Graham Gouldman has been with 10cc from the start. He and the band are still going strong.

Almost anyone listening to top 40 radio in 1975 agonized over the whisper. Just what was it telling us?

Graham Gouldman still chuckles over the mystery. A bridge in the international hit “I’m Not In Love” became the vehicle for hushed lines, not by a 10cc band member, but by the studio’s secretary, Cathy Redfern. Her contribution, for the record: “Be quiet. Big boys don’t cry.”

“There’s a certain ambiguity,” Gouldman admits.

By the time “I’m Not In Love” reached the charts, 10cc had already compiled a string of hits in the UK. Breaking through in the U.S. and other markets proved more difficult, something which still puzzles the vocalist and bass player.

“Maybe a different sense of humor?” Gouldman says. “‘I’m Not In Love’ was our first serious love song. Everything else was a joke.”

Their first single, “Donna,” was a lark that reached no. 2 in the UK. The satirical “Rubber Bullets” became their first charttopper – over there.

“But you had the Beatles and Monty Python by then,” he says of the era’s shrinking humor gap and songs with a witty edge. “We actually educated you a bit.”

The band was unique, especially in its time. Different members took lead vocal responsibilities, some songs layered vocals, others drew on 1950s rock. There was no central 10cc sound, just cinematically-drenched creativity, as well as notable pop singles like “The Things We Do For Love.”

“We just recorded for ourselves,” Gouldman explains. “Fortunately you liked it.”

The current iteration includes Rick Fenn on lead guitar, Andy Park playing rhythm guitar, Keith Hayman on keyboards and drummer Paul Burgess.

Gouldman remains the core of 10cc. He is on the road with the band because he still enjoys playing.

“If 10cc hadn’t happened, I’d be in a local pub band,” he says. “If you could, why wouldn’t you do it?”

The band was a force between 1972 and 1980. The original lineup split in 1976, driven apart by creative differences. But with the core intact, the group returned with “The Things We Do For Love” in 1977.

Gouldman has never stopped.

“I love playing music,” he says.

10cc plays 8pm Thursday, Aug. 28. Golden State Theatre, 417 Alvarado St., Monterey. $48-$95. 649-1070, goldenstatetheatre.com.