Hubbry Logo
Peter NoonePeter NooneMain
Open search
Peter Noone
Community hub
Peter Noone
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Peter Noone
Peter Noone
from Wikipedia

Key Information

Peter Blair Denis Bernard Noone (born 5 November 1947)[1] is an English singer-songwriter, musician, actor, and teen idol. He was the lead singer "Herman" in the 1960s pop group Herman's Hermits.

Early life

[edit]

Noone was born in Davyhulme, Lancashire, England,[1] the second of five children, the son of two accountants,[2] and attended English Martyrs (Urmston), Wellacre Primary School (Flixton), Stretford Grammar School, and St Bede's College, Manchester. In an interview, Noone made this comment about his early years: "My parents had zero input in my career other than to teach me to be independent and to always be honest, steadfast and true and I was steadfast often. I was able to have a perfectly normal teen life ..."[2]

Noone studied voice and drama at St. Bede's College and at the Manchester School of Music,[3] where he won the Outstanding Young Musician Award.

Career

[edit]

Herman's Hermits

[edit]
Noone being presented with a gold disc for "No Milk Today"

Early in his career, he used the stage name Peter Novac. At 15, he became the lead singer, spokesman and frontman of Herman's Hermits, who were discovered by Harvey Lisberg.[4] As "Herman", the photogenic Noone appeared on the cover of many international publications, including Time Magazine's 1965 collage showing new faces in popular music.[5] The Hermits consisted of Noone, Derek “Lek” Leckenby and Keith Hopwood (guitars), Karl Green (bass) and Barry Whitwam (drums).

The band's hits included: "I'm into Something Good", "Can't You Hear My Heartbeat", "Mrs. Brown, You've Got a Lovely Daughter", "Silhouettes", "Wonderful World", "I'm Henry the Eighth, I Am" (in the U.S.), "There's a Kind of Hush", "Just a Little Bit Better", "A Must to Avoid", "Listen People", "The End of the World", "Dandy", and "No Milk Today". Herman's Hermits sold more than 60 million records and had 14 gold singles and seven gold albums. The Hermits were twice named in the U.S. trade paper Cashbox as "Entertainer of the Year".

As Herman, Noone performed on hundreds of television programmes and appeared with the Ed Sullivan, Jackie Gleason, Dean Martin and Danny Kaye television programs. He starred in ABC's musical version of The Canterville Ghost, Hallmark Hall of Fame's presentation of the classic Pinocchio (in which he played the title role), and three feature films for MGM: Mrs. Brown, You've Got A Lovely Daughter, Hold On! and When The Boys Meet The Girls.

Noone at a dairy in the Netherlands, after his band was awarded a gold record for "No Milk Today" in 1966

They were the opening act of the 1970 Royal Variety Performance from the London Palladium performing a medley of their hits to date followed by their rendition of "If I Were a Rich Man", "Where is Love?" and "Old Henry's Fish and Chips". They ended with their recent hit "There's a Kind of Hush".[6]

Solo work

[edit]

After Herman's Hermits disbanded in 1971, Noone recorded four singles for UK RAK Records, one single for UK and US Philips, and several singles for the small UK record label, Bus Stop Records. His first RAK single, "Oh You Pretty Thing", peaked at No.12 in the UK Singles Chart[7] and No. 100 in Australia.[8] It was written by David Bowie, who also played piano on the track. In 1973, Noone made a guest appearance on The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour television show.[citation needed]

In 1974, Noone scored a No. 15 US AC and No. 33 Canadian AC([9]) success with "Meet Me on the Corner Down at Joe's Cafe" on the Casablanca Records label. Earlier in the year, his "(I Think I'm Over) Getting Over You" had reached No. 63 in the Canadian AC charts.[10] In 1989 he had a No. 19 US AC hit with his solo recording of Goffin and King's "I'm into Somethin' Good" from the film The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!. In the 1980s, Noone released a solo album, One of the Glory Boys.

In the 1990s, Noone hosted a television programme, My Generation, on VH1 (British and Irish TV channel), featuring retro music; the programme lasted four years.[11]

As an actor, Noone played a number of roles on television, including that of Stanley Fairclough in the soap opera Coronation Street, leaving that role in 1961.[2][12] Noone also starred as Frederick in The Pirates of Penzance on Broadway in the 1980s, and later, at the Drury Lane Theatre in London's West End.[13][11] He reprised that role again during a US tour and international touring productions.[14] He also appeared in Romance/Romance as Alfred Von Wilmers in the U.S. National Tour of the Broadway hit.[11]

In 2019, Noone won the “Entertainer of the Year” award at the Casino Entertainment Awards in Las Vegas.[15]

The Tremblers

[edit]

Noone led a short-lived group called the Tremblers that toured in 1980 and released one album, Twice Nightly. Along with Noone, the members of the band were Greg Inhofer (keyboards), Robert Williams (drums, formerly with the Pop), George Conner (lead guitar), and Mark Browne (bass). According to the liner notes of the album, several musicians provided "licks & tricks," including members of Tom Petty's Heartbreakers, Elton John's backing band, Daryl Dragon, Phil Seymour and Dave Clark. Modern Recording magazine reviewed the album unfavorably, maintaining that the music bogged down in "power pop careening into bubblegum" songs that were not different enough from each other: adolescent lyrics delivered at the same fast tempo, recorded with an uninteresting, barely stereo sound field.[16]

Noone sings "Henry the VIII" on The Danny Kaye Show, as Kaye appears in the king's portrait.

SiriusXM

[edit]

As of January 2023, Noone hosted a weekly, three hour programme of 1960s music and reminiscences on SiriusXM's 60s Gold station titled "Something Good", titled after the hit song, "I'm into Something Good".[17]

Herman's Hermits revived

[edit]

Since the 1980s, Noone has performed under the name Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone.[18] In 2023, the group was scheduled to perform 108 concerts "mostly in the USA, Canada and Mexico. Some UK, some France."[17]

Personal life

[edit]

Noone married Mireille Strasser on 5 November 1968, his twenty-first birthday,[19][20] and has one daughter, Natalie.

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Peter Blair Denis Bernard Noone (born 5 November 1947) is an English , , actor, and radio presenter, best known as the lead singer of the 1960s pop band . Born in , , Noone rose to international fame at the age of 15 as "Herman," the frontman of , which formed in 1964 and became one of the era's top-selling acts with over 60 million records sold worldwide. The band's string of hits, including "" (1964), " You've Got a Lovely Daughter" (1965), and "I'm , I Am" (1965), earned them 14 gold singles and seven gold albums, along with two Cash Box "Entertainer of the Year" awards. Noone's early career included child acting roles on British television, such as playing Stanley Fairclough in the soap opera and appearances in series like , Family Solicitor, and Monro's Saki Stories. He studied voice and acting at St. Bede's College and the Manchester School of Music and Drama before joining , whose clean-cut image and catchy pop tunes propelled them to stardom during the mid-1960s . In 1965 alone, the band topped the U.S. singles charts and outperformed even in American sales for the year. Following Noone's departure from the band in 1971, Noone pursued a solo career, releasing albums such as Twice Nightly with The Tremblers (1979) and One of the Glory Boys (1980), while collaborating with artists like David Bowie and Debbie Boone. His acting credits expanded to include starring roles in films like MGM's Mrs. Brown You've Got a Lovely Daughter (1968), Hold On! (1966), and When the Boys Meet the Girls (1965), as well as television appearances in ABC's The Canterville Ghost (1986), Hallmark's Pinocchio (as the title role, 1968), and a recurring part as "Paddington" on CBS's As the World Turns. In the 1980s, he gained acclaim on stage, starring as Frederic in Broadway's The Pirates of Penzance (1981), a role he reprised at London's Drury Lane Theatre and in international touring productions. Today, at age 78, Noone continues to perform extensively with Starring Peter Noone, delivering sold-out shows worldwide and maintaining his status as a enduring figure in ; he won the Casino Entertainment Award for "Entertainer of the Year" in 2019.

Early years

Family background

Peter Blair Denis Bernard Noone was born on November 5, 1947, in , , (now part of ). As the second of five children, Noone grew up in a working-class family headed by his parents, Denis Patrick Noone, an and semi-professional , and Joan Blair Noone. His father's professions provided financial stability in post-war , where economic recovery was ongoing, allowing the family a modest but secure home in the Manchester area during the . Noone's childhood was shaped by the vibrant local culture of industrial , including emerging influences from American rock 'n' roll and music that permeated the region's youth scene. Within his family, music played a central role, as every member played an instrument, and gatherings such as holidays and religious events featured live performances rather than television, which the household did not own. This familial emphasis on music, supported by his father's involvement as a semi-professional , provided Noone's early immersion in the art form amid the austere yet culturally rich environment of 1950s Britain. This stable family backdrop transitioned into Noone's formal education at St. Bede's College in .

Education and early acting

Prior to St. Bede's, Noone attended English Martyrs School in and Wellacre in Flixton. Peter Noone attended St. Bede's College in , , where he began his formal in the . He later enrolled at the of Music and Drama, studying voice and to develop his skills as a young performer. During his time there, Noone received the Outstanding Young Musician Award, recognizing his early talent in vocal performance. As a child, Noone launched his acting career with a role as Stanley Fairclough in the British soap opera Coronation Street, appearing in episodes during the early 1960s. He also featured in several television series, including Knight Errant, Family Solicitor, and Monro's Saki Stories, gaining experience in dramatic and narrative roles on screen. These early acting endeavors and formal training honed Noone's stage presence, confidence, and vocal abilities, providing a foundation that opened doors to musical opportunities when he was 15 years old.

Musical career

Herman's Hermits

Peter Noone joined the Manchester-based beat group the Heartbeats in 1963 at the age of 15 after their original vocalist missed a gig, adopting the stage name "Herman" and becoming the lead singer as the band rebranded to Herman and the Hermits. Formed in Urmston, Manchester, around February 1963 with members including Keith Hopwood on rhythm guitar, the group began performing early local gigs in the area, blending jaunty pop-rock sounds that quickly gained traction. Their debut single, "I'm into Something Good," released in 1964, topped the UK Singles Chart for two weeks and reached number 13 on the US Billboard Hot 100, marking their breakthrough as part of the British Invasion. The band's success exploded in the with hits like "Mrs. Brown, You've Got a Lovely Daughter," which hit number 1 on the for three weeks in 1965 despite not being released as a single in the UK, followed by "Silhouettes" peaking at number 5 in the and number 3 in the UK that same year. Other key tracks included "There's a Kind of Hush," reaching number 4 on the charts and number 7 in the UK in 1967. sold over 60 million records worldwide, earning 14 gold singles and 7 gold albums, fueled by extensive touring schedules that solidified their teen idol status during the era. They made multiple appearances on from 1965 to 1967, performing hits like "I'm Henry VIII, I Am" and "Mrs. Brown, You've Got a Lovely Daughter," as well as on programs such as Shindig!. Noone's prior acting experience from British television contributed to the band's charismatic stage presence. In addition to music, the band starred in two MGM feature films: Hold On! in 1966, a musical comedy centered on their adventures, and Mrs. Brown, You've Got a Lovely Daughter in 1968, which revolved around a race and featured their title track. These projects highlighted their peak fame amid the British Invasion's transatlantic wave, where they outperformed many contemporaries in popularity through relentless touring and media exposure. The original lineup began to fracture in the late , leading to the band's disbandment in 1971 after Noone and Hopwood departed.

Solo music

After departing from Herman's Hermits in 1971, Peter Noone launched his solo career with the single "Oh! You Pretty Things," written by , who also contributed piano and backing vocals to the recording. Released on , the track peaked at No. 12 on the UK Singles Chart, marking Noone's first independent release and benefiting from his established fanbase from the band era. Noone followed with several singles in the early , including "Walnut Whirl" b/w "Right on Mother" in 1971, which achieved modest commercial results. These efforts showcased a shift toward more playful and narrative-driven pop. No full-length solo album materialized during the , with Noone focusing primarily on singles and occasional live performances. In the 1980s, Noone released his debut solo album, One of the Glory Boys, in 1982, featuring covers of songs by artists such as & and the , alongside original material in a polished West Coast rock style. The album received mixed reviews for its eclectic mix but did not chart significantly, reflecting the challenges of transitioning from status to adult-oriented rock. Noone continued issuing sporadic singles during the decade, emphasizing live tours to maintain audience engagement. The saw Noone's solo output lean toward covers and reinterpretations of classic tracks, with limited new recordings but consistent live performances that blended pop standards and rock influences. Collaborations included guest appearances on tracks by other artists, such as his vocal contribution to David Bowie's original demo sessions earlier, though later efforts remained niche without major chart breakthroughs. This period highlighted Noone's evolution into a versatile performer, incorporating elements and rock arrangements in his solo sets to appeal to nostalgic audiences.

The Tremblers

In 1980, Peter Noone formed The Tremblers, a Los Angeles-based band, as a collaborative project to explore a fresh sound beyond his earlier solo work. The core lineup included Noone on lead vocals, guitar, bass, and keyboards; George Conner on guitar and vocals; Gregg Inhofer on guitar, keyboards, and vocals; Robert Williams on drums and vocals; and Mark Browne on bass, with guest contributions from musicians such as members of , Elton John's backing band, and . The band recorded their debut and only album, Twice Nightly, in , aiming for a concise, energetic style that Noone described as "100% pop" but admitted was executed "a little bit too fast." Released in September 1980 on , the album featured tracks like the Beatles cover "" and originals such as "Little Lover" and "She Was Something Else," showcasing a harder-edged rock vibe compared to Noone's '60s pop roots. To promote the release, The Tremblers toured across the and made television appearances, including performances on The Midnight Special and , where they played songs from the album live. Critics noted the album's shift toward a punchy, new wave-influenced sound, praising its hooks and energy as a reinvention for Noone, though it received mixed reviews for occasionally sounding formulaic; commercially, it underperformed, failing to chart significantly and leading to the band's swift disbandment by early 1981 after just one album. The Tremblers experience strengthened Noone's ties to the Los Angeles music scene through collaborations with established players, influencing his subsequent production approach by emphasizing tight, pop-oriented arrangements in later projects.

Herman's Hermits revival

Following his departure from the original Herman's Hermits in 1971, Peter Noone briefly reunited with the band for a multi-artist "British Invasion" tour of the United States in 1973–1974, marking an initial revival attempt with the core lineup including drummer Barry Whitwam, guitarist Derek Leckenby, and bassist Karl Green. This short-lived effort featured varying configurations as members pursued other projects, but it laid the groundwork for Noone's ongoing association with the band's legacy amid lineup shifts. By the 1980s, Noone established consistent touring under the billing "Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone," assembling new musicians to perform the group's classic hits such as "" and ", You've Got a Lovely Daughter" for audiences worldwide, including regular stops in the , , , and . This format has sustained global performances for over four decades, with the band adapting to maintain high-energy shows that blend nostalgia with Noone's charismatic stage presence. Setlists typically center on the originals from the era while incorporating occasional covers and thematic variations to engage multigenerational fans. The band's touring momentum continued into recent years, with over 200 concerts performed in 2023 alone across and beyond, showcasing Noone's enduring appeal. This schedule extended into 2024 and 2025, highlighted by the annual "An Olde English Christmas" holiday tour, which features seasonal specials alongside standard hits to foster festive engagement during winter dates in venues like the Brauntex Theatre and Oaklawn Event Center. As of November 2025, notable appearances included performances at the on August 26 and the International Festival on March 21–22, with ongoing shows such as dates in Kingston, NY (November 1), Binghamton, NY (November 2), Fort Myers, FL (November 8), and Lincoln, CA (November 21). Throughout these decades, the revival has faced challenges, including legal disputes over the "" name, which is owned by original drummer Barry Whitwam, forcing Noone to use the "starring Peter Noone" designation and limiting its use outside the to avoid confusion with competing iterations. Band lineups have evolved significantly, with Noone recruiting professional musicians like Vance Brescia and Ricky Dickens for stability, replacing original members as they retired or departed, ensuring the group's adaptability while preserving its sound.

Other pursuits

Acting roles

In the 1980s, Peter Noone transitioned into prominent stage acting, taking on the lead of Frederic in the Broadway revival of Gilbert and Sullivan's , produced by the New York Shakespeare Festival. He joined the production as a replacement in July 1982, performing through November of that year at the Uris Theatre, and earned rave reviews for his energetic portrayal of the pirate apprentice, which blended his musical background with theatrical flair. This marked a significant diversification for Noone, allowing him to leverage his post-1960s music fame into legitimate theater while appealing to both longtime fans and new audiences seeking a pop-infused take on the classic . Noone extended his success through international tours and revivals, including performances in London's West End at the Theatre, where he reprised Frederic to enthusiastic crowds. These stage engagements solidified his reputation as a versatile performer capable of sustaining long runs and global travel, further intertwining his acting pursuits with his enduring musical persona. On television, Noone appeared in a recurring role as the eccentric Paddington on the CBS As the World Turns starting in 2002, delivering colorful performances that quickly became fan favorites and highlighted his comedic timing. He also made notable guest spots in scripted series, such as appearing as himself in the 1992 episode "Rock of Ages" on , and as Dwayne Brengle, the band's manager, in the 1991 Quantum Leap episode "Glitter Rock," which satirized 1970s glam music scenes. Additional appearances included as Dennis Bernard in the 1989 episode "Fallen Idol" of and an animated voice part as Adrian in (2009), demonstrating his adaptability across live-action and animation formats. Noone's adult acting roles, particularly in theater and episodic TV, provided a creative outlet beyond music, enabling him to explore character-driven narratives while occasionally drawing on his celebrity status for meta-humor, thus maintaining relevance in entertainment decades after his peak. Building briefly on his foundational experience from an early role in , these later endeavors showcased a more mature range.

Broadcasting work

In the late 1980s and into the , Peter Noone hosted VH1's , a half-hour retrospective series dedicated to music and culture, where he interviewed artists from the era and shared personal anecdotes from his time as a young rock star. The program ran for four years and achieved the highest ratings for its format in VH1's history, capitalizing on Noone's firsthand experiences with to provide nostalgic insights into the and pop-rock hits of the decade. Noone also contributed to music-themed television through production and hosting roles, including producing and starring in several cable TV specials focused on performances and retrospectives during the and . He hosted the special The Returns, which revisited the phenomenon with archival footage and contemporary reflections, further leveraging his era-specific expertise. Transitioning to radio in the , Noone launched Something Good with Peter Noone on SiriusXM's 60s Gold channel (channel 73), a weekly three-hour program airing Saturdays that blends classic tracks with his reminiscences and interviews. The show, which debuted around 2012 and continues today, features Noone delivering 18 short personal stories per episode, often tying songs to behind-the-scenes tales involving artists like , evolving from straightforward retrospectives to a more engaging, narrative-driven format that connects with listeners through humor and interactivity. Throughout the 2000s and 2020s, Noone has made guest hosting appearances on various music-oriented radio programs and podcasts, such as filling in on SiriusXM's 60s on 6 and contributing to themed broadcasts like weekends, where he curated playlists and shared expertise on hits. This work has allowed him to maintain an interactive presence, responding to audience requests and modern digital platforms while building on the media opportunities stemming from his fame.

Awards and honors

Throughout his career, Peter Noone and received widespread recognition for their musical achievements, including being named Entertainer of the Year twice by Cash Box magazine in the . This accolade highlighted their dominance during the era. In 2019, Noone was awarded Entertainer of the Year at the Casino Entertainment Awards in , acknowledging his enduring appeal and performance prowess. Noone's charisma also earned him VH1's Sexiest Artist of the Year, selected by viewer vote in the 1990s, reflecting his lasting popularity across generations. For their recordings, Herman's Hermits amassed 14 gold-certified singles and seven gold albums from the RIAA, contributing to sales exceeding 60 million records worldwide. In theater, Noone's portrayal of Frederic in the 1981 Broadway revival of garnered rave reviews, with the production earning for Best Revival of a Musical and Best Direction, as well as Drama Desk Awards for Outstanding Musical and Outstanding Director. Although Noone joined as a replacement after the initial awards season, his performance helped sustain the show's success during its extended run. Recent honors in the have celebrated Noone's touring longevity, including fan appreciation for over 200 annual shows that keep ' legacy alive.

Personal life

Marriage and family

Peter Noone married Strasser, a French native born in , on November 5, 1968, coinciding with his 21st birthday at the Church of the in . The couple met at a concert, where Noone impressed her with his rudimentary schoolboy French during her vacation in ; he later rented a house near her family's vacation home in to gain her mother's approval. Their partnership has endured for over 55 years, marked by mutual affection and shared experiences that have sustained their bond through Noone's extensive career demands. The couple has one daughter, Natalie Noone, born on July 3, 1985, who has pursued a career in entertainment, including and as a in genres such as and Americana. She married in and currently hosts a show on SiriusXM's 60s on 6 channel. Natalie has occasionally performed alongside her father, blending family ties with her professional interests. Noone and Strasser have balanced family life with his rigorous touring schedule by prioritizing shared time and joint travels when possible, allowing them to maintain closeness despite frequent separations. Their relocation to , in the provided a stable base that positively influenced family dynamics amid Noone's international performances.

Residence and later interests

Peter Noone has maintained a long-term residence in , since the late 1970s, initially establishing part-time roots in the United States before settling permanently with his family. He chose the area for its favorable climate, sunny weather, and proximity to , the epicenter of the entertainment and music industries, which aligned with his ongoing career pursuits. In his later years, Noone quietly supports local charities in , including hosting benefit concerts for organizations such as Unity Shoppe, Notes for Notes, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tustin, often leveraging his performances to raise funds for community causes. Noone has embraced modern technology, actively using social media platforms like and to engage with fans through posts, updates, and virtual meet-and-greets, fostering ongoing connections with his audience. He also relies on texting for daily communication with family members, particularly his wife, to maintain close ties despite frequent travel. In interviews, Noone has reflected on achieving work-life balance by prioritizing family since his marriage in 1968, viewing his music career as a rewarding "" that people pay him to pursue rather than a demanding obligation. While he continues extensive touring, he has occasionally considered semi-retirement to focus more on personal time, though his passion for performing keeps him active on the road. No major health issues have been reported for Noone, who at age 78 maintains an active lifestyle through regular performances and travel, crediting good genes and consistent engagement in his interests for his vitality.

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.