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WHEN you consider that all of Herman's discs have made the Top 20, it seems a little odd to talk of his jumping into the chart at No. 14 as a "comeback."
But when I talked to Herman last week, while he was having a brief holiday in Paris, he agreed that his pop prestige in Britain recently hadn't been all it might have been.
"Recognition in Britain seems to come from our American success," he said. "Last year we had two of the biggest selling records in the States. I think we are a lot more respected in America because when I started in Britain I was only 15 and people resented me. There was friction between me and other performers. They thought "If he's only 15 he can't have talent."
"The lack of British recognition disturbs me. Everyone I meet in England seems to say: 'When are you going to America again?' I was in the States for only four months out of the year, and two of those months were spent in making the film 'Hold On.'
"I think our success in America is due to the 'typically English boy' image. And also using typically English songs. Everyone else seems to like Otis Redding - but I like George Formby. We have just recorded a real comedy version of "Leaning On A Lampost" full of laughing and screaming."
I asked Herman: "Would you describe yourself as a square?"
"No," he said. "I think I am more hip by not being hip. I don't have to run around doing things just like everyone else to get my kicks.

HEALTHY

"I think the pop scene at the moment is fabulous - with people like Ken Dodd and Peter Sellers in the chart. It's very healthy, really wide open and there is lots of competition. I just hope Billy Cotton has a hit - he's my favourite."
Unorthodox views like this and a self-confidence which is sometimes mistaken for arrogance have made Herman the target for knockers recently. How does he react?
"It bothers my ego a little, but I don't really mind. Getting knocked is a sign of success in a

way, and it's always the lesser groups who do the knocking. If the Beatles started knocking me then I WOULD get upset."
Herman says his principal aim now is to extend the group's appeal to become internationally known. "We are going to make records in French, German, Spanish and Itallian. And we'll shortly be starting a tour of Australia, New Zealand, Japan and then Finland.
"There is also a second American film in prospect."
Although officially on holiday in Paris, Herman had not managed to escape the autograph hunters.

HAPPY

"And there have been plenty of business appointments too, with publishers, recording managers, journalists, and photographers. Each one has told us of a different club that we must visit, so I have been sleeping during the day and visiting five or six clubs at night.
"So far I haven't had time to get to the Eiffel Tower - but I must make it before I leave. I also want to go up to Montmartre to buy some paintings.
As we sat talking in a cafe near the Champs-Elysees, a small army of fans descended on Herman in search of autographs.
"Do you like the Animals?' asked one breathless French boy.
"Yes."
"And the Rolling Stones?"
"Yes."
"But which do you prefer?"
"The Beatles."
Before I left Herman to enjoy the rest of his short holiday in relative peace, I asked what his hopes were in 1966.
"First of all, Jimmy Saville's story about me looking for a Ł60,000 house is definitely not true. It should be 60,000 Lire. My parents have just moved into a new house, but I am quite happy where I am - I have got a nice car and a nice dog.
"What I do hope to do this year is to invest my capitol for future security.
"As far as music is concerned I would like to see Georgie Fame bring jazz into the chart and Honey Lantree bring R&B into the chart. We have just brought country and western back in.
"I would also like to become good enough on the banjo to record with it and I hope that Mickie Most will let me start playing banjo on sessions again.
"Finally, I can tell you that our next single will be out on March 4, although we have no idea at the moment which one it will be. All I can tell you is that the 'B' side will be written and published by me!"
AND WITH THAT, HERMAN IN A RED DUFFLE COAT AND GREEN CORDUROY TROUSERS SET OFF WITH MANAGER HARVEY LISBERG IN THE VAGUE DIRECTION OF THE EIFFEL TOWER.