NEVER SAY NEVER TOUR
PETER FRAMPTON
ROSE MUSIC CENTER
HUBER HEIGHTS, OHIO
JUNE 21, 2023
By Neil Shumate, OOTB Publications
Iconic classic rock guitarist/vocalist/lyricist Peter Frampton has not let the symptoms of Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM)—muscular inflammation, atrophy, weakness—get the best of him as he continues to embark on a 28-city summer tour. After going public with the IBM diagnosis in 2019, Frampton consequently announced his touring retirement and completed a “Farewell Tour;” however, four years later, Frampton is now on the road again with his appropriately titled “Never Say Never Tour.”
The solo headlining show visited Huber Heights last night, this the tour’s second date, and the 73-year-old guitar hero never missed a lick. Although entering with a cane and remaining seated, Frampton’s perseverance and confidence shined throughout the nearly two-and-a-half-hour set.
“I was playing a TV show last year and I thought I didn’t sound too bad, even with this thing, you know with the fingers,” said Frampton to the crowd. “Just in January I said to my manager, let’s start a tour in June… well, usually it takes a year to plan a tour, but we pulled it off… never say never,” smiled Frampton.
Taking the packed venue of mostly baby boomers back in time to the 70’s and 80’s, fans were treated to a lengthy set list well into the warm night, including “All I Wanna Be (Is By Your Side),” “Baby, I Love Your Way,” and “Do You Feel Like We Do.”
Most songs were fueled with impressive improvised guitar solos and blissful extended jams that tied in with every instrument. Adding to the lyrics of “Show Me The Way,” Frampton sang: “I can’t believe this is happening to me… right here, tonight.”
Paying homage to his Humble Pie roots, the legendary British guitarist also performed “I Don’t Need No Doctor,” “Shine On,” and “I Want You To Love Me.”
The crowd also enjoyed hearing a few instrumental cover songs, including a tribute to Chris Cornell with “Black Hole Sun.” Towards the version’s close Frampton used his famous talkbox—making a portion of the song sound like Daft Punk. “He was so great,” said Frampton, after reflecting on his time once spent performing the song alongside Cornell.
Frampton thanked the audience throughout the set and he gave everyone a compliment, saying all the smiles he sees when looking up made him feel relaxed while performing.
Celebrating five decades, there will be a limited edition vinyl reissue box set titled Frampton@50 releasing next month.
The Never Say Never Tour continues through late August.
PETER FRAMPTON (click photos to enlarge)
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