Peter Frampton comes alive when he performs. And despite being diagnosed with inclusion body myositis (IBM) in 2015, he is determined to keep playing music as long as his body allows it.
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"I can't complain about my life at all. Yes, it's not the most pleasant thing to have. It changes your life. It's not going to end it, but yeah, it's a little difficult," he shared with PEOPLE. "But really, I've gotten used to it, and I like the challenge of being able to do what I do as it progresses."
It's Difficult for Peter Frampton to Keep Doing What He Loves
IBM is a progressive autoimmune disease that weakens and damages the muscles, particularly those in the arms and legs. The "Baby, I Love Your Way" singer publicly shared his diagnosis in 2019.
This ongoing struggle is captured in a new documentary titled Frampton. A portion of the film shows how the disease affects the guitarist's hands, making it difficult for him to play.
Nevertheless, the 76-year-old refuses to hang up his six-string. After launching a farewell tour seven years ago, he has continued to perform and even released his first album in 16 years last month, titled Carry the Light.
"I've always been very positive. My parents were like that, especially my mother," he said. "My feeling about my IBM muscle disease is that I have been dealt some wonderful cards in my life, and life is life, and you get some trials and tribulations along the way."
Frampton Wants to Help Those With IBM
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, IBM currently has no cure. However, many with the disease benefit from physical and occupational therapy to manage its symptoms. The rocker established the Peter Frampton Myositis Research Fund to support research and those living with IBM.
Frampton's struggles with his diagnosis, along with his accomplished career, are explored in the new documentary about his life. Directed by his longtime bandleader, Rob Arthur, Frampton puts the life of the artist in a whole new perspective.
The film, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, covers his meteoric rise, battles with addiction, and his recovery. Frampton is looking forward to letting fans "see the whole picture" of his life.
"I'm definitely a survivor... and I've got more to come," he said. "That's the beauty of it. We're halfway through the album to follow this up. So I haven't stopped."
