Herman's Hermits
Herman's Hermits recent single release in England "Just A Little Bit Better"
was written by American composer Kenny Young. In July the gang
jumped in a taxi and drove out to Bizby Gardens to tell jokes.
On the way home they stopped at Ma Gifferds for a spot of tea.

Herman's Hermits Stands Out From The Crowd



    With all the English groups and sounds around today, one that stands out from the crowd is HERMAN'S HERMITS.
    The sound of HERMAN'S HERMITS can be heard throughout the nation on any radio station or jukebox with such hits as "Mrs. Brown You've Got A Lovely Daughter", "Silhouettes" and "Wonderful World", which were all on the nation's charts at the same time.
    Hermania all began one night when the Heartbeats were playing at a youth club Herman frequented. They were short one singer and Herman, whose real name is Peter Blair Denis Bernard Noone, stepped in, sang and was immediately accepted into the group.
    The personnel of the group has changed a bit since its formation. Karl Green, bass guitar, is the only member of the original group. As people left, Barry Whitwam, drums, was the first to join, then Derek "Lek" Leckenby, lead and rhythm guitar. The name was changed to Herman and the Hermits, then Herman's Hermits when the quintet was formed in April 1964.
    Harvey Lisberg, the boys' manager, contacted Mickie Most, an independent record producer in London, about hearing the boys sing. Mickie agreed, flew to Manchester, and Herman's Hermits were signed.
    They recorded and had their debut disc "I'm Into Something Good", released within three weeks.

HERMAN

    Herman was born to Denis and Joan Noone in Manchester, England on November 5, 1947. Herman started his career combining acting with singing lessons at the Manchester school of Music with a part in "Knight Errant", at the age of 14. Peter's ambition at that time was to be an actor and besides "Knight Errant", he appeared in "Coronation Street", had a part in one of the "Saki" programs and appeared on several other TV shows.
    Peter would often visit a local youth club to listen to a group called the Heartbeats. One night when they were short a singer, he stood in and consequently joined them.

BARRY WHITWAM

    Barry, the group drummer, is another Manchester boy born on July 21, 1946. Barry entered show business at the age of thirteen, playing at the Month Club. Barry's hobbies include working with cars and boats.
  
Herman
"Not Hernia - Hermania" says Herm

KARL GREEN

    Karl, bass guitarist, was born in Salford, Manchester on July 31, 1947 to David and Olivia. Karl, who is self taught, got his first guitar at the age of ten. Besides the guitar he also plays the harmonica. On leaving Wellacre Flixton School, he worked as an apprentice engraver for a year, and joined a group called the Balmains which his brother managed, before becoming one of the original Heartbeats.

KEITH HOPWOOD

    Keith, lead and rhythm guitarist, was born in Manchester on October 26, 1946, and attended Urmston Grammar School. After leaving school, he worked for the local telephone company, before being asked to join Herman. Keith almost didn't get to play with the group when his father absolutely forbade him to join any of the beat combos. His father relented his decision, however, and Keith became one of Herman's Hermits.

DEREK LECKENBY

    Derek, lead and rhythm guitarist, was born in Manchester to Clifford and Ellen on May 14, 1943. Lek, who likes reading biographies and autobiographies, attended Manchester University, where he studied Civil Engineering for two years. One evening while studying for exams, Barry Whitwam came around to his flat to inquire whether he would stand in with the group for a night. He did and later joined the outfit, after unfortunately failing his exams.
    Lek would like to continue his studies as soon as time permits.

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