Concert Review: Peter Frampton on August 26, 2007

by Rick Landers.

Recent Grammy award winner Peter Frampton pulled out the stops on August 26, 2007, at the Loudoun Summer Music Fest at the Belmont Country Club in Ashburn, Virginia, but don’t let the country club part of this gig have you thinking that this was some stuffed-shirt event.

Not even close!

It was a community mini-festival with folks showing up from the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia to listen to some superbly crafted guitar licks coupled with professional showmanship. Nearly 2,000 fans showed up with their blankets and folding chairs and kids in tow, allowing Frampton to take them back to the ‘70s and fast forward them to where his music stands today.

Sharing the stage with bandmates Rob Arthur (keyboards, guitar and backing vocals), John Regan (bass), Audley Freed (guitar), and Noah Levy (drums), Frampton and crew cranked out hits from his six-time platinum 1976 double-LP live album Frampton Comes Alive. Peter loaded up with “Show me the Way,” “Do You Feel Like We Do” and threw in the "talk box" effect. He also punched out several tracks from his superb 2006 CD Fingerprints that earned a 2007 Grammy for Best Pop Instrumental Album.

The British rocker skillfully reeled in the crowd with an explosive version of Soundgarden’s “Black Hole Sun” that had him burning up the rails of his Gibson Les Paul. Not only does he have great technical ability, his timing and melodic riffs are spirited and beautifully executed.

As much as Peter charmed the crowd, it was clear that he was feeding off of his fans' adoration. He smiled throughout the night while they kept him pumped with their infectious enthusiasm, singalongs and long, standing ovations.

Photo Gallery

Peter Frampton performing on August 26, 2007, at the Loudoun Summer Music Fest at the Belmont Country Club in Asburn, Virginia. Photo by Mike Davis.

Peter Frampton performing on August 26, 2007, at the Loudoun Summer Music Fest at the Belmont Country Club in Asburn, Virginia. Photo by Mike Davis.

Peter Frampton performing on August 26, 2007, at the Loudoun Summer Music Fest at the Belmont Country Club in Asburn, Virginia. Photo by Rick Landers.

Peter Frampton performing on August 26, 2007, at the Loudoun Summer Music Fest at the Belmont Country Club in Asburn, Virginia. Photo by Mike Davis.

L-R: Noah Levy (drums); John Regan (bass); Peter Frampton; Rob Arthur (keyboards, guitar and backing vocals); and, Audley Freed (guitar). Photo by Mike Davis.

Related Links
Peter Frampton
Mike Davis Photography