Peter Frampton: Midland Theatre, Kansas City Review/Photo Gallery
Peter Frampton is as much of an entertainer as he is a talented musician. It takes a lot of talent to do more than play an instrument and sing. Peter engaged in hilarious banter all night and even joked about media and promotion. As a photojournalist, I thought it was perfect. Peter’s discussions with the crowd were also deeper, he told a story about the drumkit which had been taken from him in the past. Peter bought a drummer the kit, the drummer later left the band and took the kit with him. One day at a show someone told Peter it was on eBay so he bought it back for more than he originally paid for it. This type of personal connection was made all throughout the evening.
Peter was not only kind but still managed to play as if it was his first day in a studio. Peter and his band played in a jam band style where you never knew what was playing next but it landed into a banger each time. During “Lines on My Face” he had a slideshow of his entire family, crew, and their family including pets and other artists like Stevie Nicks, Bono, and Buddy Guy, and other photos captured over the years. I grew up listening to Peter Frampton but this made it seem like I was growing up with him, not to him.
Peter also pulled a fan on stage via seat number and gifted them with an autographed album. He truly went above and beyond to ensure his fans had a personal experience, including a contest for loudest crowd on tour. I found it hilarious that he asked Kansas City to be loud, we’re the loudest football stadium in the nation and loudness was delivered.
It was right back into business with a Ray Charles cover into instrumental “Black Hole Sun”: just hard unadulterated rock. Peter’s blues jam that had the otherwise calm crowd in a frenzy demonstrated why Peter states this was the best band he’s ever had. Peter continued the show with concert photography on the screen as he flew into “I Don’t Need No Doctor” by Humble Pie. It seemed like a neverending jam as he dipped into “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.” Peter addressed the crowd even after the bow to say every show is an extra day for him, we all have battles and to always be nice.
“I’m not giving up” – Peter Frampton
