Peter Frampton’s Untold Story: The Invitation to Join The Who
Rob Arthur, the long-time keyboardist for Peter Frampton, has a compelling addition in mind for a potential director’s cut of the new documentary, Frampton. “The phenix story is something I wish we could have included,” he shared during a recent Zoom interview.
This tale revolves around the iconic 1954 Gibson Les Paul, affectionately named phenix, which was gifted to Frampton by a fan after a 1970 humble Pie concert. Tragically,it was believed to be lost in a 1980 cargo plane crash while transporting his equipment from Caracas,Venezuela.
Miraculously, the tail section of the plane remained intact, preserving all the guitars inside. However, it wasn’t until 2011 that Phenix returned to Frampton after passing through various hands in the Caribbean. He renamed it phenix, symbolizing its resurrection from the literal ashes.This name also inspired the title of his Nashville recording studio and a film production company he co-founded wiht Arthur during the pandemic, which produced the documentary.
(Image credit: Kevin Mazur/getty images for BC)
Arthur reflects on the Phenix story’s omission, stating, “It’s a captivating narrative about the guitar, but it didn’t fit the character-driven focus of the film. We had so much to convey about Frampton’s journey that I couldn’t justify cutting any of that to include Phenix.” He noted that Gibson had already produced a beautifully crafted piece on the guitar, ensuring the story remains accessible to fans.
The documentary premiered on June 4 at the Tribeca film Festival in New york City, with hopes for a streaming service pickup and possibly a limited theatrical release.In the film, Frampton candidly shares how he nearly joined The Who during a challenging period in his career.
A Pivotal Moment in Frampton’s career
In the early 1980s, after the massive success of Frampton Comes Alive!, Frampton faced a downturn. His subsequent album, I’m in You, and the film Sgt.Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band had turned him into a punchline, leading to his dismissal from A&M Records and a split from his manager, Dee Anthony.
(Image credit: Michael Putland/Getty Images)
Frampton’s financial struggles led him to borrow funds from Atlantic Records’ head, Ahmet Ertegun. During this tumultuous time, he received a call from Pete Townshend, who expressed his intention to step back from touring with The Who, similar to Brian Wilson’s approach with the beach Boys, while still contributing to songwriting.
Frampton recalls, “I found it amusing when he mentioned it. I thought, ‘You must be joking! I can’t fill your shoes, and I’m not you!’” However, he also recognized the opportunity, saying, “when a founding member of The Who suggests you join, it’s hard to dismiss. I had nothing else going on, so maybe it was a good idea.”
(Image credit: Brad Elterman/FilmMagic)
Frampton, who first shared this story in his memoir, Do You Feel Like I Do?: A Memoir, insisted on knowing if the other members of The Who, especially Roger Daltrey, were supportive of the idea. Townshend promised to discuss it with them, and Frampton even began practicing his windmill guitar moves at home.
However, after three weeks of silence, Frampton reached out to Townshend, who apologized profusely and admitted he “should never have” made the offer. Years later, during a tour in 1989, Townshend brought Steve Bolton to handle electric guitar duties due to his own struggles with tinnitus, while still participating with acoustic performances.
I didn’t want to put down Pete,but it happened,and he knows it did. He was there.
– Peter Frampton
Arthur reflects on this moment as a sign of Frampton’s desperation to reignite his career.”It showed that he was willing to grasp at any opportunity. There was no way Pete Townshend would let someone else take his place on stage, but Frampton was in a tough spot and needed to know if this could be his chance to reignite his flame after a fall.”
Frampton’s career eventually rebounded when his childhood friend, David Bowie, invited him to join the 1987 Glass Spider Tour. He emphasizes that the Who story was too meaningful to omit from the documentary. ”I didn’t want to diminish Pete’s role,but it was a pivotal moment,and he knows it,” Frampton stated.
The two reconciled backstage at a Bruce Springsteen concert at Madison Square Garden, where they shared a heartfelt moment. “He apologized, and I cherish our friendship.It was just a brotherly issue that got a bit out of hand,” Frampton recalled.
New Music and Ongoing Challenges
Alongside the documentary, Frampton is also promoting his latest album, Carry the Light, which marks his 19th studio release and features all-new material for the first time in 16 years. Released on May 15, the album was co-produced with his son, Julian Frampton, and includes collaborations with artists like Tom Morello, Sheryl Crow, Graham Nash, H.E.R., and saxophonist Bill Evans. unfortunately, his ongoing battle with Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM) has hindered his ability to plan any tours in the near future.
