Still love his guts!

I graduated in 76'. You could not go anywhere, any party, walk through any apartment complex on a Friday or Saturday evening without hearing his "Frampton Comes Alive" album emanating from someone's apartment.

Peter Frampton a story of giving back. I'm a sound engineer, that worked at a casino in Canada. Peter was playing two nights in the show room. One of the cooks that worked there has a daughter with amazing guitar skills. She asked the house engineer what time sound check on the first day was . That day her daughter waited near the elevators, when Peter got on so did she. She said hi and presented Peter with a recording of her playing. Just before show time, low and behold there she is side of stage. Peters touring engineer set up an, IEM mix for her. She watched the show and got comfortable with the IEM. The next day sound check, there she is with her guitar. That night Peter told the story of her jumping on the elevator and giving him the recording. Commenting that he was doing the same thing, when he was trying to get a foot in the door. She came out and played two songs with Peter and ripped a couple of solos to standing ovations. What a great guy never forgetting where it starts. Thank you Peter, one of the great memories, in my 30 year in the business.

Peter Frampton is another world treasure. He’s been going through some medical problems as of late; I hope he overcomes them so that he can continue playing.

Frampton was red-hot when I was 14-15 years old. My best friend and I knew every note on Frampton Comes Alive. What a positive and beautiful soundtrack for two summers

Peter smiling and positive as always. What a great person, musician and performer.

Peter Drake was an absolute legend even when he just plays lay lady lay so effortlessly it just sound absolutely insane

Glad to see Bob Heil gets credit for PF's talk box sound. Bob Heil is an amazing innovator when it comes to sound production. Plus he's a HAM Radio guy which is another plus for me.

Frampton! Simply put...the worlds truly a better place with him in it! So appreciate his commitment to authenticity! Very much seems like a man that DIDN'T sell his soul!!!

Love him so much to this day … that smile is everything . He deserves hall of fame over so many others who have gotten the honor

Pete Drake is my cousin it's cool to see video of him.

I knew Pete Drake personally, and he showed me how to play a few things on the pedal steel guitar many years ago. I also knew his wife, Rose. You can actually make one of these talk boxes from an inverted horn driver. I have a home-made one for the 70's. I am also a big fan of Peter Frampton. Unfortunately, I never had the honor and pleasure to meet him. Maybe someday??? "Show me the way" :)

I like Peter Frampton when he was with humble pie

When Frampton Comes Alive! came out in 1976, every band playing high school dances had to learn all of those tunes. I couldn't afford the Heil Sound version of the talk box, so I made my own out of a piece of plastic tubing from the local hardware store, and a 15-watt horn from Radio Shack; the whole outfit probably cost me $20.

I love how anyone that's ever met George Harrison does a perfect impression of him

Excellent Presentation. Peter Frampton is such a humble soul, salt of the earth. ♡

I've seen Peter in Frampton a couple times. Sounds great live.

He is so nice. I had a crush on Peter Frampton when I was a kid.

Pete didn’t give Frampton the talk box but he definitely Showed Him The Way! 🎸🤖

Saw Frampton and Bowie together in 1987. Best guitar player I saw live. Never saw many dead ones.

The first time I heard a Talk Box live (a Bob Heil one) was Joe Walsh & Barnstorm, 1974 at Winterland, San Francisco. At the time I didn't realize anyone else could hear it... I just thought it was the LSD I had taken.

Peter Framton is one of the greatest players ever in my book changed my life

Framptom is such a master with that talk box, great troubadour n humble to boot! Thank you Peter for all of great music, n song writings god bless you!

We will always love you Peter. You got a lot of us through the 70's!

Peter is such a class act. Got that double live album when I was 15 and played it till the needle wore out. Wish I could have seen his show once.

I’ve been seeing several vids lately of Frampton sitting for interviews.. quite a few different ones actually and most seem like they were filmed during the last 5 or 8 years I think. A man of his talent and success in his field could easily sit back, refuse interviews, and surround himself with only the elite. A really big thumbs up to him for remaining so humble, approachable, and also so supportive of others. I get the sense that he would not have hesitated to give credit had he been given a talk box.

Still one of my favorite albums. Frampton comes alive!

Well this is mindblowing!!!! We grew up playing Peter Frampton songs, and yeah, we were blown away by the talk box. I've got to do some Pete Drake homework!!!! Thank you Joe!

Very cool. In 1975 I worked for Bob Heil and built talk boxes and mixers. 10 years later I was a staff writer for the Tillis folks... in Pete's old building and studio. Loved this, Joe... Thanks.

Bob Heil in an interview said he made one for Joe Walsh for Rocky Mountain Way then Peter Got one

I've heard a bunch of those station id's in the 60's. Never knew Pete was the performer on them, but I did know about his box because "Forever" was a hit and I liked it.

I can’t get enough of these behind the scenes stories. Thank you for the video. Love Peter Frampton too.

Saw an interview w/ Jeff Beck and refers to this effect, and Framptons taking it to a whole nother' level, in a respectable jealous tone of voice.

Bob Heil has produced affordable high quality microphones and accessories for years. Not only does he produce microphones for the entertainment industry he is also known for the same quality microphones for the Amature radio community. From what I have learned is that Bob no longer makes the Talk Box but I am looking at various plans on the Internet to make one from scratch. Man this video brings back great memories from the seventies. Love that music!

Bob Heil is the inventor of the “Talk Box” and that has been recognized by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame who had inducted him into it for that invention. Bob is a brilliant and multi-talented person. His electronic knowledge extends through amateur radio, and I have talked with him on 2 meters. He is a very friendly and kind man.

Saw Peter with Ringo. Peter stole the show. Nice genuine humble guy. I spoke to him on a radio call in.

Peter Frampton made the talk box noticed, he was already a well known and super talented musician!

My father knew Bob Heil and we used to go to his music store in Marisa, ILLINOIS. My dad was a Corvette design engineer and Bob wanted to know about fiberglass. Ye Olde Music was the name of the store, seemingly in the middle of nowhere in this small town. Always loved the way Pete Drake’s steel guitar blended with the organ in George’s song Behind That Locked Door (written for Mr Dylan). I met George when I was a kid, he seemed like the ultimate hippie to me.

Enjoyed this so much Joe, Thnx, Yes remember seeing the clip from an earlier show, that Lay Lady Lady piece. Perfect and a nice guy Peter Frampton

Frampton comes alive was my first concert and I went with my son 35yers later when he did The Frampton comes alive 35 tour. I still have both tickets . Best time's of my life

In 1974 I used my Mini Moog synthesizer through a Talk Box for the Jobriath recording of Weightless Love. I still have the first original unit made out of wood. It's in perfect condition.

Almost forgot... One of the first vinyl albums I ever owned was Peter Frampton Live. Great memories of my childhood and the eclectic collection of music my Mom and I shared. (my Dad wanted nothing to do with that “Crazy Rock & Roll” noise... 🤣) Thank you Mr. Chambers!!

Peter Frampton is on tour once again ❗ don't miss your chance to see him LIVE..... He is performing in Windsor Ontario Canada March 16th 2024 and then throughout the USA afterwards. Probably the best guitarist that ever lived. I saw him live back in 2011 when we lived in the USA and it was definitely the highlight of my 5 years living in the states.

Frampton is an awesome and underrated guitarist.

Talk box didn't make Frampton famous. It was his ability to play and sing! The talk box was just a gimmick.

Like many in amateur audio recording and Ham Radio, I know Bob Heil. He's a very accomplished theater organist, radio amateur operator, super electronics engineer and all around super decent guy. Before COVID he was was holding court at all of the amateur radio Hamfests like Dayton and Orlando. Bob treated everyone like an old friend. I can see how Peter's eye light up talking about him. Same effect it has on Joe Walsh. I hope to see Bob at Dayton this year.

What a sympatic guy Peter Frampton is!

fantastic story behind an iconic sound in rock history - thank you so much for making and posting!

Interesting seeing both versions. Also the photo that accompanies the George Harrison story.

I remember the 70s rock radio and Frampton comes alive. What a great album. Peter Frampton is a great musician, i would love having opportunity to meet him. Great VID THANKS

Besides the talk box, I also think there are other under utilized effects and instrument, such as the Eventide Harmonizer (Boston used it magnificently), Jimi's Octavia and a good clean octave divider that tracks well could still be amazing today. The Hohner D5/7 Clavinet barely made it out of the 70's with Stevie Wonder, Billy Preston and Boston. Lots of room for it in today's music IMHO. And lastly... who thought it would be a good idea to lose the Hammond B3 and Leslie? Another instrument we don't hear enough of in most new music. I'm a dreamer, I guess

I met Bob Heil back in the nineties. He was doing Home theaters at the time. We were at Satellite convention and he told me personally that he was the one that built the Heil Talk box for Peter Frampton. He also told me that he went to Peter’s wedding. He told a lot of things about Peter, his wreck and how he almost lost his arm. So Peter’s version is the true one.

Thanks for this and many others video.

I watched a television program, it may have been Austin City Limits, where Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, and Roy Clark made their instruments speak without a Talk Box, just pure playing skill !

Glad you gave Bob Heil credit... Thank You...

Went to see Robin Trower open for Frampton years ago. Frampton absolutely blew me away. The tone. The ability. The vocals. The positive energy he gave off was infectious. Just the greatest concert. Bless him. I wish him well with his health. I adore him. He seems so nice

Peter Frampton was the first concert I ever went to at 16 years old. I still vividly remember it. The Los Angeles Forum, 1976.

Whoever Invented it, Job well done,... I heard it for the 1st time in 1969... Sly & The Family Stone - Sex Machine.

Wether Peter Frampton got a freebie or not is a funny twist but I was majorly impressed by the guy doing his talk box thing with his pedal steel. Superb !

Loved Peter Frampton since Humble Pie days and still do

Heil sound was one town over I was lucky enough to talk to Bob Heil myself as a child my stepdad was friends with him.

Love it!! Thank you for letting us decide. These sort of things happen. mVm

Another great post Mr Chambers👍 I'ma have to go with Peter on this one only because him and I share the same birthday lol

Saw him around 20 years ago, great show and Bob Mayo was playing.

I really enjoyed this. Saw Frampton LIVE at Celebrity Theatre about 10-12 years ago. He had such an attentive guitar tech it was a different guitar after nearly every song. He put on an excellent show and is very comfortable with what his older fans want to hear. And GOLLY, just how great was that Pete Drake “Lay Lady Lay” ? Made my day !! Always been curious as to who made the “Golden Throat Mouth Tube” advertised in Rolling Stone magazine in the 70’s.

This is a wonderful story! Love getting the detail and history.

Stevie Wonder had the first one and gave it to Jeff Beck when Beck was covering Wonder's composition "Very Superstitious". Later Joe Walsh acquired one which he used on the song Rocky Mountain Way. By then they were commercially available and Frampton began using one.

Who can forget Frampton comes alive! Wore that record out....got the double casette and ultimately the CD. 1976 that tour came to Detroit....wow! Great show, what a time for music.

I was in the army in 1976 when Frampton's live album came out, I had just bought my first car and got a cheap 35 dollar 8 track player from sears. I bought the 8 track version of Peters record. It was a double album set and the tape was heavy, My player couldn't pull the weight of the tape and ate it, I returned it to the PX. They didn't want to give the 10 dollars back but had no choice. I then bought the only one remaining. It did the same thing.

Didn't really become a Frampton fan until I went to see Robert Cray in Cleveland and Peter was there with his Guitar Circus. What an extremely likable person as well as an awesome artist! I've been to see him five times since, including two of his acoustic shows which are an absolute delight. Just finished his memoir. I wish him the best of health and hope to see him in concert again in the future. Also, his blues album and his "Now" album are fantastic.

Great Story! Loved it! Always a real treat and a pleasure to watch history music. I wish you continued success! Thank you for posting this.

Joe Walsh got the one Pete Drake initially used. It was Joe who got Bob Heil to start making them. Joe recorded with it first, then Peter later. Joe even does a lengthy interview in a guitar magazine I have where he talks about it at length. See Theresa Constantino's comment and link in this thread for more details.

Very nice little story! People were so convinced that he could actually make a guitar talk, because they had never seen him use it. Interesting that it was invented so long ago...Thank you!

The person who made the talk box really famous was Roger Troutman of Roger Troutman & Zapp. He made many songs using the talk box. His most famous songs using it was "More Bounce" and "California Love" you would've heard the latter at this past Super Bowl halftime show

sure do miss Joe, he was so knowledgeable and kind and always took the time to respond to everyone who commented on these videos, he was an absolute treasure

Consistently great content, you guys are the best.

Bob Heil is a St. Louis area treasure. He appeared on KMOX radio quite a bit and I believe he engineered at that station. Bob Heil is still located in Fairview Heights, IL, just across from St. Louis. He did the touring sound systems for the Grateful Dead and The Who.

6:04 Bob Heil, K9EID, ham radio operator and sound guy extraordinaire!

Love your music 🎶 Bro you are a great artist. Merry Christmas to you and yours GOD BLESS what a classy guy, met Peter on Hollywood Blvd.many years ago and he stoped and he and I talked about a seven string guitar he had with him, truly a kindred spirit.I think he still holds the record for best selling live album of all time with"Do you feel like I do" album title is "Frampton comes alive" .

I have an old friend named Bobby Hearn.....old guitar player from york beach ,Maine....He claimed that he had come up with a version of the talk box and showed it to Frampton...back in the 60's...

Pete Drake was a legend for that. Inspired Stevie,Peter, Troutman and many more!

I was the sound man, (sound reinforcement engineer) so they called me, cause they were nuts 😅 It was '78 and the lead guitarist had one, and people went crazy over it.

Small correction: the talk box didn't make him famous. He was known for the talk box, but his talent and his music made him famous!

Whoa, could it have been Pete Drake or his influence behind The Who's "wonderful radio, whoopee!" segue on The Who Sell Out? Thanks as always Joe for another fascinating piece of pop history!

The Radio Luxembourg jingles were done by PAMS of Dallas using a Sonovox

Any reference to talk box is incomplete without discussing Roger Troutman. Remember "I want to be your man" from 1987 or "More Bounce to the Ounce" from 1980? RIP Roger Troutman.

I graduated in 1974. Went to see Frampton in concert at Ohio University in1974.

That interview answered a question i had for a very long time. How did Peter Frampton come up with the box. This was very cool. I remember when I bought his album Frampton comes alive and I still have it till this day. Way to go frampton.

Luther Perkins one of the most underrated guitarists ever

Jon Lord did a dry impression of George Harrison too made me laugh.

Pete sang my 8th grade life background music. The babes, sports, break ups, new girls ...in Dayton Ohio and he ends up in Cinci. Frampton comes Alive. #1 And today they want to portray middle 70's with Queen or AC/DC or Def Lep. It was Pete, Pink, Zep all day every day.

I made one for a friend in the 60s. Take a University ID-40 driver (for the old-school "PA horns") stick a cork in the throat of it (after removing the protective screen) punch a hole (about 3/8 inch) in the cork. Stick a small piece of copper tubing into the hole and a length of fuel line from that to your mouth. Hook the driver to the speaker jack of your amp, stick the tube in your mouth and play your favorite schmalzy steel song while mouthing your words. Voila, "Sneaky Pete's talking steel guitar".

When I lived in Ft Lauderdale I used to see the box he used on Frampton Comes Alive in a display at the Hard Rock Hotel in Hollywood, Fl. I would just stand there staring at it.

Frampton was hardly the first to use the device, but, due to the power of those hits, he has become most closely associated with it. Still, he humbly gives full due to inventor Bob Heil, Joe Walsh and his inspiring “Rocky Mountain Way,” as well as the other pioneers in the long, curious saga of the talk box.

Awesome choice Joe. Thanks for keeping us in suspense.

This is great!

Frampton is pure class!

There's an interview with Joe Walsh in _Guitar Player_ April 1988 where Joe is asked about the favorite guitar solos he played. His response is, "I would think the overall guitar work in "Rocky Mountain Way", especially the talk box....Peter Frampton asked me how to use it and he went and got rich with it and never even thanked me"

Just a great guy. Peter; you’re the man

Peter is great Love his guitar writing vocals Always have admired him Nice guy too met. Him a few times and he invited us to a party once after a show Thanks Peter Be well ..