About Us....
Herman's Hermits, the legendary sixties pop band, with 23 hit records, selling over 80 million copies. Multi-Million streams and downloads, hugely successful tours in the UK, America, Australia, Europe and the wider world, they still rank as one of the most successful popular music acts the UK has ever produced.The band's original drummer, Barry Whitwam, is still touring with a fabulous band and entertaining audiences of all ages. With a repertoire of classic hits, such as "I'm into Something Good", "Mrs. Brown, You've Got a Lovely Daughter", and "There's a Kind of Hush", Herman's Hermits is a must-see act for any fan of sixties pop music.
Formed in 1964, Manchester, England; Herman’s Hermits are, to this day, a popular touring band, thrilling audiences worldwide with their unique sound and warm humour. Originally called Herman and The Hermits (this was changed to Herman’s Hermits to reflect the band as a whole) they were very much part of the teenage revolution taking place in Modern Britain. With this in mind, Producer Mickie Most saw the massive potential of the band and took them under his wing… they charted later that year with the multi-million selling No.1 Hit “I’m Into Something Good”.
In addition to chart success, Herman’s Hermits have starred in three films, countless TV appearances worldwide including, “The Royal Variety Performance” and in the USA “The Ed Sullivan Show”… 5 times! All of which have contributed to the longevity and continued success of Herman’s Hermits.
Behind The Band
Barry 'Bean' Whitwam
Born 21 July 1946 in Prestbury, England. Started drumming at the age of 14 years whilst still at school.
On leaving school at 15 to take up a career as a ladies hairdresser, he filled in the weekend nights playing with “Danny and the Demons”. Soon the pressure of trying to do both jobs resulted in the decision to leave the salon and concentrate on the drums though only on condition that he practiced for 8 hours a day – a promise made to his father. In April 1964 he joined “Herman and the Hermits” and the group’s name was immediately changed to HERMAN’S HERMITS. He has been with Herman’s Hermits non-stop since 1964, performing in the USA more than 150 times.
One of the high points of his career was meeting Elvis Presley in Hawaii in the 60’s. He has a photograph to prove it! He has several nicknames due to his reputation as a joker but is usually known as “Bean”.
Jamie Thurston
Jamie was born in Scunthorpe, England… at a very early age! His love of music stems from childhood, listening to his parents record collection on their old “Ferguson” radiogram, his favourite era, of course, being the 1960s.
As long as he can remember, Jamie has always been a performer. Having taken part in school productions and local theatre from a teenager, Jamie’s love of performing led him to train to be an Actor, which allowed him the privilege of being paid to do what he loves best and to travel all over the UK and further afield, in numerous Theatre productions as well as working in Film and Television.
After several years performing in bands, Jamie joined ‘60s rockers The Tornados in 2014 and spent 6, great, years as their frontman.
In 2020, Jamie was delighted to be asked to become a member of the legendary Herman’s Hermits and very much looks forward to historying with the lads and meeting you all along the way.
John Summerton
John’s musical path started with Dagenham band The Young Revival, at age 11 and appeared on Blue Peter and later progressed into 70s band Flintlock, releasing 4 albums and 10 singles, with “Dawn” making the top 30 in 1976 with appearances on “Top of the Pops”. FLINTLOCK also were featured on TV shows like “You must be Joking” and “Paulines Quirks”.
After 2 tours in Japan and the changing music scene Flintlock finished in 1980.
John is an acomplished guitarist and a great singer, who has shared the stage with Gary Brooker (Procol Harum) and John Illsley (Dire Straits). A highlight was when he was asked to sing and play “Reeling in the Years” at the Giants of Rock with Steely Dan’s Elliott Randall!
The Rubettes featuring Bill Hurd came next where John took lead vocals for a few tours in Europe and the UK.
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Tony Young
In the 80’s and 90’s Tony became a backing musician for such celebrated artistes such as Billy. J. Kramer, Brian Poole and PJ Proby and many more. For over 20 years Tony was the band leader and keyboard player for Gerry and the Pacemakers until Gerry’s retirement in 2018.
Enjoying many tours overseas including the States, Canada, Hong Kong and Australia, Tony in between touring, has done a number of BBC sessions for hit duo “Alicia’s Attic” and writing radio jingles with Gerry.
In 2018 Tony was enlisted on to the panel to be a music examiner for Trinity College London.
