FOR some unearthly reason, Peter Blair Denis Bernard Noone (alias Herman) just isn't taken seriously inside the pop-music industry. Maybe it's because he doesn't try to talk learnedly about music but just gets on with the singing. Maybe it's because he rouses feelings of jealousy in those who think they could sing and act much better than the blue-eyed, fair-haired, slender lad who won't be 20 until November 5 (firework day) this year.     But if Herman accepts the position with a lop-sided smile who can blame him? He's likely to be the youngest-ever millionaire in Britain. Paul Anka may beat him to the target in terms of years, but there's hardly anyone else in the world who has worked his way to a seven-figure fortune. SWOLLEN EGO     Some say Herman has developed a swollen ego. I suspect this comes from his airy-fairy way of dismissing people who try to get him into an argument about music. There were some backstage battles in the States with the "dedicated " Stones. But Herman never claims to be an earthy blues man, or a trend-setter, or an "in-crowd" rave. The Americans, who idolise him, like him because he's a boy-next-door figure of simple charm, totally lacking in intensity - a sort of vaudeville figure who appears to work only because he likes it.     Whenever I meet Herman he talks little about himself, a lot about football ... and has the sort of charm which enabled him even to get away with accidentally tipping a drink over America's matronly, out-of-tune pop-singing Mrs. Miller at a reception.     This 5 ft. 9 in. under 10 stone, ex-actor from manchester dotes on his family, mum and dad, three sisters. Plays piano, is mad about animals, was a patrol leader in the Boy Scouts, once said he hoped he'd be a better actor than Elvis Presley, and already isn't far short!     He CAN be difficult, blows his top ... then apologises, and owns up privately that he sometimes feels he's being put upon because of his youthfulness. Remembers "I'm Into Something Good" with gratitude because it translated Manchester "Hermania" into a national thing. Was relieved when his last two singles hit the charts here because he felt he was slipping in Britain while climbing in the States and on the Continent. Talks long and earnestly about how good a recording manager he has in Mickie Most. A BUSINESSMAN     Sometimes he worries about how the Hermits seem left behind in adulation, but soon switches to thinking about the future. He's a darned good businessman, despite his age, and keeps a wary eye on his earnings. Invests well, too, on advice. Neat-suited invariably, free from gimmicks, refreshingly candid if he thinks he can trust is "audience"!     Herman's film contract in America is worth a million. He was disappointed with his first release, promises to do better with the forthcoming English production "Mrs. Brown You've Got A Lovely Daughter". And he still collects every record made by the Beatles.     He added: Young Peter Noone worries, but not over the usual things. He doesn't analyse WHY he's a star, just tries to live up to it. And if certain big-wigs in the more specialist music field dig him not ... well, as they say, he grins toothily all the way to the bank. He's a gradely lad is Herman.

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