Peter Frampton, Joe Walsh Honor Late Talk Box Inventor
Peter Frampton and Joe Walsh were among the artists paying tribute to Bob Heil, the inventor of the Talk Box effect. Heil died in Belleville, Ill. following a battle with cancer at age 83.
Frampton’s use of the Talk Box is easily one of the most prolific examples in classic rock. The singer/guitarist used the effect prominently on his classic 1976 live album Frampton Comes Alive! Frampton wrote via Facebook, “I am so sorry to hear of the loss of my friend for so many years, Bob Heil. A musician, inventor, ham radio expert, Heil Sound and microphones. For me most importantly, he gave me a very important present mid seventies. The Heil Talkbox!! Can never thank Bob enough. Rest in power my friend.”
Walsh, meanwhile, penned a sweet tribute to Heil on Facebook and included a photo. Walsh wrote, in part, of Heil, “An amazing musician (especially behind the wheel of a pipe organ at your favorite old movie house), a mad scientist, a ham radio aficionado and evangelist, a tireless problem solver, a mentor to me and guide on my guitar journey, Bob was our wizard in the Midwest. He was also my friend for more than 50 years.”
Peter Frampton and the Rock Hall
In February, it was announced that Peter Frampton was one of 15 nominees for the 2024 induction class of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Despite being eligible since 1997, 2024 marks Frampton’s first Rock Hall nomination. The guitarist candidly told Billboard he was in the bathroom when he learned of his nomination and let out a scream. Frampton said his band leader Rob Arthur came running once he heard him scream.
“He thought something was wrong,” said Frampton. “So, anyway, it was a very good day.”
Shortly after the Rock Hall nominations were announced, the guitar icon shared two social media posts. In the first one, he playfully wrote, “That’s really great! Wait, you mean I’m not already in the @rockhall?!”
Frampton fleshed out his feelings in a follow-up post. He wrote, “Well, I don’t know about you guys, but I’m thrilled to be nominated for induction into the @rockhall. For a long time you, my friends, have been telling me I should be in it. So now that I’m nominated, I’m going to ask you a huge favor. Please vote for me (a lot) at vote.rockhall.com and let’s get this done! Then I’ll see you in Cleveland this Fall. Thank you all!”