none of the members was really named herman. lead singer peter noone (pronounced "noon") was nicknamed herman, because his bandmates thought he looked like sherman, from "the rocky and bullwinkle show". noone was an actor before he became a singer. the other band members were derek "lek" leckenby (guitar), keith hopwood (guitar, keyboards), karl green (bass guitar) and barry whitwam (drums). the band began as amateurs, playing at parties for friends, but turned professional as they improved. they made records, appeared on television, and also made movies.