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Herman and his Hermits have come and gone and have taken with them the following of tens of thousands of fans after their first Southern California concert held at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena August 7 by KFWB. Thousands of enthusiastic fans were treated by Peter Blair Denis Bernard Noone (Herman's real name) and the four Hermits to nine great songs, and the audience loved every minute of it. About twenty girls rushed the field stage, but after being chased by policement they were stopped before they reached the stage. Two girls made it to the stage, but were quickly removed. Herman kept singing throughout the disturbance.  The English fivesome were driven to the Pasadena Rose Bowl where they freshened up and held a press conference in their dressing room. Cameras flashed and Herman as spokesman answered questions put to them by representatives of various publications. Responding to requests, Herman introduced the other Hermits. Bass guitarist Karl Green is 18 years old. Keith Hopwood, 19, is rhythm guitarist. Twenty-year-old Derek 'Lek' Leckenby is lead guitarist. Rounding out the group is 19 year old drummer Barry Whitwam. Herman was asked at the press conference if it was true that he was a high school dropout and he replied, "I'm not a high school dropout. In England you finish high school earlier than here in America, and I have already completed |
five years of college." Herman made some of his famous funny faces during the conference. He said that American girls were the same as English girls in that they "are all noisy, except there aren't as many young girls in England." He reported he wouldn't like to live here because he loves his home too much. Elvis is his favorite American performer. September 15 the Hermits return for five weeks to film a movie entitled "There's No Place Like Space." Asked what he thought about the surfing trend in California, Herman presented a puzzled expression and after someone explained what surfing was he replied, "Oh yeah, we've been surfing in England for 2 years; it's not new in England." "Everyone laughed at me," was Herman's answer to how he felt about being named one of England's Ten Best Dressed Men. The concert started with The Midnighters performing four numbers including their hit disc of "Whittier Blvd." The Great Scots, a fivesome from Nova Scotia, created a sensation with their Nova Scotia tartan kilt outfits. Included in the songs they sang was their recent release of "Give Me Lovin'." The Three Guilloteens from Memphis, looking sharp in all black outfits, performed four numbers including "I Don't Believe." Present from New York were the Lovin' Spoonful. In addition to their hit disc "Do You Believe in Magic" they played several rhythm and blues numbers. The Turtles were a great hit with "It Ain't Me Babe" and other numbers they performed. Screams greeted the Bobby Fuller Four as they did four numbers including "let Her Dance" and hit-bound "I Fought The Law." Finally it was time for the Hermits. Everyone was standing in waiting, and they were screaming, "We want Herman." Signs reading such things as "We Luv Herman" were raised. After the KFWB D-J's announced them, the fivesome from Manchester appeared and the audience went wild. Herman sang the KFWB-98 jingle and then started out with "Can't You Hear My Heartbeat." When after several tunes the whole audience was standing, Herman asked everyone to be seated. They sat down and the show continued. In all, the Hermits in navy blue suits and Herman in a gray suit, performed nine numbers. The crowd joined in clapping on several songs and they sang along with Herman on "I'm Henry VIII." The Hermits left and the show was over. Yes, one of the greatest shows presented in Southern California was over, but the fans who attended will remember that afternoon for a long time. |