I wrote this post in August of 2014, after a visit to the New York State Fair. Today, this performer appears again, and I hope to be able to see him.
Peter Noone promised you would if we yelled and sang loud enough, and I have the sore throat to prove it. So, please tell me that you did.
I don't often go to rock concerts to find the secrets of success. But yesterday, I found it, in the person of a showman with talent. His talent? Loving his fans. Making them feel loved. Appreciating them. Joking with them, and even mocking the fad of "selfies". And, oh yes, there was his music.
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| August of 2014 |
And was the love ever returned. I was there, way in the back, under the shade of a tree as Herman's Hermits played yesterday at the New York State Fair. It was standing room only, and we stood for 75 minutes in the 84 degree heat, not caring. Fans carried in album covers and he autographed one of them. He, to our surprise, offered to sign autographs after the show.
He had us yelling the words of "I'm Henery the Eighth, I Am", which is a cover of a 1910 British music hall song.
There was a king of hush all over the world, but not at the New York State Fair.
Mrs. Brown will forever have a lovely daughter. But we've aged, and so has Peter Noone, who is now a very energetic 66 years old [which means, as you read this, he is 68]. He danced on the stage to some of his songs, even doing a brief imitation of Mick Jagger.
A couple of songs had me in tears. When I was a preteen, how was I to know about heartbreak? But he sang about it, and tears were in our eyes as we understood that life goes on despite our personal tragedies.
To me, the real secret of Peter Noone's success is that he does what he has been doing since 1963. He loves doing it, and it is so obvious. I don't think it was an act. I think he really wanted to be there in Syracuse, yesterday, interacting with his fans, and sharing the love.
We should all be that lucky.
I know every song and I loved this post!
ReplyDeleteThank you. Their concert today was fantastic.
DeleteWay back when Comdex was the place to be, we arranged one year to have Peter and his band play. (The profits raised from the concert went to feed the homeless.) Herman's Hermits was one of the two best concerts ever presented! Glad you got to enjoy him.
ReplyDeleteWell done! (The concert today was just as good as the one two years ago, by the way).
DeleteWe don't get these oldie concerts hardly at all, not like the northeast. Loved these memories. And songs.
ReplyDeleteWe in Binghamton complain we get too many oldie concerts. Laughing - to quote a cliche, the grass is always greener! Now I have to see if the several short videos I took are any good.
DeletePassion and love for one's work bears fruitful results.....
ReplyDeleteYes, it does!
DeleteThere is DEFINITELY power in doing what you love!
ReplyDeleteOh yes. After fifty years, Peter Noone obviously still loves what he is doing. That's the kind of old age I want.
DeleteI love Peter Noone, I've seen him perform several times.
ReplyDeleteTwice for me, now. He's quite the performer and his drummer (not an original Hermit) was fantastic, doing "For Your Love".
DeleteHerman's Hermits was the first concert I ever attended. I had to be about 11 or 12. All these years later and there is a special place in my heart for this group!
ReplyDeleteI think some grandchildren of people in the crowd may have ended up as fans! Everyone had a great time, I think.
DeleteI haven't heard him but I can understand what you feel. Songs bring out emotions and memories.
ReplyDeleteThey certainly do, especially when so many of the fans are seniors. 50 years of memories! (They first came to the U.S. in 1965)
DeleteNobody who grew up in the Sixties doesn't like Herman's Hermits. Well, okay, maybe a lot of peopl don't, but there are probably more who love them than hate them. Did they do "No Milk Today"? That's one of my favorites; it's sad and atypical for them, but it's a great one.
ReplyDeleteNo, they didn't do "No Milk Today" but they did do one of my favorites, "Listen People". I had tears rolling down my cheeks.
DeleteI love seeing the bands from the 60's. There was so much talent back then. I wish I had been there. It's so good to hear that Noone is so personable. Glad you had so much fun, Alana.
ReplyDeleteIt's great that he's still performing.
ReplyDeleteIt's always interesting to learn about music.
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