**** ( out of four stars)
I have been a Hermans Hermits fan since the 60s. I remember getting the Greatest Hits album and playing it over and over. Despite the fact that Peter Noone has always been touring since then, Saturday night was the first time I saw him and the hermits in concert.
Noone looks and sounds great for his age ( 71). The original Hermits are on tour with him, except for the drummer. They have played the unique Sellersville Theater before, and they were back there again for two sold-out shows in the same day.
They came out with "I'm Into Something Good" and "What A Wonderful World", the show upbeat most of the time. The music isn't very thought-provoking but it is fun and harmless. The crowd was there to have a good time, and that they did for the next 90 minutes.
Noone did a few covers from the British Invasion era, including "Love Potion No. 9", "All My Loving", "Jumpin' Jack Flash" and "Daydream Believer." It was refreshing to hear the covers sprinkled in with Hermits' music.
Most of all None was funny as hell, surprisingly so. I expected him to be charming and know how to work a crowd. I didn't expect the show to be so damn humorous, especially when Noone mused about his age and cognitive capacity.
The softer, almost acoustic-like tunes were special, songs like "Listen People", "Leaning On The Lamp Post", and "Mrs. Brown You've Got A Lovely Daughter." But, even at 71, Noone can still rock, as he proven on a sizzling version of "Sea Cruise."
His energy is boundless and he knows what an audience wants. He was in the middle of the crowd during parts of the sing-along "Henry The VIII", the fans not only singing but clapping to Noone's encouragement. He's having fun, which makes you want to have fun too.
The sing-along went right to the very end, as the glow-sticks came out along with the swaying to "There's A Kind Of Hush." Noone and the Hermits deservedly got a standing ovation for their set. You didn't want it to end, they were that good.
"See you next year!" Herman promised. "Ten more years!"
Opening was the local 60s-70s cover band AM Radio. They are a group of middle-aged hipsters, wearing tie dyed clothes and sixties-style attire ( hats, shoes, beads). Looking at their website, AM Radio plays local bars and events, slowly gathering a following. Last night not only didn't hurt their image, it sure helped.
They are spot-on great. They did versions of "White Rabbit", "Undun", and "Joy To The World," to name but a few songs of their 30-minute set. It's so refreshing to hear songs you know the words to, songs maybe you haven't heard for a while but instantly recall- along with a multitude of memories- when they are played. More sing-along followed.
I can see why this band is hot enough to earn a gig with a famous act like Herman's Hermits. Music lovers, especially older music lovers, long for the good ol' days when music was simple and when you could actually understand the words. With an enormous catalogue of songs to pick from, a cover band like this could last forever.
I've rarely seen an opening act get such a rousing reaction after a performance. Let's face it- people were at the Sellersville Theater last night to see Noone and his band, not the opening act. That's why it was so amazing when AM Radio left to a standing ovation, not only after the final song, but even after they gathered their equipment and marched up the side aisle and out of the venue to bursts of applause.
All in all, a really fun and entertaining, memorable night of timeless music.
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