HERMAN's trouble sticks out like a sore thumb broken in three places. While sipping his coffee the mummified joint was carefully extended to avoid any pressure with the cup.
"It happened at Hammersmith," said Herman. "I was being bundled hastily through a crowd of fans by the police to a waiting car, and then, slammed the door. Unfortunately my thumb was still in the door. What I said to the policeman is not on record but I should hate for it to be used in evidence."
Having disposed of a steak and sundry cokes ("I'm a coke addict, I drink about six at a sitting") we broke into Question Time.
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Q. Is it true you are "that way" about Twinkle?
A. Yes, I met her about 3 weeks back when she joined our tour as a replacement for the Shangri-Las. We were down at the Ad Lib Club last night and I didn't get her home until 3 o'clock in the morning - her Mum will kill me.
I think Twink's a great girl.
Q. What do you think about the citicism that all your hits have been cover versions of other artists' records?
A. Personally, I like revivals. What's wrong with them? If people don't like them, they won't buy them. If it is a good song I'll do it. I'm thinking of doing a Sam Cooke revival for my next single.
Q. You have just been recording tracks for a new LP. Can you tell us any of the titles?
A. Yes, we have cut new versions of Cliff Richards' old hit, "Travelling Light," the Yardbirds' current hit, "For Your Love," Bobby Rydell's "I'll Never Dance Again," and a number recorded by Skeeter Davis, "End of The World." There will be two numbers written by us called "Tell Me Baby" and "Don't Try to Hurt Me."
Q. At one time your group, the Hermits, were not going to be allowed to play with you on your U.S. tour. How did they eventually get permission?
A. Very simply because we said that they were singers, not musicians. They mimed to a few numbers on the Ed Sullivan show and everyone seemed happy.
Q. It has been suggested that you have taken over from Gerry and the Pacemakes. Do you believe this is true?
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A. I'd hate to think that I was taking over from him. I think he's fab. I think I see why people have drawn
the comparrison. Our recent hits have been the happy sort of tunes that Gerry used to record like "I Like It," and our images are the same.
Q. What kind of image to you think you have?
A. I'm the drinks pinta milka day type. The youngster who has just got out of school early. The happy-go-lucky village idiot with no brains. I don't smoke or do bad things. If only they knew!
Q. It has been said that there is a surfing sound on your records, do you agree?
A. The only surf group in Manchester - that's us! Quite seriously I don't think so. There was a slight surfing influence on our first record but it was a coincidence rather than intentional.
Q. A lot has been written about you, Herman, but nothing much about your group. would you like to say a few words about the Hermits?
A. You couldn't print anything I said about them. Let's try. There's Keith. He's easy going and idle. Kind of guy who takes a taxi from one sde of the room to the other. He ran out and left me with the bill in the Ad Lib last night and he can run faster than me! He's also very good natured.
Karl is one of the lads. He likes the girls. All the girls. He also snores and talks in his sleep.
lek is the sudious member in the group. He's the guy who thinks up all the great ideas which go wrong. He suggested we do "Pick A Bale of Cotton" for the new LP. We turned that into "Travelling Light" and convinced him that it was his idea.
Barry is the sort of guy who spends more money than he has. He buys a new car and starves for a month trying to keep up the payments. He's also the most amusing man in the group.
I'm the mouth. I'll talk for hours about things that I have no idea about.
Q. Would you like to act in a serious play or film?
A. I don't think I could be serious enough. When I was playing Shakespearian parts I would reach lines like "Wouldst put out my eyes?" and just giggle. I certainly don't want to do a musical though - they're a big mistake.
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