MY, MY, MY BALLS! OH PETER NOONE! SAY IT ISN'T SO!

The following comments from Peter Noone were published in forgottenhits@aol.com newsletter on Friday, August 29, 2008 through Kent Kotal who hails from Chicago, Illinois and publishes a weekly newsletter to about eight thousand people every time he writes articles pertaining to varying performing artists, bands, radio stations and the industry as a whole.

Although the separate e-mail informing me of his desire to publish our air dates was not published, the e-mail comments from Peter Noone were published in his newsletter, which prompts a response from myself ... listed here in its entirety ... so as not to mince or bandy about with words. After all, I am certain they will make their way to Kent's newsletter, and I just want to make sure that, there is nothing left out ... and while I have tried to quell any negative responses to previous insults ... there just has to be someone who will stand up and say, "Peter, if you're asking ... or doubting ... let me make it clear for you ... they're THIS BIG!"

Hi Mason!

My last couple of emails bounced back but I DID mention the upcoming BARRY WHITWAM Interview again this morning ... even ran your "promo clip" ... once you have SPECIFIC airdates and airtimes, please let me know and I'll be happy to spread the word.

Naturally, this prompted yet another response from PETER NOONE:

Hello kent, I wonder if mason ramsey asked barry whitwam why he has recordings in hisdiscography that he wasn't even on? That's my only "beef". Where is it? And his claim that his version is the original herman's hermits. That's sortof a stretch. Anyone agree? We shall see if mason has balls. I am a doubter! -- Peter Noone/Herman

Kent,
Peter seems to be acting very much like a spoiled little Lord Fauntleroy … Have you seen the picture of the little boy with the long curls wearing the high knickers, holding a lollipop with the pouty lip? That’s Peter crying to mostly his die hard and dedicated fans, “Whaaaaaaa Barry didn’t play on the studio recordings …. Wahhhhhhh!!!!! He’s NOT HERMAN … I’m HERMAN … Wahhhhhhh!!!!! !”

If Peter wants to fight, I really don’t have time to spar with someone who doesn’t want to get into the ring, since Peter has NEVER responded to any requests for any kind of talk, even long before Barry and I began talking. Peter has never respected my efforts in promoting the music, much less Peter himself … and I’ve gone my way, playing the music for his ‘Noonatics’ who couldn’t hear it on any local radio station when they were ‘chatting’ on his web site.

Peter seems to be holding onto the one thing that makes absolutely no sense whatsoever … and that “Barry didn’t play the drums on the recordings!”

SO WHAT! Barry was a member of the ORIGINAL Herman’s Hermits from 1964 – 1971 and toured with the group (playing the drums), did the interviews, played on the TV specials, and was with the GROUP long after PETER abandoned Herman’s Hermits to “Have a GO on his OWN!”

Peter should grow up, and stop hurling nasty little insults from a distance, because he believes that he is the sole reason for the success of Herman’s Hermits. As I’ve stated before, I believe, as Barry Whitwam has stated, Peter Noone was the ‘Focal Point’ of Herman’s Hermits, and has adopted the persona of Herman, but it does not absolve Barry or the rest of the members of their claim to the legacy of the GROUP.

As Ringo Starr did not play on a couple of Beatles tunes, He was still a Beatle … and with the accepted practice of using studio musicians in place of the group members, did not make John Paul Jones or Jimmy Page any rightful member of Herman’s Hermits.

And if Billy Preston played the keyboards for the Beatles, he was NOT a Beatle, although considered to be … the FIFTH Beatle. I am certain Billy isn’t claiming to be a Beatle, but it is widely known to those who care to pick out the details … Billy Preston added to the OVERALL product, but you never saw him performing at Candlestick Park or any other venue --- at least not UPFRONT as a member of the BEATLES!

And, as far as ‘My Balls’ are concerned … why is Peter asking about them, and: why is he so interested? Is there something in Peter’s closet that warrants such a question?

I like Peter as a performer, because he does put on a great show, and I have tried to keep from becoming embroiled in HIS feud with Barry, hoping to remain neutral, but because I have opted to interview Barry for http://www.rockandrollheaven.net/ --- it has caused a tremendous upheaval from the ‘Reverend Sung Young Noone’ (He has referred to himself and his own Persona) and his most fervent ‘Noonatics’ who have blasted me for having the audacity to even mention the likes of Barry Whitwam. I’m sure you have read a couple of my articles pertaining to the subject, and can most likely see, that I have done nothing more than crease the facts into an already volatile topic.

As a third and disinterested party to the facts, I can only offer up my opinion, in both sides of a story … where it appears that Peter has been displaying, through his writings and e-mails … very poor behavior, which will only add to his legacy … and to those outside of the compound of ‘Reverend Sung Young Noone’ --- you can only hope those inside can hear you screaming … “Don’t Drink the Kool-Aid!”

The Herman’s Hermits Special / interview will be airing within the next couple of weeks, and I will make it available to those off line, who do not have the opportunity to listen. As you are aware, I have been experiencing the problems associated with building a business, and that includes the problems with e-mails and such, but we still do have a 24 / 7 signal of music, as we’re working toward creating this station from the ground up.

Thank you for your support, and for believing that we do have a great concept in programming “Music for the Ages” --- Once I do get the much needed help in programming, and of course the other important pieces in place … I believe we are going to be a force to be reckoned with.

Thanks again Kent, and by the way here are a couple of remixed promos for you --- since the very first one … was a ‘Bloody Copy’ from the early morning hours. I’m sorry that we were not able to connect on getting you in on the interview, but there may be some time --- for now, this is going to be a music special about Herman’s Hermits with Barry Whitwam … and I’d like to believe it will be in the next couple of weeks. I will let you know for sure, but it will be on a weekend … Saturday and re-run again on a Sunday Night.

Talk with you again,

Mason

America’s Coast to Coast Entertainment Network
http://www.rockandrollheaven.net/
(888) JST KLSX (578-5579

A HERMAN'S HERMIT FROM THE BEGINNING & TILL THE END!

Note to Readers: This is an

Editorial Article of Opinion Only.

Herman's Hermits Starring Barry Whitwam will be appearing on America's Coast to Coast after he and his current Hermits have already appeared here in the United States on a mini tour, playing a few venues from Redding, California, the Wisconsin State Fair to the Riverfest in Ottawa.

While it has been awhile since Barry Whitwam had performed in the United States, it definitely did not go unnoticed, especially by Peter Noone, the former lead singer who left the band in late 1971 in search of a solo career.

It was after Peter Noone left the band, that Barry Whitwam along with the remaining three members of the band: Dereck Lekenby, Karl Green and Keith Hopwood continued with the band, by replacing the original Peter with another Peter ... named Peter Cowap, who also was from Manchester, England ... and the group continued touring and creating music, which was never officially released ... up until now.

None of this information is new, in fact it remains to be an historical fact: Herman's Hermits, the original group consisting of the five main member were the iconic rock group of the British Invasion from 1964 - 1971.

But, now there is some Neil Sedaka music, 'Bad Blood' coursing through the years which has left a sour taste in the mouths of not only a few fans, but more than a few fans ... and a temperamental Rock Star who seems to be taking it a bit personally, as if he isn't receiving 'All of the Attention' and is seemingly a bit pissed off that one of the original members of the band has the nerve in trying to hold onto a piece of 'His' legacy ... that Peter himself feels isn't worthy of having; although Barry Whitwam was 20% of a group that collectively stayed together for about seven years and historically sold over eighty million records worldwide.

This apparent competition for the naming rights has been erupting, not only in the British courts, but also in the American courts, and has cost both men, a substantial amount of time and money in legal fees over the course of these many years ... and it just doesn't seem there will be any resolution ... at least from Peter Noone, who apparently relishes in the attention, believing that it helps his cause ... as being the ONLY official band Herman's Hermits.

While it may exist as a naming competition, it may ultimately be about, "Who is really Herman's Hermits?"

Since Peter Noone was the most recognizable member of the band, and whose signature voice dominated the songs as the lead singer, he remains unquestionably a personality deserving of his fame ... but at a cost of driving another into the ground?

Upon Barry and 'His Hermits' arrival in the United States, their first 'Gig' was in a town called Portage, Wisconsin which had been suffering from several devastating blights leaving the town, economically in sad shape. It was also the first year of Portage's Fair, which did not headline or support a rodeo ... and another primary cause for a very poor turn out, which fell on the legacy of Herman's Hermits ... when the newspaper unwittingly 'Ran' a headline in the paper "Herman’s Hermits headline sparsely-attended fair concert" that resulted in 'Bad Press' for the group ... making it appear as if 'They' were the one's responsible for such a poor turn out.

Nothing could have been farther from the truth, but Peter Noone quickly picked up the article, and posted it to his web site, labeling it as "Hermanless Hermits" which quickly incited the most loyal and die hard fans, who immediately rallied behind Peter and quickly began 'Bad Mouthing' the original drummer in Peter's 'Forum,' including Peter himself who called Eddy Carter, one of Barry's band members "A Clown" simply for being the man playing a guitar stuffed with a rag, to mimic a sound of a banjo, which was made famous by Derek Lekenby on one of Herman's Hermits more famous songs, "Mrs. Brown You've Got a Lovely Daughter."

Peter was very much offended at a comment quoted by the newspaper ... from Barry about the song, and its use of the rag, "It wasn't a banjo," said Whitwam, "because we were too poor to have a banjo."

Of course, I read Peter's comments made to the reporter, and it sounded as if he was upset over Barry referring to Peter's 'Mum and Dad' being poor, when Barry never said anything about Peter's 'Mum or Dad' but Peter took it upon himself to say: "The story that we were too poor to buy a banjo is an insult to me and to my parents, who were both successful certified public accountants and a banjo would most certainly been an acceptable deduction/write-off, even to Harold Wilsons' Labour government." (You can read Peter's comments on his website)

By the time "Mrs. Brown You've Got a Lovely Daughter" hit the charts, seriously puts into question about any money being spent, since it may be obvious the band itself wasn't relying on the funds of Peter's 'Mum and Dad' at the time. If they were, they may have been bad business people, if they didn't negotiate a better deal for Peter Noone at the time ... making him ... the unquestionable leader of the band ... and the man with Star Billing. If that were the case ... then none of this would be happening today.

But what some people people may be missing ... is this: This is about the Legacy of a Group that was without a doubt a strong influence in their time. No, they were not the Rolling Stones, nor The Beatles, The Who or any other group other than Herman's Hermits --- and it is about the music, and those songs people remembered when they experienced them.

And YES, Peter Noone was a MAJOR factor in that GROUP and undoubtedly a driving force ... but if Peter, who has said, "I did not treat people very well, and I attribute that to being very young" would only come to terms that; perhaps a more mature Peter Noone would realize that all of this negative press against Herman's Hermits is doing nothing more than leaving a more sullied tale of misery in its wake.

It may be a better testament in believing that, even if Barry Whitwam did not sing, or play the drums on a few record sessions ... he still remained with the group, long after Peter Noone left to "Make a go on his own" while the remaining four members of Herman's Hermits kept the band's name alive, by playing the music they all made famous. If Peter did not like Barry in the band, and felt that he had nothing to do with any of the music, or the band's success ... Peter Noone should have used his strength as the dominant force then, instead of trying to rewrite history now.

After talking with Barry Whitwam in the upcoming interview on http://www.rockandrollheaven.net/ I have heard him give Peter Noone plenty of credit for being the influential leader of a band, that he chose to step away from ... and then later wanted it back. But, even as Barry realizes the importance of unified front, it really is about the music, even as much as it is about Peter Noone ... but you can not, and never will be able to take away Barry's rights as a working member of that group ... now or then. It would only serve both men in the wisest of ways to come together as friends, and dispense with the fragmenting of any reputations ... much less Herman's Hermits.

And with this article in print ... if Peter Noone can not resist in hurling any more insults, most likely at this author, I guess he has not grown out of the sixties, and remains to be a sixteen year old .... who believes the world revolves solely around Herman. Time will tell, and we can only hope for the remorseful wisdom of a teenage idol ... all grown up, who will treat, not only his fans graciously, but those he's worked with ... those who continue to support him, those who look up to him ... and to be thankful for what he's accomplished, and continues to accomplish.

One last thing: I have heard from many persons, who are 'His' fans on how he has hurt their feelings when they have traveled great distances to see him perform and waited in line to get yet, another autograph ... only to act as if he does not know them. I too have personally felt the sting of insults, over a simple issue ... like interviewing Barry Whitwam and it is just ... unbecoming of someone who has built so much, and has so much to give. I personally like Peter Noone and wish him all of the best in being the Rock Legend that he is, and should continue being, but lets give Barry Whitwam a spot of credit for being there too.

Be listening for the interview and musical special in the coming weeks. Perhaps we may even get a chance to speak openly and honestly with Peter as well, and who knows ... something may trigger a bit of loving kindness for a friend long set aside.

VACATION WINNERS! PAM & DENNIS!

It hardly seems that it was just a little more than a month ago, that Pam & Dennis Santo won a vacation trip that included a great rafting trip down the Arkansas River ... and then a relaxing stay at the Florence Rose Bed & Breakfast in Florence Colorado.

I got word the Santo's were absolutely thrilled with their trip down the Arkansas River with Whitewater Adventure Outfitters, who they say, really made their 'Full Day' experience something they will cherish for a long time to come ... and the Hoagies for lunch ... perfect!

The Santo's met their Colorado friends who joined them on their trip, and the party of four enjoyed their guide ... who took personal pleasure in treating them to a gorgeous and exhilarating day of fresh water, beautiful scenery and the unsullied Rocky Mountain air.

After their invigorating full day thrill ride, it was off to relax at the Florence Rose Bed & Breakfast, a renovated Victorian and modernized Inn. The vacationing party were treated to the personal hospitality of the owners, who made the 'Winners' feel as if they were being waited on, not by any staff, but by the Queen of England herself. The Santo's received more than the hospitality of Innkeepers renting a room ... their senses were stimulated by the ambiance of a perfectly decorated lodge, but a morning breakfast centered around Blue Berry pancakes and stimulating conversation ... making the Santo's 'A Client ... Satisfied.'

America's Coast to Coast would like to thank Whitewater Adventure Outfitters, Florence Rose Bed and Breakfast and of course http://www.Coloradoresort.com as much as Pam and Dennis Santo for being involved with us here at http://www.RockandRollHeaven.net and giving us an opportunity in making this a wonderful experience for Pam and Dennis Santo and their friends.

It truly is "Music for the Ages" and a RockandRollAdventure for everyone involved.

MASON WHATSISNAME? (sic)

OUCH!

What you are about to read is a direct quote from a tremendously gifted and well known singer, who has been on the World Stage for all but about eight or nine years of his LIFE.

"There were more people on stage than at the Portage Fair so we all felt exhilerated (sp) and happy to play for a wonderful full house of children of all ages. Thank you again great people of Wisconsin for your faith and trust. A few words for all the Mason Whatsisname fan (sic). We do not care! We all wish Barry Whitwam well. The attendance told the story that anyone could use in evidence and that's the end of it as a story. We are onto the thing called NEXT, and it doesn't include you Mason, or your 6 friends. Thank you! We are fun and happy people. NEXT!"

Personally, I get a warm fuzzy feeling that sits on the top of my head, that any person who chooses to sling verb-age around meaning to ridicule or discredit another, only further shows a lack of common courtesy, even if they are trying to strengthen their position. It may only be a testament of weakness in their own character, or a total disregard for anyone other than themselves, since they are proving to be unwilling to listen to anyone else's opinions on any subject matter. It may be of no matter what anyone, much less myself has done in favor of a sensational career, much less promoting the superb qualities of a 'Cheeky Fellow' when it comes to getting to a reasonable solution, without causing any further spoilage ... on an already tarnished and embattled front.

The word sic may be used either to show that an uncommon or archaic usage is reported faithfully: for instance, quoting the U.S. Constitution:

The House of Representatives shall chuse [sic] their Speaker ...

or to highlight an error, sometimes for the purpose of ridicule or irony ...

A decision to publish any type of insults, without ever speaking to that person or persons can only be viewed as an unwillingness to render any hopes of ever engaging in a fruitful relationship, even to a point of knowing the person, you are insulting. It will only lead to bitterness, despair and a bad reputation, long after exiting this mortal coil.

It is not and has never been my desire, in ever being involved in even some of the political issues that I too have been a part of ... but sometimes, it takes a great deal of time ... for persons like myself to see any reasoning in being justified in our own actions ... if only brought to our attention by others ... unafraid in holding true to the North Star. Constant ... unwavering.

I bear no ill feelings, and will not take offence. I can only justify my position by doing my job in radio, television or the movies by watching for the wonderful opportunity of meeting and talking with some of the greatest entertainers willing to give me their time in promoting the values of wholesome, fun and entertaining LIFE. The offer exceeds all of my expectations for a wonderful group that was Herman's Hermits ... and Barry Whitwam was with that group well past a time, when the lead singer decided to go solo in 1971 and then later return. And with that in mind, I am honored this Pop Icon will even give me his precious time, without casting one single aspersion. He has a story to tell as well. Thank you Barry.

NEXT! Be watching for a time on the upcoming interview and special on JST KLSX - http://www.RockandRollHeaven.net

THE BARRY WHITWAM INTERVIEW

Well, here it is ... another Saturday Night and, I still haven't gotten paid! But, I do so LOVE my job, and will try and keep doing it, until I do get paid!

But even when it's not about the money, that is what it really boils down to: that and the fame that goes along with it ... as much as the enjoyment of doing the job.

I would have to think it would be the same for others who are in a similar job, much like a band, possibly Herman's Hermits or any job I guess.

So here is a picture of Keith Hopwood, Derek 'Lek' Leckenby, Barry Whitwam, Karl Green and Peter Noone doing 'their job' as the band Herman's Hermits ... who performed as a group from 1964 through 1971 during happier times, when they were rushing from the stage into waiting limousines, traveling the world, making appearance after appearance ... interview after interview and hundreds of photo shoots as a group during what has been historically classified as "The British Invasion."

While most fans of the group Herman's Hermits are not aware of the details supporting the intricate behind the scenes facts, most DO NOT CARE aside from the DIE HARD fans of the individual personalities themselves. A majority of the fans of the music, only care about one thing: the ORIGINAL songs that were compiled and presented to the public when they turned on their radios and televisions, and that music ... is the music of Herman's Hermits ... period.

When a fan, or a person hears any piece of music at a time in their lives, that was emblazoned on their memories, only serves to take them back to that period ... when they hear it again in their later years. And so, it has to be about the music, and the original recording and members, otherwise it does not hold onto the sanctity nor the purity of the music or the memory.

Granted, the lead singer and front man of any group was very likely the most popular of the group, and received most of the attention ... but it still does not take away from the fact that: The Beatles were still The Beatles, not ... The Beatles Starring John Lennon, or The Beatles Starring Paul McCartney.

Fans do have a right to have their favorite member of the group, but they can not dismiss the fact or facts that it was a group effort. There has been such a derision of hate spewing forth ... propagated by the loyalty of over zealous fans, that does not seem to pay homage to 'The Music.'

Tonight, while 'On the Air' I received a phone call from several fans in Wausau, Wisconsin who were at the concert, and are tremendous supporters of Peter Noone, and still love us here at America's Coast to Coast ... but, there are other supporters who are equally as pissed, because I had the nerve to speak with an original member of the group, namely Barry Whitwam because they are of the mindset ... that Barry Whitwam had nothing to do with the group. It is a little frustrating to see something like this happening, when Barry Whitwam has every bit the right as a member of Herman's Hermits in holding onto a legacy that he helped create. Certainly a man deserving to earn a living, as much as the next man.

What is equally as distasteful is seeing some fans blindly accepting a bowl of grits disguised as sand, especially with the latest article posted on Peter' Noone's site "Herman’s Hermits Headline Sparsely -Attended Fair Concert" when in fact, the headline from the Portage Daily Register does not really tell the truth as much as it hurts the legacy of 'The GROUP.' Yet, the article was posted as an attempt to discredit Barry Whitwam, but really does more harm to the name Herman's Hermits.

The article headline seems to try and place all the blame on a lack of attendance on the Headline act, as much as it does not really place blame on a lack of promotion for the entire fair, and that it was the first year ... the fair ... did not have their traditional rodeo. If anything, the Portage Daily Register should have their hands slapped for placing the lack of attendance on Herman's Hermits, much less Barry Whitwam. I'll bet the (Opening Act) The Daddy O's were grateful, knowing that as a Local Group, with a tremendous local following --- they weren't blamed for a lack of fair attendance ... generally crowded by rodeo fans. Where were their 'Loyal' and 'Local' followers?

Personally, I know it only continually harms the legacy when a headline like that in the Portage Daily Register, does only ... cast further doubt on a public that doesn't really care to know the details, and for the most part cares only about the music. The details are simply this: there are only two remaining members of Herman's Hermits willing to travel and give a wanting public a little something from the past, and each member has every right to play those songs to a receptive audience of concert goers.

However, I'm not sure I would confuse a new generation of fans or even this generation by re-releasing any 'Original Music' that was produced as a group effort ... and more than thirty years later, by putting another label on it ... giving myself star billing. It just doesn't seem ... cricket.

The upcoming interview with Barry Whitwam on America's Coast to Coast / http://www.rockandrollheaven.net/ will show that Herman's Hermits is a group effort, with a lead singer, who left and later came back. And the interview will unveil a technically ... unreleased Herman's Hermits CD 'Whale of a Tale' - 'Sour Mash' by the remaining four members of Herman's Hermits --- making it an effort of 80% pure Herman's Hermits. Right now ... each band is only 20% Herman's Hermits no matter how talented or Britsish they may be.

While I believe I am working toward a great job in playing some of the Greatest Music this Universe has ever heard, it seems to be getting a little harder in 'Holding' onto some of the forgotten tunes, and back tracks ... even when it comes to the convoluted stories and arguments over music that was published as a whole, or even with the Corporate Radio World pushing that music aside, while even as we try staying impartial. It may not be likely. Someone has to at least 'Tell it like it is." (Aaron Neville)

I hope you'll give the interview a listen ... it may prove to be insightful.