Remembering Mike Peters

Mike Peters was not only the lead singer and songwriter in The Alarm but also a successful solo artist prior to his death, which was announced on Tuesday.

Formed in 1981 The Alarm arrived on the music scene around the same time as U2 and Simple Minds, respectively from Wales, Ireland and Scotland. All three bands were known for their anthemic songs – and also for being great live acts.

The Alarm became associated with their rabble-rousing rock songs such as Sixty Eight Guns and The Stand, both of which rode high in the singles charts, gaining the band many appearances on Top of the Pops.

Peters was first diagnosed with the blood cancer chronic lymphocytic leukaemia thirty years ago when aged 36, though that never stopped him playing concerts. In the true spirit of punk rock (a musical scene that inspired Peters), he possessed a fighting spirit and was one never to surrender.

Often sharing his personal struggles publicly, he also had an optimistic outlook that was often reflected in his songs.

One of his last appearances in the north was last June when Peters supported Status Quo at Scarborough’s Open Air Theatre, wearing a hat adorned with three words: Love, Hope, and Strength, three attributes that were woven throughout his life. His performance was uplifting, positive and confident.

At the time he was having treatment for the lymphoma that had returned, causing him to cancel an American tour.

In the words of one of his biggest hits, “Sixty-eight guns will never die”; neither will the legacy and music that Peters has left behind.

Michael Leslie Peters, 25th February 1959 - 29th April 2025