Peter Noone: A Teenage Heartthrob of the 60s

Peter Noone was a key member of the popular 60s band, Herman’s Hermits. With his thick hair and boyish charm, he easily drew comparisons to today’s pop stars like Justin Bieber or Harry Styles.

However, there’s one major difference between Noone and modern teen idols.

A Teenage Star on the Rise

Noone, with his charming looks and voice, quickly became a teen sensation as the frontman of Herman’s Hermits. The band toured across America and Britain, achieving iconic status. Their first number-one hit in England came in 1964 with “I’m Into Something Good.”

As Noone once remarked, “Herman’s Hermits sold millions of records before anyone even saw us, which just doesn’t happen now.” Reflecting on his early years, he admitted, “I didn’t know what I was doing: my stage persona was a shy little boy, which is basically what I was.”

Outselling The Beatles and Achieving Fame

The band released over 20 hit records, even outselling The Beatles in 1965. Some of their biggest hits included “I’m Into Something Good,” “No Milk Today,” and “There’s A Kind of Hush.” By the age of 17, Herman’s Hermits had secured a million-dollar record deal. One of Noone’s career highlights came when Elvis Presley performed their hit, “I’m Henry the Eighth, I Am,” on stage in 1965. “He was making fun of me, but who cares? It was Elvis!” Noone joked.

Living the Rocker Lifestyle

Even as a teenager, Noone embraced the rocker lifestyle—minus the drugs. “That was never my thing,” he insists. When asked about the other rock ‘n’ roll habits, he admitted, “Sure. We were 16, 17, staying up all night, going on rampages, and still doing interviews and gigs the next day. It was brilliant.”

Touring and Reflecting on Life

Noone returned to the stage as part of Britain’s Solid Silver 60s Show. Although his fellow bandmates wouldn’t be joining him, Noone shared the stage with other stars like Brian Poole and Brian Hyland. “You never get tired of the buzz of touring,” Noone says, “and it’s good to know we can still pull an audience.”

Life in California and Staying Healthy

Noone moved to California in the 70s and embraced a healthier lifestyle. Reflecting on the past, he said, “Not many people survived the debauchery of the sixties, so I feel very lucky.” He also recalled attending Mickie Most’s funeral and realizing how few people from that era were still alive.

Sobriety and Family Life

At 19, Noone attended his first Alcoholics Anonymous meeting with his father. He explained, “I wouldn’t have classed myself as an alcoholic, but I decided to cut down for my own sake.” Noone has been sober for about 16 years.

Married for 43 years to his wife, Mireille, they met when Noone was 20. “I think it was probably lust at first sight,” Noone admits, “but then I found out how nice she was, and it turned into love.” The couple has one daughter, Nicole.

New Ventures and Continued Success

After leaving Herman’s Hermits in 1971, Noone’s solo career plateaued. In the 80s, he took to Broadway, starring in “Pirates of Penzance,” and later became a host on the U.S. music show “My Generation.” More recently, he appeared as a mentor and voice coach on “American Idol.”

Still Charismatic and Going Strong

Now 76, Peter Noone is as charming as ever. He looks fantastic and still has an incredible voice, proving that age is just a number.