Why Peter Frampton Continues to Show Me the Way

On his “Let’s Do It Again” tour, which landed in Phoenix in June, my husband, Rich, and I watched in shock and sadness as the rocker needed a cane to make his way to his seat on stage. Where was that signature red mane and why did he look so old?

A quick Google search told us that he has a rare, progressive neurologic disorder, inclusion body myositis (IBM), that causes inflammation and weakens muscles – muscles like guitar-playing arms and hands and fingers. But after we got past our horror about this awful condition that was trying to rob this lovely man of a gift that has brought so much joy to the world, we realized he wasn’t sad at all. He was having a blast up there on stage. In fact, the love for his craft filled the auditorium.

And that’s when I realized his tour is as much about inspiration and leadership as it is about the music. Here’s how Peter Frampton continues to “Show Me the Way.”

He Chooses to Live Fully

For a good part of his life, Frampton has been making music, touring the world and connecting with his fans. At 75 years old, with a debilitating disease, he is making music, touring the world and connecting with his fans. Right now, he is working on a new album with his son, Julian, slated for release in January.

He is Living his Passion

Was it just me or did he look like he was genuinely having the time of his life, playing his many guitars, enjoying the other musicians and engaging with the audience. You can tell when a performer is just going through the motions to get through another stop. He clearly was not.

He Surrounds Himself with Talented People and Allows Them to Shine

To me, that is the hallmark of true confidence and generosity: sharing the spotlight with younger and lesser-known individuals who may well or may soon be able to out-perform you!

He Inspires Others by Working Hard and Laughing a Lot

According to The Myositis Association, Frampton exercises six days a week to push back against the progressive disease. “His courage and good humor have been an incredibly energizing force,” said TMA Executive Director Paula Eichenbrenner, according to an article posted on myositis.org.

He is Driven by Kindness

At the end of the performance, he talked about his illness, noting that we are all fighting something. This inclusion body myositis just happens to be his “something.” During his acceptance speech at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony last October and on his tour, he spoke about his diagnosis and how it made him appreciate life more and want to promote the importance of kindness. “Kindness is king!” he says.

When we recognize that we are all battling something, we can think of Frampton and choose to show up like a rock star by pouring out our talent for others, leading with kindness and choosing to live our best life. So, when Peter Frampton gets up on stage and asks, “Do You Feel Like I Do?” we can honestly scream back, “YES!” FBN

By Bonnie Stevens, FBN

Bonnie Stevens is the editor of FBN. She is a career journalist and public relations consultant. She can be reached at bonnie.stevens@gmail.com.