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It is probably true to say that the biggest change in the life of a pop star comes not after his first record, but later on, when the initial novelty of fame and fortune has worn off. He is aware that he can buy what he wants without thinking twice about the cost. He doesn't get quite such a kick when people ask for an autograph. And he discovers that touring can become a bore. A crossroads is reached and it's left entirely to the artist which way to go. This then is the position in which Herman now finds himself. His records have been hits - most of them selling more than a million. He has starred in films and TV plays. And he has enough money to live comfortably for the rest of his life. He has reached the stage where he must decide which way to go. He is scheduled to make two more films next year, but he does not want them to be like his last one, "Hold On". "I think we are capable of making far better films than that," he told me when I met him this week. He has also had several offers to appear in stage musicals but Manager Harvey Lisberg, referred to by the group as Big H, feels that although he is capable, the time is not ripe. "I feel unsettled," continued Herman, puffing nervously at a French cigarette. "There are still many things I want to do. Although our records have been successful I feel that we have achieved very little. I want to do something that will give me real personal satisfaction." He stubbed out his cigarette and ordered a tonic water. "Naturally money gives a feeling of security, but it really doesn't bring happiness. I know that sounds terribly corny and lots of people will laugh, but it is true. "When we were broke we naturally wanted to make money. But now we've made it we're probably not as happy as we were." Herman, I know, has changed a lot in the last year. He is a lot quieter, more mature, more aware of his position - and a lot more nervous. Throughout our interview he toyed nervously with either his cigarette or the rings on his fingers. "I think people are beginning to realize that I'm not just the happy-go-lucky boy next door type anymore. I dare say I was, two years ago, but I think I've progressed slightly since then." Recently his acting career took a step forward when he appeared in a film with Sir Michael Redgrave and Douglas Fairbanks. The film, "The Canterville Ghost", which was shot in color in England, was networked on American TV last month. British viewers will probably see it later next year, when color TV is introduced, or in black and white if not. |
 "As soon as I heard who was going to be appearing in 'The Canterville Ghost' I wanted to do it. And I'm glad I did because I learned more in the three weeks working with Sir Michael and Mr. Fairbanks than I would have if I'd spent years at drama school." Herman lit another cigarette and played uneasily with a box of matches. "Now I want to make first-class film, not just a pop movie." At the moment he is looking for a flat to buy in London." Somewhere I can relax in and play my records, just a small quiet flat, where I can be on my own." Despite his wealth and fame, he has no close friends. "Naturally I know a lot of people, but there are very few I can really call friends," he continued, gazing into his glass. "I used to go to lots of the so-called 'in-clubs', but suddenly I realized that I didn't really enjoy them. I think I've found a place to live now and when I move in I'll just go back there in the evenings. What's the point in meeting people I don't really want to know anyway?" "I suppose it's my fault that I have few friends because I'm difficult to get on with." He feels that very few people understand him - not because he's mixed-up - but simply because he confides in no one. "When I've got problems," he said, "I keep them to myself. I don't believe in crying on people's shoulders. It's doesn't do any good. "The problem is that when I've got worries I'm quiet ... and everyone expects me to be jumping about laughing all the time." |