Above, from left: Derek, Barry, Peter, Keith and Karl.
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Herman's Hermits formed in England in 1964 and came to America for the first time a year later. Since then, they have crisscrossed the world and made three movies. These five Britishers, ranging from 21 to 23 years old, have made it to the top. Peter Blair Denis Bernard Noone, known as Herman ever since he helped organize the Hermits, is sober and mature for his age. Although Herman is so charming that he attracts most of the publicity the group gets, the other four do their share in keeping the group successful. Keith Hopwood recently married Penny Pagni - so far he's the only married one in the combo. The others are Derek (Lek) Leckenby, who plays guitar; Karl Green, bass guitar and harmonica; and Jan (Barry) Whitwam, drums. All of them have had fun traveling. Herman, Barry and Keith come from Manchester; Lek comes from Leeds; Karl is from Salford. All return to their home towns after each international tour, feeling a little more worldly. Lek says his great ambition is to continue traveling. The five are always denying rumors that they're about to break up. Herman points out that it's insane to split when "you outsell The Beatles in England and are number one in Malaysia!" The boys have a gold mine in their grasp, and they're too smart to let it go. They admire The Beatles very much, and Herman is awed by John Lennon's brilliance. "He's outside the rest of us." Herman's Hermits have done all right with records themselves. Their album, "Mrs. Brown, You've Got A Lovely Daughter" sold six million copies. Their MGM Records sales have been phenomenal. Some day, if and when they ever break up, Herman wants to become a movie actor and "appear in a film with Richard Burton and Rex Harrison." But "I have to learn to talk properly, and how to dance on stage or for the cameras." |
He and the boys love America and Americans because "America gave us our first real break." Their first record in England failed, so they came to America to try their luck. Fortunately, the American press and the deejays liked both their music and the boys. By the time they returned to England, they were headed for stardom. Although Herman is the youngest in the group, he has become their spokesman because he is articulate, witty and charming. His observations are perceptive. He feels English girls have become "so cool" they have lost their personalities. "People get so individual," he observes, "they end up looking the same." Americans must be a sad people because they go to cafes for a drink but don't play games and don't sing. American men dress poorly. they "all look as if they ordered their suits over the phone." Herman has a ready reply for almost anything he's asked. Why did he come to America? "To make money." Why does he wear his hair long?" "Because it hides my funny ears." What's his favorite food? "Afghanistan steak and curry." How does he avoid overly aggressive autograph hunters? "By going to the most expensive restaurants." Why does he hate the whites of eggs? "When I was a Boy Scout, some other Boy Scouts threw eggs at me, and I remember how the whites of the eggs stuck on me more than the yolk." What does he want most when he's touring? "To be able to go home and sleep in Mum's home." The boys, being practical, don't mind the teenagers (mostly girls) screaming or crowding around for autographs and talk. But they do mind when they're enjoying their favorite food, steak, and people want autographs. They don't like cold steak. When Herman's Hermits were playing in Japan, the press praised them for being and looking like gentlemen, and for producing "a happy sound." It's a good description for them: happy sound. |
 Fans wait placidly for Hermits appearance outside MGM studios |
 Placid fans leapt into action moments after Hermits showed themselves and Herman-Peter announced he'd like a swim. |