For decades, Peter Frampton has garnered respect from music legends like David Bowie and Roger Daltrey. However, it wasn’t until recently that he truly felt acknowledged as a significant musical artist.

Although it took time for his recognition to blossom, particularly over the last twenty years, it appears that this seasoned singer-songwriter is finally reaping the rewards of his artistic contributions, especially as a remarkable guitarist.

“Reaching this pivotal moment in my career has been incredibly fulfilling,” he shares with UCR. “Honestly, it might never have come to pass if I had chosen to give up. But that’s just not in my nature.”

After his 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction, Frampton radiates enthusiasm. This milestone culminated in a year filled with sold-out concerts and rave reviews. During his time off from touring, he has been diligently crafting new music. He conversed with UCR to reflect on the remarkable events of the past year and his unforgettable experience at the Rock Hall ceremonies.

What did it mean to you to have Roger Daltrey deliver the induction speech in your honor?
Having Roger Daltrey give that speech was incredibly special. My very first significant performance was supporting The Who, so it felt entirely fitting. Roger has known me since the very start of my career, and he witnessed all the chaos surrounding Keith Moon and John Entwistle. It was like attending a rock and roll college for me, filled with invaluable lessons. I genuinely adore Roger; he has always been a kind-hearted person who hasn’t changed a bit.

Peter Frampton Reflects on His Rock Hall Induction

Your comparison of this experience to rock and roll college makes me curious about your early touring experiences. What was the moment you began to discover your identity in this chaotic world?
The experience with The Herd was exhilarating. We quickly achieved three Top 10 hits, and suddenly we were a teenybopper sensation, even though that wasn’t our intent. It was with Humble Pie that I truly found my footing as a guitarist. I was tasked to embrace my role fully. During that period, I developed my unique style, merging the melodic influences of jazz with the raw energy of rock and blues. I took inspiration from artists like Wes Montgomery and Django Reinhardt. That creative phase with Humble Pie was the most exhilarating time of my life.

It’s interesting to think about you and Roger as doppelgängers in a way. Have you heard his story about being chased through the airport by fans who mistook him for you?
Yes, I had heard a similar story. One time, he was at a restaurant when two girls approached him, asking for his autograph on a piece of paper marked Roger Daltrey. They insisted that he was Peter Frampton. In response, he humorously said he rushed to the barber to cut his hair. We were quite similar back then, especially with that iconic hairstyle he sported in Tommy. I hadn’t heard about him being chased, but that was hilarious!

READ MORE: Pete Townshend Asked Peter Frampton to Replace Him in The Who

The intense adoration of fans is reminiscent of Beatlemania. How did you prepare for that overwhelming attention when it came your way, especially considering the contrasting experiences between your early days and the success of Frampton Comes Alive?
Indeed, the experience was quite different. During my time with The Herd, we faced relentless screaming fans, primarily because we were young and had catchy pop songs. However, in Humble Pie, we were not seeking that kind of attention. I remember doing Top of the Pops and feeling overwhelmed, prompting us to head to America, where we were virtually unknown. After departing from Humble Pie and launching my solo career, my fifth album propelled me into the stratosphere. It felt like I was strapped to a rocket, as Cameron Crowe eloquently described. Although there was adoration as a musician, it often felt like a return to the teenybopper status, which was disappointing. Thankfully, I no longer resemble that youthful image, so the screaming fans have subsided. [Laughs]

However, the disheartening aspect was that the attention was more superficial, focusing on my appearance rather than my musicianship. It took time for me to reconcile that shift, leading to my personal struggles. Ultimately, it was a necessary journey to rebuild myself from the ground up. This time around, I am committed to not repeating past mistakes. Fortunately, with the support of legends like David Bowie and many others, I have regained the respect that I have always desired as a genuine musician, which has always been my true passion.

Your career trajectory has been a fascinating journey to witness.
Thank you! It’s incredibly rewarding to have reached this stage. Honestly, it may not have happened if I had chosen to quit, but resilience is part of my character. Experiencing the humiliation of going from the pinnacle of stardom to being overlooked was tough. I remember attending events where certain artists didn’t want to be photographed with me. That realization was deeply painful.

READ MORE: Top 10 Peter Frampton Songs

Performing alongside Keith Urban during the Rock Hall festivities was a highlight. How did your friendship with Keith begin?
I first met him when I relocated to Nashville in the 1990s. After a brief hiatus, we were managed by the same company, which led to our collaboration. Although we never completed a song together, we had a fantastic time and developed a great friendship that has lasted ever since. I’ve watched him rise to incredible heights in the music industry. He is not only a lovely person but also an exceptionally talented musician and songwriter. Having him perform with me during the inductions was a true joy, showcasing our mutual respect. Adapting “Do You Feel Like We Do” from its 18-minute live rendition to just seven-and-a-half minutes was quite the challenge, but it was exhilarating!

Watch Peter Frampton and Keith Urban Perform ‘Do You Feel Like We Do’

Your history with David Bowie is remarkable. How did collaborating with him influence your own musical journey?
Working with David Bowie was incredibly inspiring. I had faced numerous challenges in the 1980s, feeling somewhat stagnant. His involvement reignited my passion and provided me with a fresh starting point in my career. I think he recognized my potential before I did. Being on stage with him after so many years was a dream come true. His decision to include me in two significant projects, both the record and the tour, was a game-changer. He always envisioned me as a passionate guitar player, despite the misconceptions surrounding my identity. It’s humbling to know that he chose me over countless other talented guitarists, like Stevie Ray Vaughan. I am forever grateful for that opportunity.

READ MORE: Peter Frampton Didn’t Realize How Much David Bowie Helped Him

You have had incredible moments throughout your career, such as Glyn Johns inviting you to play on a Small Faces track, leading to future collaborations. How significant are these crossover moments?
In England, especially before my move to the U.S., the music scene felt both small and expansive. We were all part of a tight-knit community in London, sharing clubs and studios. Once you entered that circle, opportunities for collaborations and new bands flourished. The British music scene thrived during that time, resembling the essence of the Seattle grunge movement. We constantly encountered talented musicians and songwriters, fostering a rich creative environment. [Laughs]

Do you have any memorable stories from your time sharing the stage with ZZ Top?
When we opened for ZZ Top, it was unforgettable! There was even a bison that appeared on stage. [Laughs]

The Worldwide Texas Tour, right?
Exactly! It felt like we were performing in a circus or something. Despite the unexpected surprises, I have always been a massive ZZ Top fan, so sharing the stage with them was a dream come true.

What’s new with your music? Any exciting projects in the pipeline?
I’ve recently recorded a vocal track for a new song in my music room. Creativity is flowing rapidly now. If the events of 2024 haven’t inspired me, I don’t know what will! Each night, after everyone has settled down, I grab my acoustic or electric guitar and jam, recording everything. In the morning, I review what I created, often discovering a catchy riff, chord progression, or lyrical idea. My creative process is non-stop right now.