By Faith Luevanos | Special to the Newport Beach Indy
On October 15, the Newport Beach Film Festival showcased the film “Frampton” as its opening night film, a documentary commemorating the 50th anniversary of Peter Frampton’s famed live album, ‘Frampton Comes Alive!,”
The film is directed by Frampton’s longtime bandleader, Rob Arthur, who co-wrote it with Rob Chapman. I was never introduced to Frampton when I was growing up, so I went into this film completely blind. I thought it was beautiful to learn about his story from his early days in bands like The Herd and Humble Pie, and how those bands were essential milestones in the path that led to his later success.
Few artists have experienced the highs, heartbreaks, and unexpected turns of rock stardom quite like Frampton. The documentary explores the life and legacy of the legendary guitarist, tracing his evolution from a teenage prodigy to an internationally celebrated musician.
His groundbreaking live album “Frampton Comes Alive!” became one of the best-selling records of all time, defining an era of rock music with his unmistakable guitar tone and signature talk box. Reaching beyond the music, the film offers a closer look at the person behind the iconic sound, highlighting the triumphs and challenges that shaped his remarkable career.
Recounts of his life were told from his own perspective, as well as from other greats he left a mark on along the way. Guests like Ringo Starr, Sheryl Crow, Tom Morello, Kate Hudson, and Alice Cooper were just a handful of the people who joined the documentary, eager to share their experiences with Frampton that changed their lives for the better.
Frampton confronts his diagnosis of IBM, a progressive muscle disease that threatens his ability to perform. As he navigates the uncertainty of his final chapter, the film becomes a testament to resilience, legacy, and the everlasting connection between an artist and his craft.
More than a celebration of a crucial piece of rock history, Frampton is an intimate look into the idea of a musician determined to keep on performing while discovering meaning in the music and relationships that have carried him through every chapter in his life.
Visit https://www.framptonfilm.com for more information and screening dates.
