Iconic rock legend Peter Frampton recently revealed the news to the world about his ongoing struggle with the degenerative muscle disease, Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM). He says that the illness began very subtly, and symptoms started to show in ways most people couldn’t recognize. Frampton soon noticed that his legs were no longer able to cope with hikes they way they once could, “At first I thought, ‘I’m just getting old!’” he says. However, he soon realized that there was something more behind his fatigue after suffering numerous falls on stage. Tragically, the disease is bound to rob him of the ability to play guitar, a passion that is one of the great loves of his life.
He told PEOPLE in an interview that he’s currently sleeping with the same guitar that he once used to write one of his greatest hits, “Baby, I Love Your Way.” Inclusion Body Myositis, according to Wikipedia, is a “progressive muscle disorder characterized by muscle inflammation, weakness, and atrophy (wasting).” And it is because of this diagnosis that Frampton decided it was time to launch a farewell tour since soon he will no longer have the ability to play his guitar. One dollar from every ticket sold at his concerts will go towards Frampton’s Myositis research fund at John Hopkins.
Peter Frampton / Brandon Nagy/REX/Shutterstock
Despite his grim diagnosis, it sounds like Frampton doesn’t plan on slowing down anytime soon and expressed his desire never to do so. “I hope I’m still writing lyrics and playing a new riff if I can when I’m on my last legs. Because that’s what my life’s all about.’”
As mentioned above, a part of the proceeds from Frampton’s farewell is earmarked to fund his myositis research program at John Hopkins. The musician is also currently being treated at Johns Hopkins, as well. Plus, he’s participating in a clinical trial to test a new drug that hopefully will stave off the effects of IBM. The illness affects the lives of at least 24,000 Americans.
Peter Frampton / Brandon Nagy/REX/Shutterstock
Frampton is happy to report that despite his ongoing struggles with IBM, the disease has yet to impact his throat (a common issue). In fact, nearly 50 percent of folks with the illness experience this complication, and thankfully, Frampton can still speak and sing. He also notes that he’s maintaining good spirits despite all his troubles. “My cup is always half full. I’m very positive about it,” he says.
We are so glad to hear that Peter is doing well as he continues his struggle against this debilitating illness. Here’s a video interview of Frampton speaking about his battle with IBM.
Source: Do You Remember