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NEW YORK, N.Y.: Have you ever had the opportunity to meet Peter the Hermit? My history book tells me he was one of the most courageous leaders of the Crusades, but I insist he's one charming and capitvating seventeen year old Englishman. I'm referring, of course, to that Peter the Hermit, who is more commonly known to his ardent fans as the fun-loving Herman, leader of "Herman's Hermits." Since I'm what might be termed a "normal" teenager, I would give anything to meet the singers I admire. Some time ago I fell in love with an old record called "I'm Into Something Good," done over by an English combo. When I learned that the group would be coming into town I resolved that at least this once I was going to meet the objects of my idolization, and I set about formulating my plan. After spending half my allowance in a public telephone booth I was finally told that the Hermits would be coming in on Thursday at 2:00 P.M., at Kennedy Airport. Part of a small but enthusiastic welcoming committee of perhaps ten girls and a few reporters, I waited three hours for these boys I had never seen, and lifted my hoarse voice to the growing chant of "We want Herman." The over zealous police were evidently afraid of what this little crowd might do to the boys, so they were quickly spirited away in waiting limousines. Becoming a little impatient with waiting, and because we did not know they had already gone, my friends and I wandered out on the airfield looking for them. Instead of meeting Herman and the Hermits, we met a perfectly cordial man from Customs, who politely inquired whether or not we wanted our tetanus shots now or later, and who offered to have us thrown into jail. That was Thursday. On Friday my friends and I managed to get ourselves admitted to the press conference held at the Manhattan Hotel. We sat in the conference room, hardly believing that we were really going to see them, and we were just a bit nervous. Five unassuming boys walked into the room and bedlam reigned. We were introduced to Peter Noone, alias Herman, who grinned a friendly hello. Then there was quiet eighteen year old Barry Whitwam, the drummer of the group. Karl Green, guitarist who immediately obliged autograph hungry |
fans, and Keith Hopwood, clad in a beautiful blue jacket who chatted with reporters. Derek Leckenby, known by the nickname "Lek," was swallowed up in the mass of high school and magazine reporters and only had time for a welcoming "Hi there!" During the course of the conference I was able to speak to almost all the boys. The leader of the group, Herman, had been an actor in an English serial called "Coronation Street" and had been sought after by Walt Disney for a leading part in a movie called the "Headless Herman." The fighting between two teenage groups in England, the Mods and the Rockers, were graphically described and acted out for us in a way only Herman could do it. He is gifted with a vivid imagination and an active sense of humor, which had us laughing uncontrollably. We complimented Keith on his beautiful corduroy jacket and discussed with Barry the club life in Manchester from which they all hail. We all had fun posing for pictures. I was completely disarmed by these boys. Here were the Hermits, each one a separate and necessary part of a fantastic group of five. Since the boys were going to the coast to film a Shindig show, they were leaving late that afternoon. After they had finished talking to all the interviewers they went upstairs to pack. When they were done they came down to the lobby and stayed with us for a few hours until they were ready to leave. During that time, I learned what a truly "herbie" (fab, gear, knock-out) bunch of guys they really were and what's more - they're talented. I kissed them goodbye when they left and promised myself I'd never forget how sweet they had been to me. I cried a little on the way home because I knew I might never see them again. I consoled myself with the thought that I'd do anything I could to show everyone what great guys the Hermits are. My girlfriend and I went up to MGM Records, the label for which they record, and asked to help out with the fan club. I still have tons of their fan mail to take care of. It is very rewarding work. - EILEEN GOLDRICH, AGE 16, MARTIN VAN BUREN h.S., QUEENS VILLAGE, N.Y. |