HERMAN’S
HERMITS LIVE REVIEW
NORTH RYDE RSL
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
10 JULY
2003
Always welcome visitors to these shores, Herman's Hermits showed again tonight why they sell out rooms across the country every time they tour. In a generous 90-minute plus show they did all the hits with infectious warmth that kept the crowd smiling and dancing throughout.
Although they can boast a recorded history of over 20 hit singles, it's as a live band that Herman's Hermits have made their reputation. Despite line-up changes that see drummer Barry Whitwam as the surviving original member, he has chosen carefully in surrounding himself with musicians that ensure the hard won legacy will survive. Bass player / vocals Geoff Foot, Eddy Carter Lead Guitar / vocals and Kevan Lingard Keyboards / vocals, together they allow a seamless continuation of the history that is Herman's Hermits.
What comes through strongly is the power of songs that will have you tapping your foot and clapping your hands from the first bars of “I'm Into Something Good”. The singles of Herman's Hermits are part of our collective cultural memory now, and even though some of the audience surely weren't born before they were even recorded, there was a shared joy in singing along with “Mrs Brown”, “A Must To Avoid” or “Silhouettes”.
One secret of the band's success that is often overlooked was the strength of their vocal harmonies, and that is something that really shines tonight on songs like “No Milk Today”. When Geoff, Eddy and Kevan combine with sweet three part harmonies, they give the music an extra depth that becomes absolutely mesmerising. Kevan's keyboards also flesh out the sound, enabling the band to create a power that surprises anyone thinking they were there for a sedate rendering of pop songs.
As well as a cavalcade of hits, the band also pays tribute to their own roots with versions of hits from their “youth club days”. From Johnny Tillotson's “Poetry In Motion” to Kevan Lingard's fiery version of Jerry Lee Lewis' “Great Balls of Fire”, they rattle off the songs that inspired all of them to spend their lives on the road playing rock'n'roll around the world. Through it all, Whitwam keeps the beat meticulously, as he has done for the last thirty-nine years.
It's a great show; a fact acknowledged by the crowd when they wildly applauded the sign off “see you next year”. Certainly, this crowd will be back for more, and it was easy to see why Herman's Hermits hold such a special place in so many Australian hearts. Now don't forget guys, you've publicly promised to come back, and Australia will hold you to that!
Bernie Howitt
Author: Rock Through History; My Generation
If you wish to know
more information than you can find shown on this site
please e-mail me at whitwam@hermanshermits.co.uk