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We see, first off, that from whatever direction we come at him, we encounter a paradox or a contradiction; nothing fits in, but it all works (there's a paradox right there).So we are not going to conclude anything - we can't - and we might as well simply present the problems as they occur to us. Forth - with, (some of) the many paradoxes of Peter Noone!
A) The group paradox, or, "this is a group?" the whole idea of groups (as in Beatles) was that each member was a star in his own right. Or, out of any big foursome or fivesome at least two or three emerged as personalities. Not so with Herman'sHermits. Peter is the only possible star. It was planned that way. The Hermits were chosen because they were non-descript , non-talented, and non-ambitious. Not one has ever played on a record. This is a group? B) The Trans-Atlantic paradox. Whether DC's ,Herman's Hermits have had no appreciable popularity in England, which is where they're from. Some of their records have done well there, but the pot of gold has always been on their shoes. Lately, Peter has been getting some attention in the English fan press of emerging as a personality over there. C) The Everybody's Darling Paradox. The older generation always has complaints about the idols of the younger generation. This makes it more fun for everyone. Youth is supposed to be in rebellion, and the old squares are supposed to disapprove. But Peter's image has always been non-rebellious.. Parents approve when their kids dig Peter. And somehow it hasn't hurt him at all. D) The Professionalism Paradox. Today's pop stars are generally very casual about the entertainment business, if not openly hostile towards it. But Peter Noone is every bit a professional. On and off stage he behaves like a successful entertainer, a cool businessman, an engaging theatrical personality. He is in "show-business" much more than he is in "rock and roll." He is very cool,( but hardly a hippy ). E)The One-of-a-Kind Paradox. Peter Noone has had no imitators, which is very unusual for someone as successful as he is. No one has tried to cash in on his thing, or to exploit his style .Does this mean no one can, or no one wants to? F)The generational Paradox. Peter Noone is one of the few pop stars who has almost no fans of his own age or sex. In fact, boys in their late teens and early twenties are his biggest detractors. He seems to be copping-out on his own generation. When the last of his young fans outgrow him, he will probably have to shout for the reel oldies-the over-35's with whom he has a head start. G)The Music Paradox. What is there to say? Butt his records have been getting better - prettier songs and good productions. H)The Lyric - Content Paradox. His songs are delivered with a super-innocence, and yet they hail from a rather raunchy tradition, i.e., the |
English music hall. You don't have to look too clearly at the lyrics of "I'm Into something Good" or " Henry VIII" to find a double-meaning, although no one does. I)The Alienation Paradox. For all that he is adored, he is a very lonely boy. He is so rich, so straight, and so young. His richness alienates him from his childhood friends, who presumably are straight, young and poor. His straightness alienates him from other pop stars, who are rich, and young, but freaky. And his youth alienates him from all the professional associates who are rich, and straight, but old. He is isolated, therefore, from the people he loves. from the scene he made it in, and from the people who made him. J)All the foregoing leads us to the heart of the problem: the How To- Face- the Future Paradox Her-man's Hermits were created to exist for five years, three of which are over . Now there are two years of Herman ahead, but Peter in his time must prepare for the next thing. How can he? Will he be able to do so? And what is the next thing to be? Peter would like to know. Of course, he will be rich enough to retire forever at the age of 21 if he wants to. He says he might, but if you have ever seen him in a situation where he is not the center of attraction, you would know that he is very unhappy out of the spotlight. L)The Peter -Herman Paradox. Peter is incredibly talented. He could be an actor or a comedian. He is a student of music theory and knows a great deal of production, instrumentation and arranging. He is terribly bright, clever, mature and witty. He is graphically and artistically gifted. He is charming, persuasive, capable and perceptive. That's Peter. Herman, however, is supposed to be a chirping idiot. Herman is making the money and harvesting the fans. What to do? Of course the basic contradiction is Peter verses Herman, and you should reread Paradox's A through H in that light if all this confuses and disturbs us. It confuses and disturbs Peter Noone. You expected this story to be about Herman . Which is why, when you saw it, you said, ''oh goody'' or "Oh, no.'' But Peter is the person, and Herman is a role he plays, an image he assumes as a performer. He has played the role very well these past few years. Perhaps too well. If you hate Herman, will you give Peter a chance? And what will Peter do ? And what can Peter do'? And when? Would you adhere that in the interest and happier circles of pop music business ( and 'Aside from those who have a direct financial interest in the matter ). Peter is a very important topic? Why? Because this topic touches upon all topics and all the questions we have ever had about anyone or anything in this business. The dilemma of Peter Noone as Herman the Hermit has become symbolic. Now, if you don't think that is a paradox............
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