Peter Noone, also known as “Herman” from the famous band Herman’s Hermits, explained that back when he and other popular groups from the 1960s British Invasion were just starting out, their main goal was to get one of their songs played on the radio.
Herman’s Hermits definitely achieved that.
At just 15 years old, Noone gained international fame as Herman, the lead singer of the well-known sixties pop group Herman’s Hermits.
His popular songs included: “I’m Into Something Good,” “Mrs. Brown, You’ve Got A Lovely Daughter,” “I’m Henry VIII, I Am,” “Silhouettes,” “Can’t You Hear My Heartbeat,” “Just a Little Bit Better,” “Wonderful World,” “There’s A Kind of Hush,” “A Must To Avoid,” “Listen People,” “The End of the World,” and “Dandy.”
In the end, Herman’s Hermits sold over 60 million records. They earned gold status for 14 singles and seven albums. The Hermits were twice named Cashbox’s “Entertainer of the Year.”
Peter Blair Denis Bernard Noone, who is now 76, is an English singer-songwriter, guitarist, pianist, and actor. He recently took time to speak to the Times Leader about his upcoming appearance in Wilkes-Barre.
Herman’s Hermits featuring Peter Noone will be the headline act at a four-act “Evening of Solid Gold” happening at the F.M. Kirby Center on Saturday, May 18.
Four acts will perform their timeless, unforgettable hits, taking the audience on a musical journey back to a wonderful era in the United States.
You can purchase tickets at the Kirby Center Box Office, by phone at 570-826-1100, or at kirbycenter.org. The show begins at 7 p.m. kirbycenter.org. Showtime is 7 p.m.
In 1947, Peter Noone was born in Davyhulme, Urmston, United Kingdom. He described his hometown as a pleasant area with a suburban feel, green spaces, and good amenities, offering a balanced lifestyle with access to both Manchester city center and natural retreats.
Noone mentioned that his parents, Denis Patrick Noone and Joan Blair Noone, were hard-working. He and his wife, Mireille Strasser Noone, got married in 1968, and they have one daughter, Natalie.
Noone led Herman’s Hermits from 1964 to 1971, and the group’s sound was influenced by the American surf rock they enjoyed listening to. Noone adopted the nickname “Herman” after the character Sherman in the Rocky & Bullwinkle cartoons.
In the United States, Herman’s Hermits rose to fame right after the Beatles and the Dave Clark 5 and just before the Rolling Stones. In 1965, they outsold even The Beatles and were the world’s top-selling recording act in 1965 and 1966.
Noone recalled that the Rolling Stones expressed it best:
“If you stop doing this, you’ll probably die.”
Noone mentioned that his musical idols were Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons, Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, the Everly Brothers, and Fats Domino.
Noone expressed, “The sixties was an incredible time. There were so many amazing people — there were at least 50 performers whose records I wanted to buy.”
Noone shared that when he was growing up and became interested in music, everyone he knew had the same dream.
“It was a great time to be in a band,” he stated. “And we weren’t rivals — we were musicians and we were all unique.”
Noone began to list the bands — including the Who, Zombies, Kinks, Animals, Dave Clark 5, The Beatles, and others.
“We just had the same influence,” Noone stated. “We wanted to be on the radio alongside Elvis, Roy Orbison, Fats Domino, Chuck Berry, the Everly Brothers.”
Noone discussed how the sixties altered not just music, but also fashion, behavior, and hairstyles.
“We just wanted people to purchase our records,” Noone mentioned. “We wanted to sing songs that people enjoyed.”
Noone expressed amazement at the fact that people all over the world still sing along to songs like “Mrs. Brown” and “Kind of a Hush.”
Noone stated that traveling from city to city is an adventure, with no two audiences being the same.
“I consider it a thrill that I am paid to do my hobby,” Noone admitted. “I just wanted to make a record, and here I am.”
Noone mentioned that he has “an incredible collection’ of records and he enjoys hosting “Something Good with Peter Noone” every Saturday on SiriusXM. Noone not only plays the great songs of the sixties, but also shares stories about the performers and the songs.
“There’s a saying 'if you remember the sixties, you weren’t there,'” Noone remarked. “Well, I was there, and I do remember.”
Noone expressed the opinion that the past 60 years or so have been “the best ever.” He is uncertain whether the next 60 will be nearly as good.
“These years have been the best ever musically,” Noone said. And we listened to all that great music for free — on the radio.”
Noone stated that he never prepares a set list of songs when he performs.
“We always perform the big Herman’s Hermits hits and we also do some Rolling Stones, Dave Clark 5 — the other night we did Love Potion #9,” he said. “And if the audience enjoys singing along, we will definitely play songs for them to sing to.”
Accompanied by his band, Herman’s Hermits, Noone consistently performs to sold-out venues worldwide. He has a devoted fan base — known as “Noonatics” — whose loyalty is unmatched.
Co-headlining the Kirby Center show will be The Brooklyn Bridge, formed when Johnny Maestro, the Crests’ lead singer, joined with Dion’s backup singers and the Rhythm Method’s horn players.
In addition to Johnny’s Crest hits (“16 Candles,” “The Angels Listened In” and “Step by Step),” the Bridge’s hits include “The Worst that Could Happen,” “Welcome Me Love,” “Blessed is the Rain,” “You’ll Never Walk Alone” and “Your Husband, My Wife.”
The Happenings, featuring original lead singer Bob Miranda, had four gold records: “See You in September, (International #1 and still ranked in the top 100 summer songs in pop history), “I Got Rhythm,” “Go Away Little Girl” and “My Mammy.”
Opening the show will be Bobby Brooks Wilson, son of Jackie Wilson (“Mr. Excitement”). Bobby emulates the on-stage persona of Jackie, including his uncanny resemblance, voice and moves on songs like “Lonely Teardrops,” “Higher and Higher,” “To Be Loved” and “I’ll be Satisfied.”
We have a feeling that everyone attending the concert on May 18 will be in for “something good.”
