Peter Frampton came alive at Coney Island’s Asser Levy Park on Thursday night, belting out some of the live hits that made his “Frampton Comes Alive” LP the greatest live album ever (with the possible exception of “Cheap Trick at Budokan”).
Though some wags joked that the concert was part of the 1970s rock god’s “Frampton IS Alive!” tour, the man who turned that decade into a celebration of wah-wah pedals, long hair, guitar jams and the effervescent possibility of free love — got a rave review from none other than Councilman David Yassky, who was not there in his official capacity, but simply as a fan.
“For people my age, this is the best music there is,” said the Brooklyn Heights Democrat. “I listen to these songs all the time.”
The free performance was part of Borough President Markowitz’s annual concert series, though the Beep admitted that he
“Admittedly, I didn’t follow Frampton back in the day — my aspirations to serve the public took precedence over music for me in the mid ’70s — but you can now count me in as an enthusiastic fan,” he said. “For about 20 years, Frampton was on the ‘A-list’ of performers we were trying to bring to Brooklyn, so I am so thrilled that everything finally came together and this extraordinary musician and terrific vocalist was able to give the crowd at Coney Island — and me — a night to remember.
“Brooklyn is a concert capital,” Markowitz added. “From Williamsburg to Prospect Park to Coney Island to Wingate Field, Brooklyn is blessed.”
Ellea Levitt, who enjoyed the show, agreed with the Beep.
“I also saw Brian Wilson here this summer,” she said. “These outdoor shows are fun and relaxed, usually a good atmosphere. Good way to relive my youth.”
Also on the Frampton bill was Starship, a vestigal relic of the original Jefferson Airplane.
Yassky actually said he prefered the Mickey Thomas-led band to Frampton.
“He has a tremendous main of hair,” said the councilman. “And he sang the song that is my personal anthem: ‘We Built this City (On Rock and Roll).’”
Later, the councilman sang his verison of the song for reporters at The Brooklyn Paper.
