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In 1971, guitarist David “Clem” Clempson stepped into what he believed was just an audition for the British rock band Humble Pie-only to discover he had already been chosen as their new guitarist.
Clempson, who turns 77 on Saturday, Sept. 5, took over the role after Peter Frampton’s departure from the band over five decades ago. Born in Tamworth, Staffordshire, England, on Sept.
5, 1949, Clempson’s musical journey began early with classical piano lessons at age four. Though he eventually rebelled against the piano during his teens, he soon found his true calling with the guitar.
“I’d always loved guitars, even when I was young,” Clempson reflected in a 2003 interview.
Clempson first rose to prominence in the late 1960s as the guitarist and vocalist for the blues-rock trio Bakerloo, before joining the progressive jazz-rock group Colosseum in 1969. Two years later, his career took a pivotal turn when Frampton left Humble Pie, the band formed in 1969 by Frampton, Steve Marriott (formerly of Small Faces), bassist Greg Ridley, and drummer Jerry Shirley.
As Humble Pie’s popularity grew in the U.S., Frampton’s exit opened the door for Clempson. “People in the Humble Pie camp thought I’d be a good replacement,” Clempson said, adding that working with Marriott was a long-held ambition.
Interestingly, Clempson’s entry into Humble Pie was anything but typical. After Marriott heard Clempson’s work on Colosseum’s live album, Clempson was invited to join the band. Expecting to audition, he was surprised to find members of the music press waiting to announce him as the new guitarist-a move made before Clempson had even informed his Colosseum bandmates.
Musically, Clempson’s heavier guitar style aligned well with the band’s evolving sound, something Marriott especially valued. Their first studio album together, Smokin’ (1972), became Humble Pie’s biggest commercial success, reaching No. 6 on the U.S. charts and featuring classics like “Hot ‘n’ Nasty” and “30 Days in the Hole.”
For Clempson, however, the real thrill was always the live performances. “Playing live was what the band was all about,” he said.
Though Humble Pie disbanded in 1975, Clempson’s career continued to flourish. He collaborated with notable artists such as Jack Bruce, Roger Daltrey, Jon Anderson, and Bob Dylan. His work with Dylan came during the filming of the 1987 movie Hearts of Fire, where Clempson jammed with Dylan and Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood.
Clempson also spent time with Deep Purple during their search for a guitarist in the 1970s, though he never formally joined the band.
Throughout his diverse career, Clempson demonstrated a remarkable ability to navigate different musical styles. He reunited with Colosseum in the 1990s and has remained active in various projects ever since.
Despite his impressive track record, Clempson has never sought the spotlight. “I love to play, and I love to play live, I love to play to an audience,” he said. “But I’m not really a performer… I’ve never been the showman.”
As he marks his 77th birthday, David “Clem” Clempson’s legacy as a versatile and talented guitarist remains firmly intact.