Peter Frampton is staying positive despite being diagnosed with a rare degenerative condition that affects his ability to play guitar.
Frampton was diagnosed with Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM), a rare and progressive muscle disease.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, it’s “characterized by slow, painless muscle weakening and inflammation and primarily damages the fingers, wrists, and quadriceps.” There is no cure, but physical therapy can help delay the onset of symptoms.
“I’m a very positive person. I know the endgame, but it doesn’t bother me,” Frampton explained, noting that he’s “learned” to change his life by using a cane and grabber tools around the house.
He’s also had to “change the way” he plays guitar, telling us, “It is a challenge, and I’m always up for a challenge.”
The Grammy winner shared that the disease has transformed his outlook on life, making him realize that just like him, everyone is “fighting a battle” and “everybody’s going through” something.
“It just made me realize that kindness is the most important thing,” he continued, “because when you meet someone that you know or don’t know, you have no idea what’s going on in their life or in their body or whatever. So I just decided that I’m going to concentrate on kindness.”
Despite his illness, Frampton wrapped up a tour last year and released his 19th solo studio album, “Carry The Light,” on May 15. The record is co-written and produced with his son, Julian, and features guest appearances from Sheryl Crow, H.E.R., Tom Morello and Graham Nash.
Frampton is also celebrating the new documentary, “Frampton,” which premieres Thursday evening at the Tribeca Festival. The engrossing film, directed by Frampton’s own longtime bandleader Rob Arthur, features rare archival footage, candid interviews, and, of course, incredible concert moments.
Fifty years ago, the double album “Frampton Comes Alive” was released, spawning hit singles and becoming one of the best-selling live albums ever, with over seven million copies sold.
Amazingly, his career got back on track when he played guitar on an old friend’s tour: David Bowie’s 1987 “Glass Spider Tour.”
The two first met in school when Bowie, then known as David Jones, was learning about art by Frampton’s father.
Frampton clearly remembers seeing a very young Bowie playing saxophone and singing in a band, and asking his father about him.
“He said, ‘Oh, that’s Jones, he’s very creative,’” Frampton’s father told him. “And then from that point on, I went to the school the next year and at [our] first lunch time I made a beeline for Dave. We’ve been friends ever since.”
Bowie sadly died on Jan. 10, 2026, following a private battle with cancer. He was 69.
Frampton’s movie also reveals the close bond Frampton shares with his three children: Julian (whom he works with), Jade and Mia. The latter had a memorable cameo in the hit movie “Bridesmaids,” portraying the teen who has a lengthy and hilarious back-and-forth with star Kristen Wiig.
“As with all my children, I’m very lucky,” Frampton gushed. “We have a great relationship, all of us.”
