Complete List of Herman's Hermits Band Members

Herman’s Hermits are an English pop rock group formed in Manchester in 1963 and originally fronted by singer Peter Noone. The current line-up is drummer Barry Whitwam, the only remaining original member, with Jamie Thurston, John Summerton and Tony Young. Thirty musicians have been members since the 1960s.

The classic line-up of Noone, Derek Leckenby, Keith Hopwood, Karl Green and Whitwam made hits such as “I’m into Something Good”, “Mrs. Brown, You’ve Got a Lovely Daughter” and “I’m Henry VIII, I Am”. Here is every member, with instruments and years.

Barry Whitwam – Drums (1963–present)

Barry Whitwam has drummed with the group since its early days and has been the only original member in the band since 1994. He remains with the band today.

Jamie Thurston – Bass, Vocals (2020–present)

Jamie Thurston, formerly of the Tornados starring Dave Watts, joined in 2020 as bassist and lead vocalist.

John Summerton – Guitar, Vocals (2023–present)

John Summerton, formerly of Flintlock, joined in January 2023, replacing Geoff Foot.

Tony Young – Keyboards, Vocals (2023–present)

Tony Young, formerly of Gerry and the Pacemakers, joined on keyboards in October 2023.

Peter Noone – Lead Vocals (1963–1971, 1973)

Peter Noone was the band’s frontman, the “Herman” of the name, and was already an experienced actor on Coronation Street when he joined at 15. He left in 1971, reunited with Hopwood, Green and Whitwam for a one-off concert on 8 June 1997, and continues to play solo shows billed as “Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone”.

Derek Leckenby – Lead Guitar (1963–1994)

Derek Leckenby played lead guitar through the hit years and stayed with the touring band until he died in 1994.

Keith Hopwood – Rhythm Guitar, Vocals (1963–1972)

Keith Hopwood came from the Heartbeats, one of the two local bands that formed Herman’s Hermits. He left in 1972 and joined the 1997 reunion concert.

Karl Green – Bass, Vocals (1963–1980)

Karl Green was an original member and left in 1980 to spend more time with his family. He also played the 1997 reunion.

Pete Cowap – Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar (1971–1972)

After Noone’s departure the group briefly became “Hermits” on RCA Victor, with Pete Cowap as the new lead singer. He died in 1997.

Geoff Foot – Vocals, Bass, Guitar (1988–2023)

Geoff Foot was, after Whitwam, the band’s longest-serving member. He played bass from 1988 to 2020 and guitar from 2020 until his last gig with the band in January 2023.

Other Former Members

John Gaughan – rhythm guitar (1972–1975)
Chris Finley – keyboards (1973–1974)
Lance Dixon – keyboards (1974)
Frank Renshaw – rhythm guitar (1975–1982)
Paul Farnell – bass (1980–1988)
Garth Elliott – rhythm guitar (1982–1986)
Rod Gerrard – rhythm guitar (1986–1995)
Alec Johnson – lead guitar (1994–2002)
Geoff Kerry – rhythm guitar (1995–2001)
Graham Lee – rhythm and lead guitar (2001–2004)
Robert Birrell – keyboards (2002–2006)
Eddy Carter – lead guitar (2004–2013)
Kevan Lingard – keyboards (2005–2016)
Simon Van Downham – rhythm guitar (2010–2011)
Paul Cornwell – lead guitar (2013–2019)
Justin LaBarge – rhythm guitar (2015–2019)
Paul Robinson – keyboards (2016)
Tony Hancox – keyboards (2017–2023)
Duncan Keith – guitar (2019)
Ray Frost – guitar (2019–2020)

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the current members of Herman’s Hermits? Barry Whitwam, Jamie Thurston, John Summerton and Tony Young.
Is Peter Noone still in Herman’s Hermits? No. He left in 1971 and tours solo as “Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone”.
Who were the original members? Peter Noone, Derek Leckenby, Keith Hopwood, Karl Green and Barry Whitwam formed the classic line-up.
Who is the only original member left? Drummer Barry Whitwam.

Complete List of Herman’s Hermits Band Members