Peter and the Doobies

Prior to this show, I was wondering which would be the headline act.

I have developed huge admiration for Peter Frampton since relocating to the States in 2000 from the UK, but of course I’ve always been aware of the Doobie Brothers, who were the first band I ever saw here in the States.

It’s just a personal thing, though. I had probably seen Mr. Frampton live about four times before this occasion, and the Doobies just that one other time, so right there I wanted Frampton to top the bill. But it didn’t happen that way.

We arrived at the show a little late due to traffic and by the time we got to our seats Frampton had finished his first song. From there, he launched into "Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I’m Yours" followed by "Lines On My Face." Great start to the show and already and I’m wondering why he’s not headlining!

He then talks about his appearance on the Letterman show, and how the Foo Fighters were guests on that same show and jammed with him on the next song. He says, 'See if you know it,' as we hear the opening strains of "Show Me The Way." It was fantastic, and he’s playing his trademark Les Paul guitars better than ever!

He then says he’d like to play a couple of tracks off last year's Fingerprints album. The first he introduces as, 'A track ["Boot It Up"] that was penned by my old friend here, [bassist] John Regan.' Then they played the instrumental version of the Soundgarden track "Black Hole Sun," also from Fingerprints. Again, great guitar work from the maestro.

He then goes through introducing the band, before wrapping the song up and closing the set. Opening act or not, Peter Frampton is not leaving without one more!

George Harrison's "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," which he covered on his 2003 release, the overlooked Now album, closes the set.

Once more a Frampton performance leaves me in no doubt that he is still a truly awesome talent who is only getting better with age. See you next year, Peter, but play it as a headline act!

Note to aspiring rock guitar players or experienced players who have not seen Peter live: do yourselves a favor, catch him live first, THEN buy the albums!

They opened with "Dangerous" and I could not believe what a great clear, full sound they had! Two drummers, three guitarists, sax, bass and keyboards: an eight- piece band that was playing 110% with a truly phenomenal, clear sound mix.

Throughout the night I was blown away by the powerful jamming of Pat Simmons. You look at the guy and you just don’t expect this skinny, older guy to be riffing the way he was. His guitar sound was so powerful!

Listen, if you’re out there thinking, 'Doobie Brothers? Nah, not interested in that boring old southern style blues type rock,' you’d be making a big mistake by NOT checking them out. I admit, that was kind of my thought, too, but these guys were well worth their heritage. They are a totally great live act that I will be looking to see again. But, guys, don’t go out with Peter next year, you both need longer headline sets!

Of course, they weren’t done yet, and we still got "Black Water" and then "Long Train Runnin'" closed the set. But you knew there was at least one more special song we had to hear and, sure enough, they came back out to give us "China Grove" then something I’m guessing that’s a newer number that I didn't recognize, before closing with "Listen To The Music."

Thanks, guys. See you both back again next summer and if you want to release another live album, this tour would be a great one to take the music from! A WOW night without doubt!