He is known the world over for his iconic music and sensational skills as a guitarist, but Peter Frampton is about to call time on his career as a performer after being diagnosed with a rare degenerative muscular disease.
Frampton, who rose to fame as one quarter of British band The Herd when he was just 16, announced the devastating news on CBS This Morning in the United States on Saturday, revealing he is living with inclusion body myositis.
The ‘Baby I Love Your Way’ hitmaker revealed that his upcoming US tour will mark the end of his career on stage as the disease, which causes muscles to weaken slowly, will ultimately leave him unable to play the guitar.
“What will happen, unfortunately, is that it affects the finger flexors,” he said. “That’s the first telltale sign is the flexors, you know. So for a guitar player, it’s not very good.”
The Grammy-winning guitarist added: “Going upstairs and downstairs is the hardest thing for me. I’m going to have to get a cane.”
In case you missed it this morning, you can see the reason for my Farewell Tour here: https://t.co/D8ArrEroRC. I want you to hear it from me!
— Peter Frampton (@peterframpton) February 23, 2019
The musician, who went to school with David Bowie in Bromley, Kent, was named ‘The Face of 1968’ by British teen magazine Rave and went on to work with a plethora of huge stars including Ringo Starr, David Bowie and Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready.
He revealed he was diagnosed around three and a half years ago after he fell on stage, adding that the disease has progressed gradually ever since, however the effects began to speed up last year.
In a bid to continue his musical legacy for as long as possible, Frampton revealed he has been furiously writing and recording, having laid down more than 30 new tracks over the past six months.
Well-wishers sent messages of support to the 1960s star on social media, with one fan writing: “I wish you all the best going forward to you and your family, your music will always touch our souls!”
Another said: “Godspeed Peter, thoughts are with you and your family. Thank you for the musical memories and your contributions.”
While a third commented: “Much love and prayers to you! Love that you are raising funds for research. My 18 year old daughter was diagnosed 20 months ago and is also treated at Hopkins. We are so blessed to be so close to such great care. Thank You for bringing awareness to this incurable disease.”
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