

[Christy]

That's right.

[Tom]

I'll be there, too. I'll be there, too. I'll leave my dogs at home. Thanks, Peter.

[Peter Frampton]

Okay.

[Christy]

All right.

[Peter Frampton]

Very good. Fair enough.

[Tom]

What a great guy.

[Christy]

Yes.

[Tom]

And we've been lucky enough to have him playing in the studio on several occasions, and he can still play. Great.

[Christy]

What year was that Hyde park show?

[Tom]

Oh, 70, maybe.

[Christy]

Oh, okay. So way before Brampton was alive.

[Tom]

Yeah. He was in Humble. He was in Humble Park.

[Christy]

Well, I know that at the time. Oh, okay.

[Tom]

Yeah. And Grand Funk was at their peak. It might have been. It could have been 71. I'm not sure. But I was in London both those summers, so I. I'll check. I'll.

[Christy]

I'll find out.

[Tom]

But thank you for asking, Christy. Oh, you look over here.

[Christy]

Looking for a time frame.

[Bob]

You look over your journals and how you check on dates, travel itineraries back then.

[Tom]

No, I'll look at the album.

[Christy]

Yeah, or Google it.

[Tom]

Yeah, I don't remember. I was actually having lunch with my sister at the original Hard Rock Cafe.

[Christy]

Whoa.

[Bob]

Very first one.

[Tom]

Yeah. Right off of Hyde Park. And it was impossible to get a decent hamburger in London at the time.

[Bob]

Now, is there a Jekyll park as well?

[Tom]

It's on the opposite side of the lake. It's very different. It's a little dodgy.

[Bob]

That's it for another Bob and Tom show. Extra. Catch us on itunes, Google play, and stitcher for Bob and Tom. Extra. This is Christopher. Take care, everybody. Hi, I'm Joe Salsihai, host of the Stacking Benjamins podcast. Every week we talk to experts about saving and investing, personal finance trends, Crypto. Can't do it.

[Peter Frampton]

You could have done all that research.

[Tom]

All the breadcrumbs, and thought, this company's never going bankrupt.

[Bob]

Foiled again. You never knew personal finance could be this fun. Throwing down the gauntlet?

[Peter Frampton]

I'm bringing it today. I'm only going to be off by.

[Tom]

Six figures instead of seven.

[Bob]

Every boy has a dream, Doc.

[Tom]

Every boy has a dream, for sure.

[Bob]

Stacking Benjamins. Follow and listen on your favorite platform.