Peter Frampton, “Frampton Forgets the Words.”

While it’s pretty much obvious that society is being devoured by technology as every aspect of our lives is digitized and commodified, the internet has actually offered lots of new ways for fans to connect with the artists they love—particularly during the most recent plague. Case in point, ’70s arena rocker Peter Frampton, who has a rare muscular disease, is releasing an album of instrumental covers of some of his favorite songs. Frampton Forgets the Words allows fans a glimpse into his life during lockdown, both in terms of some of his choices for his favorite songs, and also through the videos released for the album’s singles.

In true 2020s fashion, the video for the album’s first single, a cover of George Harrison’s “Isn’t It a Pity,” tells the story of the cancelation of Frampton’s European farewell tour, as well as his search for something to fill his time in lockdown. The video weaves together tour footage with some wonderfully campy recreations.

Of course, the selection of Harrison’s sweet acoustic folk song from his 1970 album All Things Must Pass, is on the nose like a kick between the eyes. The worldwide COVID-19 shutdown, the subsequent loss of life, of shuttering of art, of commerce, is a pity. And the impending loss of a guitar legend to a disease that will slowly rob him of control over the very fingers he uses to express himself, well that’s a pity too. And the notion that “all things must pass,” is poor compensation, frankly.

The tender and emotional phrasing of Harrison’s original lyrics provide a melody so lush and evocative that Frampton is able to “sing” it with his guitar. Far more than just a blues solo over the song’s chord changes, Frampton gives voice to the song’s equal measure of sadness and hope.

These slower covers, including Roxy Music’s “Avalon” and David Bowie’s “Loving the Alien,” serve as better springboards for Frampton’s emotional guitar renditions than the harder-rocking material on the album, most notably Lenny Kravitz’s “Are You Gonna Go My Way,” which feels a little too much like just a normal cover with Frampton providing a pretty straight version of the vocal melody. It’s a little like listening to Kurt Cobain’s solo in “Smells Like Teenage Spirit,” during which he simply rehashes the song’s main melody line.

Frampton Forgets the Words also features the guitarist’s legendary 1954 Les Paul Phenix, which was lost in a plane crash 40 years ago and returned to Frampton more than 30 years later. The storied black, three-pickup Les Paul is featured on Bowie’s “Loving the Alien,” Roxy Music’s “Avalon,” and Radiohead’s “Reckoning.”

Frampton’s latest collection of covers follows up his 2006 album Fingerprints, which also featured instrumental covers of songs, including “Black Hole Sun” by Soundgarden. His previous album was 2019’s All Blues. While there’s little chance an up-and-coming artist could get any label interested in releasing an album of instrumental covers, in this decade aging superstars can release small pet projects like this, throwing a bone to their fans and effectively creating a sense of community.

Frampton Forgets the Words provides a poignant snapshot of an artist reaching the end of his career, perhaps losing his ability to play in the future, but who still feels creative, even as the world is falling apart all around him. Fans are sure to see the value in this intimate missive from a master. Those new to Frampton should check out Frampton Comes Alive, one of the best-selling albums of all time, and a testament to Frampton reaching superstar status.

Follow writer David Gill at Instagram/songotaku.