Frampton performs alongside Timmons in tribute to his childhood hero
Renowned guitarist Andy Timmons has recorded a tribute to his childhood hero Peter Frampton called “The Boy From Beckenham.” Timmons wrote the song for Frampton, but it became a collaboration after Frampton heard it.
“I grew up on ‘70s rock and was very fortunate that my brother John (eight years my elder) was buying all of Peter Frampton’s records from Humble Pie forward,” shares Timmons. “Those LPs, particularly Frampton and of course the insanely great Frampton Comes Alive are a huge part of my musical foundation. Peter has a singular style and melodic sensibility that flows through his guitar playing, singing and songwriting. Fast forward to Sept 2019 when I saw Peter play a show in Dallas (my former ATB bandmate Dan Wojciechowski has been playing drums with Peter since 2007). I was so moved by the show that I went home and wrote a song as a tribute to Peter and titled it ‘The Boy From Beckenham,’ named for the town where he grew up. I tried to imbue some of the essence of Peter’s melodic instincts and chord movement into the composition. The song sat for a while until I conducted a recording workshop at the studios at Sweetwater in September 2022. I recorded the entire song except for the solo thinking I would complete it later. I then saw Peter in July 2023 and somehow got the courage to ask him to play on it. I was quite hesitant as I knew of the issues he is dealing with from having Myositis. I was quite inspired (and relieved!) that he heartily agreed to record the solo. He put a lot of time and care into the recording and his solo has all the hallmarks of what makes Peter so unique: amazing tone, beautiful note choices, and a jazz sensibility that blends chromaticism and melodic voice leading of the highest order. Even in the face of adversity he still plays with complete joy and positive intent.”
Frampton adds, “I’m honored Andy asked me to be part of this great new track of his. Apparently, It’s about some other guitarist who came from Beckenham, UK? 🤭Thanks Andy I had so much fun doing this.”
Timmons continues, “Inspired. Joyous. Driven. Inventive. Determined. Thankful. Funny. So many words and emotions come to mind when I see Peter Frampton do what he LOVES to do. Easily one of the greatest guitarists I’ve ever seen. Despite incredible adversity, he plays with more intent, love, joy and wonder than anybody. I hope everyone who sees and hears this song or video connects with the music and feels the impact of how special he is from the archival footage as well as his outstanding modern-day playing shared within one of the most meaningful recordings to me personally I’ve ever created.”
Timmons is one of the most respected players in the guitar community. Primarily known for his groundbreaking instrumental records such as his remake of the Beatles’ classic Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band and the 2006 album, Resolution, both released on Steve Vai’s Favored Nations imprint.
Timmons first splashed internationally in the late ‘80s with Epic recording artists Danger Danger, selling over a million records worldwide and touring with Kiss and Alice Cooper. Fortunately for Andy, when the “hair-band” era was waning, he pursued his career as a session guitarist and released records as a solo artist. Much more than just a “rock guitarist” he has also worked extensively Olivia Newton-John as guitarist and music director for 15 years, legendary fusion drummer Simon Phillips, and Kip Winger.
