Barry 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, historying the USA alone 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”.
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 has focused on his family and business ventures since, whilst still writing and performing and producing bands locally .
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.
In 2021/22 John joined Gerry’s Pacemakers on The Sixties Gold tour backing other artists.
Today he’s now settled in nicely and looking forward to busy time with Herman’s Hermits .
Tony Hancox
Born in March 1972 Tony’s music career starting at the young age of 7 when his Mum and Dad bought a wurlitzer organ and asked if he wanted to take lessons. He played in various bands whilst at school and then discovered brass. He continued to play Organ and piano and studied with the London College of Music whilst taking on various session work for local bands, TV and radio eventually forming a band with members of The Specials and King.
Tony spent part of his career working in various show bars across the UK and Europe as a resident musician and taking on jobs on cruise ships as MD of the house band working with stars from the TV and as cocktail pianist, it was there he gained the prestigious job of working with 50’s sensations The Platters.
In 2004 Tony decided to concentrate on his solo vocal career and brass side of things, to which he played with some of the top brass bands in the UK playing at prestigious events at the Royal Albert Hall, Wembley Arena and many festivals around the UK.
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.
