Day One: Monday 23 May 2005


A new album, a new place, a new situation, a new label. As always when starting a new album, all the hopes and fears are there in the pit of your stomach. I have acquired a Chapel in North Wales and have decided to record the new 'Alarm' album within it's walls. Day one is not really day one but this is where it all begins with the preparation. Martin Wilding and myself meet for a cup of tea to go over the process. The problem is we haven't really got a specific plan as such, so much of the morning is spent going from room to room and saying to each other "What if......". Martin had tried out one of the back rooms with a drummer friend of his to see if the drums would sound good. His feelings are that it is not bad but not great either. One of our main problems with the drum kit placement is the fact that the main room is huge and this will mean that we will have to do a lot of work to dampen down the reverberation. We decide to give the drums a go in the main room and see what happens. I came up with the idea of buying a 'Gazebo' from a garden centre to place over the kit and then hang all the old touring back drops on the top and hang drapes around the side. We managed to acquire a 'Gazebo' from Argos... and guess what it worked a treat. We also got some acoustic boards from another friend of ours and by the end of the day we had a space that we felt would be great for the kind of drum kit sound we wanted to achieve.

Hello Everyone,
Welcome to 2006. Firstly, I want to thank you all for the thousands of messages I have received since my cancer diagnosis. It has been an incredibly humbling experience to receive so many good will messages from all around the world. The good news is that I have received my first chemotherapy treatments and all is going well. I have had no adverse reaction so far, and am feeling strong and well. It even looks like I'll still have my hair for The Gathering!

I can't wait to share the new Alarm MMVI album 'Under Attack' with you when it comes out via EMI Records on February 20th 2006. Myself and the band have taken the unprecedented step of shooting an individual video to accompany each song on the album and on release day there will be two versions of the album available, a single CD version with just the audio soundtrack and a deluxe double disc version with both audio CD and DVD.

In the build up to the release you will be able to hear exclusive audio and video extracts from some of the tracks and you will also be able to read my first hand diary account of how 'Under Attack' was made. It will all be unfolding here at www.thealarm.com as the clock counts down to February 20th 2006.

The new single 'Superchannel' is scheduled for release also via EMI on Monday February 6th (a week after The Gathering). 'Superchannel' will be available in three formats, Maxi CD, CD and 7" Vinyl. All three formats carry brand new tracks that are not on the album and in my humble opinion they form the best collection of b-sides ever to grace an Alarm single. You will be able to hear these tracks exclusively prior to release via www.thealarm.com. The maxi CD will also feature an exclusive single version video for 'Superchannel' (The album version video is completely different).

During the last couple of weeks in hospital, I have listened to the album anew and have been shocked by the prescient nature of the lyrical and musical content. This is the first album in a long time where I allowed the content to be driven by the force of the band. I had no lyrics to begin with, only music, and allowed the lyrical content to form during the rehearsal sessions with the band. I then spent hours transcribing recordings of the songs to find the lyrical direction that my endeavours were taking me. My body must have known what I did not. The doctors have said to me that I may have been carrying my cancer for the last twelve months at least. Now I know why my instinct lead me to title the album 'Under Attack'. Now I know why the lyrics for 'Without A Fight' mean so much more than they did a few weeks ago. Now I know why it is difficult for me to listen to 'This Is The Way We Are'. Now I know why I feel calm when I hear 'It's Alright / It's O.K'. Now I know why I feel 'Under Attack' is the best album I have ever recorded.

When 'Under Attack' comes out, I'm sure it will touch you all as emotionally and as hard as it has hit me. I can't wait to be with you all at The Gathering and perform again with James Stevenson, Craig Adams and Steve Grantley who, like you, have all been dear and true friends to me throughout this difficult time in my life. It has often been said that The Alarm was a band built on friendship; it has never been more true than it is today.

I look forward to sharing good times with you all in 2006.

Love and life,

Mike Peters

WITHOUT A FIGHT

Try to stop me - I will carry on
Try to oppose me - I will prevail
My life has been shot down but I'm not ready to fall
Whenever you condemn me - You only make me strong
I still bleed when I get cut
I still get accused of being things I'm not
I'll never fall at your feet
I'll never bow down if our eyes should meet
I'll never give it up without a fight
WITHOUT A FIGHT


Whenever you are called
Whenever you are doubted
Whenever you are named
Whenever you are down
I get my strength from life itself
I drink the water from the well
I'll never fall at your feet
I'll never bow down if our eyes should meet
I'll never give it up without a fight
WITHOUT A FIGHT


©2006 Copyright Control
Words by Mike Peters
Music by Mike Peters, James Stevenson,
Craig Adams and Steve Grantley

BBC News
IC Wales
AntiMusic.com
IC NorthWales
www.DaveSharp.org

Hello my friends,

I hope you are all enjoying the best of times as the holiday season approaches.

I have some very difficult news to share with you. Last Thursday on the 8th December, I was diagnosed as having cancer. I have been told by my consultant, Dr. E that I have Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL). The good news is that although my illness is not curable, it is treatable and, in the words of Dr. E, it is a disease I will probably die with, rather than of.

Obviously, this has come as a massive shock to me and my family, especially as it is almost ten years to the day that I was originally diagnosed with cancer (Non Hodgkins Lymphoma). In 1995, no one really knew what had happened to me and how I had come to be 'cured'. Now, with the breaking of the DNA code and the huge leaps in 'understanding cancer', that have happened since, I now know far more about my situation. Ten years ago, it seems that my own immune system supressed the cancer and I was able to go into 'remission' for ten years. (A 'good deal', according to Dr. E!).

Today, modern science has unlocked some of the dark secrets of cancer. The one thing about me that is different today from ten years ago, is that my white blood count is extremely high. A normal reading would be between 5 and 10. My count last Thursday was 482! This was the main indicator for my particular form of cancer - CLL (which is almost exactly the same as Non Hodgkins Lymphoma). The team at my local Hospital / North Wales Cancer Centre have been absolutely amazing. I have received only the best, in terms of treatment, care, reassurance and honesty. Last Friday, they sent me to Ysbyty Gwynedd Hospital in Bangor for a treatment known as Leukapharesis. I was wired up to a machine and my blood was drained off a litre at a time, separated by a centrifugal force and put back into me, minus the white blood. It was a long and arduous procedure lasting over four hours (and not without a considerable amount of discomfort!), but it has brought my white blood count down to 380.

On Monday, I was back at the Cancer Centre to see Dr. E who had arranged for me to have a biopsy under general anaesthetic on Wednesday. The Biopsy is to confirm Dr. E's diagnosis of CLL and to rule out any other form of cancer such as Mantle Cell Lymphoma. The biopsy was performed by Dr. Z, who successfully removed an enlarged lymph node from my neck. (The other good news is that I was out in time to see Man Utd v Wigan on T.V. that evening!).

At the hospital during the afternoon, I was again visited by Dr. E, who indicated to me that with my cancer being at CLL Stage 1, he feels I should begin a course of chemotherapy starting next Friday the 22nd December. He has also told me, that, subject to my response, he should be able to work the chemotherapy around my desire to perform at The Gathering in January. I am starting out on the mildest form of chemotherapy and providing it is timed correctly, I should be in an 'up' part of my cycle and therefore fit enough to perform.

I want to reassure all of you that I will be fighting this fight with every ounce of energy I can muster. I have my wife Jules, and son Dylan beside me and they are reason enough to live for. They have both been incredible. Jules has embarked on a virtual degree course this weekend. She has asked Dr. E a million questions and has searched the web, devouring information to enable us both to deal with the shock of this life-changing situation.

Be reassured, my outlook for the future is still the same as for any healthy person of my age. The only difference is that now I have to learn how to live with cancer. If I respond well to the chemotherapy, I can hopefully put the cancer into remission for another ten years or even longer. That is the only uncertainty, how long will my body keep the cancer at bay before having to start all over again? My immune system will never be the same as it once was. From now on, I have to be vigilant at all times and protect myself against infection. The biggest threat to my life is not from cancer but from infection. A common cold that, if not treated immediately, could turn nasty and become pneumonia. This is the mantra that has been drilled into me by the medical team - to protect myself against illness.

I know all of this will be a massive shock to you but I want you to stay positive and focused. Life is for the living. The Gathering is going to be extremely special this year and ironically, the new album could not be more aptly titled. 'Under Attack' has taken on new meaning for me, my family and the band. I believe it is the best album I have ever had the pleasure of recording. Some of the songs came to me on my iPod whilst I was in hospital and they gave me a big lift. I am so looking forward to next year because of the music, you would not believe. I will still be able to make music and perform concerts (although I think it's safe to say I won't be traveling abroad until I have got this thing under control and there may be two bald guys in the band come January!!!!!!). I also hope to take a full role in the promotion of the single and album.

At times like this you need your family and friends around you and as you are all part of my family, I aim to keep you as informed as possible. I'll be running a detailed diary on the website and keep you posted with regular updates. I will be trying to live my life as normally as possible and I have to say that I feel incredibly positive about the future. I will see you all at The Gathering or at a show in the U.K. Until then, keep me in your thoughts, you will be in mine.

Love and life,

Mike Peters

December 15th 2005

James Stevenson, guitarist with Alarm MMIV doing dates with his old band Gene Loves Jezebel. A Co-headline w Spear Of Destiny.

SPEAR OF DESTINY
& GENE LOVES JEZEBEL
THE SECRET TOUR 05

THU 24 NOV LONDON ISLINGTON ACADEMY 0870 771 200 24
FRI 25 NOV LEEDS JOSEPH WELL 0113 203 1861
SAT 26 NOV STOKE THE RIGGER 01782 616602
SUN 27 NOV LECEISTER CHARLOTTE 0116 2553956
MON 28 NOV WORCESTER MARRS BAR 01905 613336
TUE 29 NOV YORK FIBBERS 01904 466149
WED 30 NOV BIRMINGHAM ACADEMY 0870 771 2000
THU 1 DEC DONCASTER LEOPARD 01302 363054
FRI 2 DEC COVENTRY JAILHOUSE 024 7622 1274
SAT 3 DEC DUBLIN VOODOO LOUNGE 353 (0) 1 873 6013
SUN 4 DEC BRISTOL FLEECE 0117 929 9008

Below is a series of photos taken during The Alarm MMVI's weekend video shoot for the upcoming album "Under Attack"

Over the weekend, Mike Peters and his band, The Alarm MMIV returned to his Rhyl roots to continue filming 12 separate videos for their brand new album, 'Under Attack' to be released next year on EMI records.

"The album was created musically in Wales and we wanted to visualise our concept for the album", says lead singer, Mike Peters. "The 45 RPM experience (The Alarm scored a Top 30 hit with 45 RPM last year) and forthcoming Hollywood film has inspired us to make our own movie as a companion to traditional audio album. To appreciate this album in its complete form, as we envisaged, it you'll need to hear it and see it to enjoy the complete experience. It's the first completely audio-visual album made by a British band. We as the band wanted to put ourselves back in the forefront of the way we think records are going to be made in the future. We want to be the first!"

The Alarm MMVI will release their much anticipated new album titled 'Under Attack' on EMI records on February 20th 2006. The album has been recorded at sessions in Wales and Henley-On-Thames during the summer of 2005 and was mixed at various studios around the world including Abbey Road, London and Electric Lady in New York. The album has been produced by the band along with Martin Wilding (Poppy Fields/Doves) and George Williams (Babyshambles) with additional mixes by Pete Walsh (Simple Minds/Scott walker).

Featuring brand new compositions 'Superchannel', 'Without A Fight', 'My Town' and 'This Is The Way We Are', the complete tracklisting will be announced early in the new year.

'Under Attack' will be previewed at The Gathering in Llandudno (January 27/28 2006) and the first single from the album will be released shortly after on February 6th.

The band will be touring the British Isles with a series of unique one off 'Saturday Gigs' which will take place on the last Saturday of each month throughout the calendar year. Tickets for these events are priced at 15 [Except London 17.50] and are available to order now.

National Ticketline: 01745 571571 or visit www.thealarm.com [All tickets subject to booking fee].


The Alarm MMVI - Under Attack U.K. Tour - The Saturday Gigs


JAN 28th LLANDUDNO The Gathering [Sold Out]
FEB 25th CARDIFF Coal Exchange
MAR 25th LONDON Islington Academy
APR 29th GLASGOW Academy
MAY 27th WOLVERHAMPTON Wulfrun Hall
JUN 24th MANCHESTER Academy II

The Alarm MMVI were in Wales this weekend recording videos for thei new album due early next year. Mike on the forums sent us this great photo of th band on the Rhyl Promenade.

New Chelsea album (featuring James Stevenson) - "faster, cheaper and better looking" (after a review of the first album in 79 that said the same) released Nov 2 on Captain Oi! Contains a cover of 45 RPM.

Dead Men Walking. Manchester Academy. 22nd October 2005.

Misrepresentation.

Often in life, (and when buying stuff…doubly so), things get misrepresented.

You know the sort of thing, “cleans whiter than white” (what colour can possibly be whiter than white), “which iPod are you?” (well non, actually) & “it reaches the parts other beers cannot reach” (they all end up coming out of the same part for me!).

Was this going to be the case as I and my Dead Men virgin friend head off to the Academy in Manchester for “The Right To Party” gig by The Dead Men Walking.

We arrive at the gig around 8.30pm. As we approach the door a tout offers tickets. Will this be the gig where I should have bought tickets beforehand? No.

Doors opened at 7.30. Will this be the gig where the band does a runner to party with someone else at 11pm. No.

We are thankfully in good time to peruse the merch and have a pint (or two).

As is the tradition (with me) I forgo the support act (who I am informed was actually rather good – drat!) to drink beer in the peace and quite of the foyer and peruse the (what is for me with a wife, 2 kids and mortgage) hugely overpriced merch. It’s probably the going rate, but I want a kebab after the gig. But those stitched work shirts are calling to me.

I am a Mike Peters/Alarm fan. And can say from the safety of this computer screen that Spear of Destiny, Stray Cats and The Dammed are all bands I managed to avoid in my quest to go to as many gigs as possible in my 40 odd years.

It turns out, that tonight will be the first time that I question this. I have seen the dead men before. Last year in Bolton. And stonking gig that it was, it still didn’t convert me to the ‘other bands’.

O dear. How much two gigs, one year and a lot of breakfast’s can change a man. From the opening bars, to the dying cheers, the Dead Men broke the laws of physics. In some T.A.R.D.I.S. like fashion, a gig which should see a 25% input from each member give a 100% performance, it was actually bigger on the inside of the gig. These guys somehow managed to pull off a 150% (conservative estimate) performance. Above the sweat and normal bodily aromas you get at a gig, you could taste high energy in the air.

At certain points I felt like an outsider. Clearly I only knew a fraction of the set compared to 85% of the audience, who were singing along and punching the air the whole time. This audience must have phenomenal record collections. Or just get out a lot.

I can’t for the life of me tell you the set list. What I can tell you is that this was the Kate Moss rather than Jonny Vegas of gigs. Not a saggy bit to be seen.

A few things really stood out. For a gig comprising mostly of back catalogue it was a real joy to see the same amount of participation for the relatively recent Alarm song 45RPM as old standards like 68 guns. The audience had really been swatting. Also, Captain Sensible (now I realise the irony there) is not only a top notch front-man, but is also quite a handy bass player (although, probably a bit toooooooo much swearing for me). And Mike Peters, who previously had been the guiding force in the band was just another Beatle. And it suited the band. They were the sum of their parts. An equal partnership. It now seems obvious that the band could not be where they are today without the other tours. But this was their moment.

Kirk played like his life depended on it. What passion.

Mike’s doesn’t know how to give half measures. His cup doesn’t just runneth over, he’s an exploding party barrel.

Slim showed that to be a great drummer you don’t need lots of drums…just talent.

The Captain clearly needs no lessons in anything. He just needs to be in more bands.

And the partying?

No misrepresentation here. The tour has the name which meets all the trade description rules.

We partyed.

What was it the Dead Men used to say…”THE RESISTANCE STARTS HERE”.

Sod the resistance. I give in.

Mike Peters has been invited by Barry Jeckell, Editor of www.billboard.com to write a Dead Men Walking diary. Here's an extract.
Mike's full diary from the Dead Men Walking tour will be available on the newly redesigned Billboard.com when it relaunches on Oct. 31.

Friday 30th September 2005

Big drive up to Scotland today. The whole of the Peters family is on the road. Myself, Jules and little Dylan. It's a massive journey for a small boy of 17 months, at least eight hours, but if you're going to be born into a rock and roll family...... We set off at 10.00 a.m. and by 11 Dylan was asleep in the back. I kept my foot down and by the time he awoke, we were near Lockerbie so we decided to stop for some lunch and break up the journey. It was a beautiful afternoon as we drove through the Cairngorm mountains. I have to say Dylan was fantastic for the whole journey and we made it to the venue in Kinloss by 6.00 p.m just in time for the soundcheck. Tonight, we are joined by Bruce Watson from Big Country and so we have to get to grips with a couple of Big Country songs to add to the set. The venue is a huge barn and is exposed to the elements. Soundcheck over and we had our evening meal served in the dressing room. The dressing room also doubles up as an acoustic venue and has a small stage. it didn't take Dylan long to discover this and before you know it, he was dragging me over to the stage. He loved it; he was performing his new trick of speaking into the microphones that were still on the stage. Took Jules and Dylan back to the hotel and then got myself ready for the gig. What an amazing night it turned out to be. We brought Bruce out after half a dozen songs and the place went mad for him (Bruce is a bit of a local hero..... ). The venue was packed and despite the cold from outdoors the gig was soon a heaving mass of sweaty bodies. During the encore, the Captain dived into the audience complete with bass guitar. The crew managed to retrieve the bass while Captain danced with the fans, I picked it up and carried on playing. Bruce cracked out the riff of 'Pretty Vacant', (Dedicated to Glen Matlock) and while all this was going on the Captain had managed to strip off and arrived back on the stage dressed only in his underwear. I was falling about laughing, so much so that I could hardly carry on playing. What a gig. As soon as we came off stage we made a dash for my Jeep and I drove the band back to the hotel. Captain was still dressed in his near Birthday suit when we arrived at Reception. Myself and Slim JIm headed for our rooms; Captain, Kirk and Bruce headed for the bar.

Mike Peters and the Dead Men to take part in the Cash Dash at Manchester United's Old Trafford on Saturday 22nd October. Mike and the boys will be on the pitch at half time. Manchester Utd are playing Tottenham Hotspur. Dead Men Walking follow their appearance at Old Trafford with a concert at Manchester Academy.

Hi Guys & Gals

Slight correction on the goth guitar piece....

The mag is called 'Guitar & Bass'.

Have been told it just made it onto the shelves last Friday and has Dave Gilmore on the cover (if there's any confusion).

Dave

Dave will be featured in a special article on the history of Goth music in
the December issue of Guitarist magazine (UK).
Although you might not think Dave has much in common with the Goth scene,
the author argues that Dave's guitar playing with The Alarm was a massive
influence on the goth guitarists who followed.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dave has recently been broadening his artistic horizons by taking the first
tentative steps into an acting career (alongside his music).

On Wednesday this week Dave was at Granada Studios in Manchester for a small
part in Coronation Street. Dave will be seen playing the stand up bass in a
band playing at a cocktail party. The episode is scheduled to go out on
December 2nd 2005. Be warned, Dave says ''it's a blink and you'll miss it
moment''.

After filming was completed, Dave went direct to his gig at The Church Inn,
Prestwich.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Any troopers in the Midlands who happened to have tickets to see U2 tribute
band YoU2 at Jackson's in Kidderminster last Saturday would have been
surprised to find Dave playing as support.

Dave's friend Darren Keen plays ''The Edge'' in YoU2 and invited Dave down
to play a short acoustic set. The show was already sold out & it was short
notice to all concerned, hence it not appearing here earlier.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Forthcoming gigs:
Bi-weekly residency at The Church Inn, Prestwich, Manchester.
Wednesday 26th Oct, Nov 9th, Nov 23rd.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
www.davesharp.org

Since reports from the Dead Men Tour have been sparse from the MPO front, your intrepid web master has taken to culling news from the official "Dead Men Site" site over at http://www.deadmenwalking.co.uk

This bit of news was posted last week:

...Dont worry we are not sitting on arses doing nothing, the deadmen are holed up in a recording studio in leafy Liverpool putting down a buddle of brand new songs !!! and bloody great they are sounding too!


Hmm. Recording? How cool.

Also, there is a nice BBC interview with Slim Jim Phantom you can listen to. Enjoy.

Now, I will climb back into my hole…

Mike Peters to appear at special one off 'Aftershow' concert after DMW in Darwen this Saturday.

This is a special Mike Peters Aftershow appearance for 100 people after the DMW show in Darwen at The Higher Buck in Waddington, near Clitheroe this coming Saturday 8th October. For tickets (£10) please call :


Concertina Events Ltd
01200 426600


The Higher Buck
The Square
Waddington
Nr Clitheroe
Lancs BB7 3HZ

from NYC Alarm Gal via the forums

Wow... talk about a historic 1st ever NY show for the Dead Men. What an amazing night at such an esteemed venue, packed to the hilt with fans of all 4 Dead Men, the Punk Rock theme dominated throughout the night & kudos went out to the club & it's history & a few mentions especially of the Ramones.

Not in any particular order:

Strength
Westworld
A truly breathtaking version of Mike singing Unsafe by himself (quite an emotional sight on the CBGB's stage)
Rock this Town
Spirit of 76'
Young Men
Blitzkrieg Bop
45 r.p.m. (which brought the house down)
Stray Cat Strut
Rumble in Brighton (CB's)
Sixty Eight
Neat Neat Neat
Smash It Up
I Fought the Law
Pretty Vacant
Finished with the Beastie Boys Right to Party
I may be missing something...

Great night had by all and based on the response look forward to another successful return to the East Coast in the future. Lots of great banter in between, especially by the Captain. He is very entertaining and extremely funny.
We send them back to the U.K. hyped up & raring to go. Enjoy your upcoming tour all who are attending! Lil

There will be a great new interview and song session airing with all the band members this Sunday night 9/25 on Q104.3- Jonathan Clarke's "Out of the Box" programme at 9:00 p.m. in the NY area

There is also a "listen live" feature on:the upper right corner of the header at: http://www.q1043.com/pages/outofbox/index.html

And I believe you can download the archives onto an ipod from the same page.
(From Lily via the forums)

The DMW Show At Downtown, Farmingdale, New York has been CANCELLED because the venue has gone out of business. No suitable replacement venue has been found.

OC REVIEW

DEAD MEN WALKING

HOB ANAHEIM – 9/21

Finally the Dead Men Walking make it into the USA. Slim Jim Phantom, Captain Sensible, Mike Peters and Kirk Brandon have landed.

A slightly more sparse crowd than would have been expected had gathered

At the HOB Club in Anaheim to see this manic and eclectic foursome pound

Through some of the best songs written in the past 20 years.

Where else can you see and hear Neat Neat Neat, 68 Guns, Do You Believe In The

Westworld and Runaway Boys played live on the same night by the guys who

Wrote the songs in the first place ? nowhere ! exactly !!!

To top this off how often do you see the likes of Brian Setzer (Stray Cats), Steve Jones (sex Pistols) and James

Stevenson (The Alarm) and could that really have been Billy Idol (or just a look alike)

Standing in the crowd singing, clapping and foot tapping along to every song.

Vocal duties split between all members, instrument swapping and obvious camaraderie unites this multi talented bunch into a tight, powerful band.

The Deadmen where on stage for 75 minutes before leaving to rapturous applause, only to return a stage where two extra guitars had been set up, enter Brian Setzer stage left to join the guys on two rip roaring renditions of Something Else and I Fought The Law - it was a no show for Steve Jones, even though his guitar was on stage

Rumours that he had lost himself in the building were unconfirmed !!! -

All in all a truly great night was had by everybody in attendance, lets hope the Dead Men don’t leave it too long to revisit Orange County.

Rufus Font

This Sunday night at 9PM on New York City's Q1043 (104.3 FM in NYC and streamed via q1043.com), it's "Out Of The Box", New York's top-rated new music show, hosted by Jonathan Clarke, featuring the best in new music and local undiscovered artists.

Tonight at 9, Burning Spear will be my special in-studio guest. We'll talk about his new album Our Music, with your shots at autographed copies. Also, your shots at tickets to see Paul Weller at Roseland Saturday night, 9/24 and tickets to see Mike Peters of the Alarm along with Slim Jim Phantom, aka, Dead Men Walking, At CBGB's on Friday, 9/23.

The Complete Out Of the Box Playlist for 9/18/05
Echo & The Bunnymen-"Stormy Weather"-Cooking Vinyl
The Contrast-"Ink"-Rainbow Quartz
Goldrush-"Wait For The Wheels"-East West
Nada Surf-"Always Love"-Barsuk
The Alarm-"Close"-Snapper
Ric Ocasek-"Bottom Dollar"-Sanctuary
The Jam-"Town Called Malice"
Diamond Nights (Queens)-"Destination Diamonds"-Kemado/Hollywood
Wired-"One Shot"-undiscovered Long Island band
Burning Spear-"Walk" and "Our Music"-Burning Spear
To Podcast some cool Out Of The Box interviews, go here:

http://q1043.com/cc-common/podcast/single_podcast.html?podcast=outofthebox.xml

The main "Out Of The Box" site is here:

http://q1043.com/pages/outofbox/index.html

"Mike Peters of The Alarm, Captain Sensible of The Damned, and Slim Jim Phantom formerly of The Stray Cats join Jonesey to discuss their life in Rock & Roll and their latest project, Dead Men Walking, which is a side project band they play in together. They will be appearing live at CBGB's on September 23rd."

The re-scheduled Mike interview with Glen Jones on WFMU is now going to feature Dead Men Walking including interviews with Mike, Captain Sensible & Slim Jim.

It will be aired on 91.1 WFMU in the NYC area on Monday, September 19th 7-8 p.m. on the "Jonesville Station" programme.

It is also accessible worldwide at: http://www.wfmu.org/audiostream.shtml
and: http://www.wfmu.org/index.shtml
As the shows are archived they are available on line after the programme has aired.

[Can You Smile is a benefit show for The Stroke Association and the Victims of Stroke].

Can You Smile?" is currently sold out, but there will be a few last seats released www.cclive.co.uk. The gig is at The Carling Apollo Hammersmith on Thursday 15 september and it starts at 7.30.

On the bill are Mike Peters, Ricky Gervais, Bill Bailey, Mark Thomas, Rob Newman, Paul Morrocco, Robin Ince, Ed Byrne and MC John Fothergill.

From NYCAlarm Gal via the forums:

"Just got a call from my sis and she saw an amazingly moving commercial, approx. 4 minutes at the start of todays NY Yankees/Red Sox game which featured film footage of the events of Katrina Hurricane which featured Strength as the soundtrack backing it ".

You have to admit, it's the perfect song for this.
If anyone has any more information about this, we'd be glad to hear it.

web master

Over the long weekend, we added a new feature: TheAlarm.com video player. We have 10 items on video available Now, with more to come, but we are always looking for more.

We would likw to create a full history of The Alarm/Mike Peters/Dave Sharp/etc. on video.

If you have any video that is already digitized, please please tell us.

If the size is less than 3 MB, send it to Steve Fulton. If it is larger than that, then offer a link to download, or some other means to get the video to us.

I'm especially looking for vifeo fro mthe EARLY Mike Peters solo days (1992-1995).

Legendary Welsh singer songwriter Mike Peters brings his extensive Alarm repertoire to Celtitude at The Point on Friday September 2. The Alarm can lay claim to a series of 16 Top 50 Singles, seven successful albums and over 5 million sales worldwide.

Another fine Welsh musician, multi instrumentalist Dylan Fowler will continue to draw lines between music of disparate cultures around the world. He has played with Richard Thompson and Szapora, and here teams up with Gillian Stevens whose strings include the traditional crwth.

Resident Welsh Irishman Colum Regan, one of the UK’s brightest and most original young songwriters and half of the New Druids will appear with his solo project; and local heroes the Hennessys with ‘Mr Cardiff’ - broadcaster Frank Hennessy who hosts his own BBC radio show on folk, roots and acoustic music; and Mabon interrupt a packed summer programme of festivals throughout Europe to please the Cardiff Bay crowds. The programme includes Ireland’s hottest new group, The Shamrock City Band making their first appearance in Wales.


MPO Team
Alarm Information Service
Tel: 011 44 (0)1745 571571
Fax: 011 44 (0)1745 571577
Email mpo@alarmpo.demon.co.uk
www.thealarm.com
PO Box 709, Prestatyn, Denbighshire, LL19 9YR, Wales,

Mike Peters made an appropriate and pointed political statement at Cardiff Celtic Festival by dedicating the song "Where Were You Hiding When The Storm Broke" to President Of The United States Geroge Bush. Another hilarious and moment form our hero Mike Peters. (Web Master)

The following is the set list from the show as reported by ChrisC via the forums:

High On The Hill
Ravens
The Love We Made
Deeside
Hallowed Ground
Hwylio Dros Y Mor/A New South Wales
Bells Of Rhymney
Statue Of Liberty
Where Were You Hiding When The Storm Broke? (dedicated to George W. Bush)
How The Mighty Fall
Broken Silence
The Unexplained
Rise
The D And D
'76
45 rpm
Strength

From Los Angeles to South Wales!
Mike Peters returns from LA to Cardiff this Friday night for a special one off acoustic show.

Tickets from 02920 494917 (Please note this is new phone number).
Stage time - approx 9pm

The Point
Mount Stuart Square
Cardiff
South Glamorgan
CF10 5EE

Just a quick note to say that I have finally finished the game I have been working on for hotwheels.com. If you want a fun diversion from the dire news on the TV, try it here. -Steve

Holy sh*t!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dead Men Walking will take to the road again with new member Captain Sensible (The Damned) who will join existing members Slim Jim Phantom (The Stray Cats) Mike Peters (The Alarm), and Kirk Brandon (Spear Of Destiny).


Four artists from some of the most influential bands of our time and individually, they can lay claim to having played a part in creating some of the finest songs of a generation. A combined chart rating of over forty UK Top 30 singles, 20 million record sales worldwide and over twenty Top 20 UK Hit albums - almost as many hits as The Beatles and Elvis Presley combined!!!

Dead Men Walking will be taking to the road throughout September / October 2005.

September
Wednesday, 21 House of Blues, Anaheim, California 714 778 2583
Thursday, 22 Key Club, Los Angeles 310 274 5800
Friday, 23 CBGBs, New York 212 982 4052
Saturday, 24 Downtown, Farmingdale, New York 516 293 7700
Tuesday, 27 Wulfren Hall, Wolverhampton 01902 552121
Wednesday, 28 Central Station, Wrexham 01978 264940
Thursday, 29 Sugarmill, Stoke 01782 206000
Friday, 30 The Loft, Kinloss 01343 850078

October
Saturday, 1 Lemon Tree, Aberdeen 01224 642230
Sunday, 2 King Tuts, Glasgow 08701 690100
Tuesday, 4 Forum Theatre, Billingham 01642 552663
Wednesday, 5 Boardwalk, Sheffield 0114 2799090
Thursday, 6 Winter Gardens, Cleethorpes 01472 349222
Friday, 7 Library Theatre, Darwen 01254 706006
Saturday, 8 Library Theatre, Darwen 01254 706006
Sunday, 9 Civic Centre, Whitehaven 01946 852821
Tuesday, 11 Irish Centre, Leeds 0113 2480887
Wednesday, 12 Assembly Rooms, Derby 01332 255800
Thursday, 13 Arts Centre, Colchester 01206 500900
Friday, 14 Voodoo Lounge, Dublin 353 1 8736013
Saturday, 15 The Platform, Morecambe 01524 582803
Sunday, 16 Barracuda, Newquay 01637 875 800
Tuesday, 18 Coxs Yard, Stratford Upon Avon 01789 404600
Wednesday, 19 Princes Hall, Aldershot 01252 329155
Thursday, 20 Academy, Birmingham 0870 771 2000
Friday, 21 Academy, Liverpool 0870 771 2000
Saturday, 22 Academy, Manchester 0161 832 1111
Monday, 24 Academy, Bristol 0870 771 2000
Tuesday, 25 Arts Centre, Swindon 01793 614837
Wednesday, 26 Waterfront, Norwich 01603 508050
Thursday, 27 Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth 02392 863911
Friday, 28 Beaufort Theatre, Ebbw Vale 01495 350360
Saturday, 29 Shepherds Bush, London 0870 771 2000
Sunday, 30 Martlets Hall, Burgess Hill 01444 242888

Mike and the crew have landed safely in Los Angeles and are looking forward to welcoming everybody to Capitol Studios (Alarmstock III - Capitol Studio A, 1750 North Vine St., Hollywood, California 90028-5305). After the success of Electric Lady last week, Mike is really looking forward to the show tomorrow.
For those of you have purchased 'e' tickets for Alarmstock Los Angeles please check in to the studio between 12 noon and 2pm to register for your laminates.
There will be breaks during the 4 sets when you will be able to pop out for refreshments as explained in your 'e' itinerary.
Have a safe trip and MPO On The Road looks forward to welcoming you to Alarmstock at Capitol Studios in Los Angeles!
All the best,
MPO Team

WOW!
What a great time. It truly felt special to be in such a wonderful venue. Mike sounded great...had great stories to tell and played his heart out.
Highlight was watching Dylan checking his Dad out through the glass studio door in set #3.
Thanks to all at MPO for making it such a special day.
Wish I could be in LA Next week.
#1Alarmfan

Wow!!!.... what can I say about the NYC show except that it was absolutely incredible. I've always hoped that I would get to hear Mike and just an acoustic guitar, but I never thought I'd get 8 hours of acoustic!!! Incredible!! His voice was awesome and the whole experience will always be memorable.

nuffsaid11


Kudos to Mike for putting on a great performance! On one of the hottest days, with the humudity so thick you could cut it with a knife, he kept things light with his humorous stories and friendly persona.

The first two sets were on the mellow side, we couldn't make noise, but they were still good songs. The second two sets were more fiesty, rockin' and sing-along. What a blast!! I even got chills and a tear in my eye at one point, I don't remember which song, the whole crowd was singing in unison (and in key)-it was just such a beautiful moment, and it goes to show how powerful these songs are after 25 years!!!

debbie

Add your own comments

Mike and the crew have landed safely in New York and are looking forward to welcoming everybody to Electric Lady Studios. After the success of Abbey Road next week and after visiting the studios today, Mike is really excited about the show tomorrow.

For those of you with tickets please check in to the studio between 12 noon and 2pm to register for your laminates.

There will be breaks during the 4 sets when you will be able to pop out for refreshments as explained in your itinerary.

Have a safe trip and MPO On The Road looks forward to welcoming you to Alarmstock at Electric Lady Studios in New York!

All the best,


MPO Team

Mike to play special one off acoustic show at the Cardiff Celtic Festival Friday Sept 2nd 2005

The Point
Mount Stuart Square
Cardiff
South Glamorgan
CF10 5EE
Enquiries: 029 2049 9979
Box Office: 029 2049 9979

Alarmstock T Shirts are now available In the store! Buy Now.

MIKE PETERS ON AIR IN THE USA

Mike Peters and the Glen Jones interview.
The session will air on Monday the 15th on WFMU during the "Jonesville Station" show which runs between 7-8 p.m. There is worldwide access via web stream on
http://www.wfmu.org/ssaudionet.shtml. In addition it is available on archives after the initial broadcast.

Abbey Road Studios - August 6th 2005 - Alarmstock 3 - Perfect Day

A beautiful Summer's Day marked the arrival of Alarmstock 3 to the legendary Abbey Road studios on Saturday August 6th. Alarm fans arrived from all four corners of the UK,? America and Holland for this momentous day in Alarm history. Hoardes of Japanese tourists looked on as the lucky Alarm audience entered through the hallowed doors of Abbey Road. Paul McCartney had been in the Studio for two days previously and so there was a hushed sense of excitement as MPO members regietered,? collected their laminates and made their way into the immense Studio 2.

Mike Peters, looking tanned and fit, having just flown in from a trip to Nice to see U2,? was clearly excited to be back in Studio 2, after his last visit with The Poets of Justice back in 1992 where he recorded the Abbey Road sessions in front of an invited audience via a Radio 1 competition.?



By 2pm, Studio 2 was bursting at the seams with an assembled throng of Alarm fans. The atmposphere was hushed, expectant and awe-struck. What would the day bring? Danny Cohen, long-time member of the MPO Team made an introduction, explaining the need to switch phones off, remain quiet during the performance (the Abbey Road Management Team had given strict instructions for noise levels to be held in check as there was another session taking place opposite in Studio 1).



2.15pm and Mike Peters appeared at the top of the stairs leading down from the control room and took his place at the microphone where he had stood 23 years ago when he first came to Abbey Road Studios at the tender age of 23 to record Declaration.It was fitting then that Mike opened with Declaration and Marching On and explained between the songs the making of the Declaration album. Behind



Peters, projected images were relayed? from the original session.?
The studio is in virtual identical condition as to when Mike and The Alarm recorded there back in 1983, having been kept this way to preserve the vibe from when The Beatles and George Martin worked there back in the 1960's. Mike added to the authenticity of the day by playing 'Where Were You Hiding' on Dave Sharp's original 1982 Electro Acoustic Epiphone (kindly loaned by MPO member and guitar collector, Malcolm Namey).

DECLARATION?[TAKE THIS SONG OF FREEDOM]

DECLARATION
MARCHING ON
WHERE WERE YOU HIDING
THIRD LIGHT
SIXTY EIGHT GUNS
WE ARE THE LIGHT
SHOUT TO THE DEVIL
BLAZE OF GLORY
TELL ME
THE STAND [PROPHECY]
THE DECEIVER
HOWLING WIND

4pm SCATTERED ACROSS THIS LAND marked a fitting return to Mike's history with the Poets of Justice. Many hidden gems were uncovered as Mike led his audience through? the journey of his early tentative solo steps. Songs like 'What the World Can't Give Me' and 'Train a Comin' resonated a special moment under the lights of Studio 2. Memories of the touring period from 1992 through to 1994 when Mike and The Poets, (as they became fondly known), toured the length and breadth of the UK and the United States as well as a very special day at Abbey Road Studios in November 1992. This second set struck a chord with? fans who stuck with Mike during his transition and departure from the original Alarm.

SCATTERED ACROSS THIS LAND

POETIC JUSTICE
ONE WORLD EXODUS
CAN?T GET THROUGH
UNSTOPPABLE
BACK INTO THE SYSTEM
NO BETTER THAN THIS
LEVI?S AND BIBLES
TRAIN A COMIN?
WHAT THE WORLD CAN?T GIVE ME
REFUGEES IN THE WESTWORLD
BEAUTIFUL THING
THIS IS WAR
ALL I WANTED
DEVIL?S WORLD
A NEW CHAPTER
BREATHE

Between 5pm and 7pm, a welcome moment for rest and recuperation for all in the Abbey Road canteen. Mike joined every member of the audience outside the studios and?posed for a memorable snapshot photograph!



Mike and Jules Peters, Abbey Road Studios, August 2005




Not a moment was wasted and in typical Peters style, Mike made sure that a relay of 6 to 7 members of the audience were able to visit the control room where the Abbey Road engineer, Chris Bolster was mixing a version of 'This is The Way We Are', a brand new track which will feature on the new album to be released next year.



7pm and a rejuventated audience sat expectantly, listening? to the sounds of The Beatles' Sgt. Peppers' Lonely Hearts Club Band...



7.15pm Mike Peters returned to an atmospheric Studio 2 and delivered an awesome third set which featured songs from the early days of The Alarm, including songs that complemented 'Declaration' which went on to become classic 'b' sides. The temperature was rising and Mike surprised the audience with a rendition of classic covers from the early days; including a breathtaking version of 'Maggie May' which morphed into The Beat's 'Stand Down Margaret' and Bob Dylan's 'Maggie's Farm'!

A FUSE HAS BEEN LIT IN THE HOUSE

THE CHANT HAS JUST BEGUN
SECOND GENERATION
THOUGHTS OF A YOUNG MAN
PAVILION STEPS
FOR FREEDOM
UP FOR MURDER
LIE OF THE LAND
ACROSS THE BORDER
REASON 41
BELLS OF RHYMNEY
WHAT KIND OF HELL
UNSAFE BUILDING
UNBREAK THE PROMISE
ONE STEP CLOSER TO HOME
BETTER SCREAM
MAGGIE MAY

In between sets and fans had the opportunity to browse the corridors of Abbey Road where photographs and album sleeves adorned the walls, giving a sense of perspective to this historic place. Many records which changed the face of music as we know it have been cut within these historic walls; Radiohead, Pink Floyd, Rolling Stones, Travis, Spencer Davis Group, Spice Girls, Coldplay, The Alarm! .... Even soundtracks like 'Star Wars' have been recorded here... James Bond theme tunes...

9pm and Mike closed the day with an emotional and rousing singalong set. By this time, the session in Studio 1 had finished and the audience were encouraged to relax and sing out loud alongside Mike. This was encouraged by Mike personally, who joked that once the Alarmstock 3 Abbey Road CD's were released, each member of the audience could boast that they had in fact recorded at Abbey Road Studios!!!



EIGHT THOUSAND WENT DOWN

COMING HOME
THE DRUNK AND THE DISORDERLY
THE UNEXPLAINED
DAWN CHORUS
DEESIDE
STRENGTH
ABSOLUTE REALITY
A NEW SOUTH WALES
PRESENCE OF LOVE
KNIFE EDGE
RIGHT BACK WHERE I STARTED
RAIN IN THE SUMMERTIME
RESCUE ME
45 R.P.M.
SPIRIT OF ‘76
WALK FOREVER

DECLARATION [MEDLEY] Watch A Clip (Quicktime Format)



A perfect day finished with a perfect standing ovation. 5 hours of music and just over 60 songs later, Mike and the audience had 'come together' and made another special moment in Alarm history. Electric Lady Studios, New York beckons... what will the day bring...?





Special thanks to Jules Peters. Peter Jones, Marj Peters, Dorothy
Jones & MPO Team (Events Organiser), Liam Feekery, (MPO Logistics),
Martin Wilding (Sound Engineer), Vince Davey (Guitar Technician),
Danny Cohen (MC), Katrina Copping (MPO Team), Andy Greenley/Jules
Jones (Photographs and Video Film) Chrissy Koestel (Merchandise) all
at Abbey Road Studios (Chris, Fiona, Colette, Ian, Doreen, Alan,
Nyron & Security) and all who attended Alarmstock 3, Abbey Road
Studios, without whom...
.

Just a note to check in with those of you attending Alarmstock at Abbey Road Studios on August 6th.
Please report to the reception of Abbey Road Studios between 12 noon and 2pm where a member of MPO staff will be waiting to welcome you.
There are other recording sessions taking place in Studio 1 alongside the Alarmstock session in Studio 2 so Abbey Road Management have requested that you move quietly around the building in between Mike's sets.
The Abbey Road Canteen will be open all through the day and evening for refreshments, alcohol, snacks and full meals.
It would be a great help to the smooth running of the day if you could remain on site for most of the duration.
We look forward to seeing you soon and enjoying an exciting day in the history of Mike Peters and The Alarm. Thanks for being part of it.

Best wishes,

MPO Team

PS The MPO office is now closed for calls and emails and will reopen on Monday 8th August

This unique event will be held at the historical (and sadly closure threatened) CBGB's, by the fans for the fans, is a non- profit venture designed purely as an opportunity to meet and greet fellow fans. Whether local NY fans or those traveling from afar. Any funds remaining after the costs have been met will be donated to the British Red Cross appeal in response to the recent London Bombings.

If you are a new convert to Mike's music or old timers like your hosts, we welcome you all.
Bring your spouse, your partner, your pals. Come and put names to faces, meet people from the forum or digest you have communicated with over time. Stay all night or just pop in and say hello.

Anyone who has attended the now legendary Gathering shows in North Wales over the years knows the social part of the weekend is the best fringe benefit beaten only by the quality and quantity of the music which bought us together in the first place. Friendship is a core value that has kept the AlaRm music and "family" alive for 25 years and this is your chance to be part of this unique event.

Further details will be communicated soon however as we must have a relative head count please rsvp via email to alarmbdays@hotmail.com


C.B.G.B Lounge http://www.cbgb.com/lounge.html

From 7:30 p.m. till late

(Note: This IS NOT an Alarm show, but a fan created event)

The $5 cover charge includes live sets from rocking bands comprised of your fellow AlaRm fans with a few AlaRm "surprises" thrown in!

EARLY EDISON - Teen heartthrobs fresh from last years AlaRm support slot and infamous "OK Cable" TV ad campaign.

LOKI THE GRUMP - Shockingly happy grumpsters promoting their recently released excellent debut cd.

SERIAL POETS - Everything louder than everything else the baldest & finest from Long Island will blow the roof off.

Plus win cool Alarm prizes in our very special raffle!

An up and close personal concert with
Mike Peters of The Alarm!

Limited Seating and VIP packages are available.
Please call the box office at (714) 778-BLUE
for more info and ticket prices!

Tuesday, August 23
House of Blues Anaheim
price: $15.00 *
door: 7:00pm PT / show: 8:00pm PT
ages: all

Rockidle aka Singer / Songwriter Derek Hagan has recorded a beautiful version of the Mike Peters penned track Train-A-Comin’.

Derek has been a long standing Alarm fan since first hearing 68 Guns.

Derek explains,

“ It was after the break up of the original Alarm line up, that provided me with the inspiration to start writing my own material. I always felt that if I ever did get to record some of my own material , I would like to cover an Alarm song, at some stage”.

“ The problem was, I never felt there was an Alarm track I could justice to. I will always remember attending some of Mike’s solo shows with The Poets, and was immediately struck by the guitar intro to a particular song, that made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. That song was Train-A-Comin’. Some of Mike’s solo material is fantastic, experimental in parts, and deserves a wider audience”, (so make sure you all check it out, if you haven’t already done so)” !!!!!!.

“The lyrical content of Train, mirrored that of what happened in my own personal life, and now in 2005, after some time had passed, the moment felt right to record. What I have tried to capture in this recording, is still the emotional content of the lyric, while capturing a laid back feel (slide guitar etc), as after time passes, things can work out ok”.

“ It’s quite a challenge recording someone else’s material, and when that someone is your inspiration, and hero, all I can hope is that I’ve done it justice”.

“Any feedback would be greatly appreciated”.

To listen to the Rockidle version of Train-A-Comin’ please log on to the jukebox on the http://www.rockidle.moonfruit.com website.

Please also feel free to discuss the above subject on the Alarm, and / or the Rockidle message board.

MPO received the following message from MPO member Robert Johnstone... has anyone heard about this Alarm tribute band? If so, please email mailto:mpo@alarmpo.demon.co.uk

Dear MPO, got a text from a drunken friend last night who was frequenting
Leeds city centre last night having driven down from Glasgow. He was passing
a pub when he heard 68 Guns being played inside. He knew the song from being
bombarded with The Alarm and MP songs while in the car with me. He went
inside and found that it was an Alarm tribute band called the Warning (he
thinks). He said the were excellent. I have asked him to find out the name
of the pub so he is going to look for it tonight. I will let you know if he
finds it.

I have never heard of an Alarm tribute band before, has anyone at the MPO.
Robert Johnstone

This news come from Sion Smith, editor of Zero Magazine, via the forums.


Hi Guys,

I just thought that I would let you know about our new magazine, ZERO. Mike Peters has very kindly written an exclusive track for the cover mount CD, also called 'ZERO', that will be given away free with issue one. This track is exclusive to the magazine, which is available from 3rd August.

ZERO is a rock music ‘lifestyle’ magazine, mixing its content between rock music and lifestyle elements in a 60/40 split. Steering away from the traditional routes set by the mainstream rock press, ZERO will endeavour to bring a new dimension and breath life back into an otherwise sanitised genre. ZERO aims to serve up the best in rock music adding to the mix with a heady blend of books, films, art, games, sports, instruments and features on the unsung heroes of the rock music industry,

ZERO is a monthly magazine and the first Wednesday of every month is the date to put in your diary to get out and buy a fresh copy. You will be able to get a copy of ZERO from all good retailers such as WH Smiths, HMV, Virgin, Borders, etc. as well as your local corner shop, and the thing to remember is, if you can’t see it on the shelf them ask them to order you a copy!

The best place for all news and gossip on your new favourite magazine is WWW.ZEROMAG.CO.UK so bookmark it now!

Here is a quote from the editor:
“Isn’t it about time somebody took this gorgeous artform (magazines) and breathed some life back into it. Are we so concerned with banging out issue after issue for the sake of it, that we forget it’s a medium that speaks volumes to people. Not just with it’s content, but its style of delivery, its pictures and its subjects. The damn thing should have a soul, not a bottom line.”
Sion Smith/Editor

Just goes to show that persistence does pay off ! Here's a message from Alarm fan, Pertti Viljanen. Keep up the good work out there - every bit helps!


Hi all att MPO!

Just wanted to tell about a quite funny thing i did.
Being a Alarm-fan in Sweden is not always easy cause there is no radio-play for Alarm here and Alarm has not been here for ages! :-(

Well, i mailed the biggest rockstation in Sweden, called Rockklassiker 106,7.( www.rockklassiker.se ) I mailed them almost every day in March-April 2005 and asked and begged them to play an Alarm song, but nothing happened. So finally i sent them my own copy of "In the Poppy Fields" and hoped they then could play at least one track from it.

One week later they answered me and told me that they would play The Alarm in part of the show that´s called "3 from 1 at 5". And they finally did in the beginning of May, the host of the show told the background of The Alarm and also the "45rpm" story and played "Close", "The Unexplained" and 45Rpm of course. He even said that one of his alltime favourite albums is "Declaration".

One week after this show he once again presented The Alarm and played 68Guns, Where were you hiding and Shout at the Devil!

This was a great week for me!! And life would be even better if i sometime would be able to see Alarm live!! I´m watching the "Live in the Poppy Fields" 2-3 times a week!

Best regards

Pertti Viljanen
Solna, Sweden

Martin Flemming, a German Alarm fan is holding an informal get-together for German Alarm fans on August 20th in Kahl (close to Frankfurt airport 40 km). For more informations please send an eMail to alarm@thealarm.de

Been waiting for you to re-open before writing, hope you had a good break. Im sure Mike must have been in need of time away to recharge his batteries following the brilliant Acoustic tour. Managed to catch Mike twice on the tour and was totally amazed by his performance on both nights. It makes it very special having your request read out and perfomed with such passion. Please Mike, dont leave it so long this time before the next acoustic tour. I was lucky enough to talk to Mike after the Stourbridge gig and as I am learning to play the acoustic guitar asked him if he could give me the chords to 68 guns. Ian UK

Dear Mike,
Thank you so much for the dedication disc! It really made my husbands day to come home from work today and have that in the mail!! He has thoroughly enjoys the DVD's, I think since January when we received them he hardly has missed a night having them on. Getting the dedication disc today was just such a great bonus for him and I really want to thank you for doing it!! I think it was a fantastic idea and well worth the wait. Come back to Southern California so that we can come and see you again!! Please be sure to sing a rocking version of Strength...I love that song!!
Thank you again!!
Rhonda Wilson
Temecula, CA

Just a quick one to say that I saw the Alarm in the Wolverhampton last year having seen them countless times in the 80¥s and having seen literally hundreds of bands in the meantime and I have to say that NOBODY comes close to stirring up the positive energy and excitement that comes from going to see The Alarm live. Mike - if there¥s a God of music, then you¥re the man !!! The In The Poppy Fields stuff is excellent - just keep it coming!
By the way, are there no Alarm guitar tab/chord books available anywhere? I¥ve looked and not found them and I can see from the website that I¥m not the only one asking for this - if there are any, where can I get them? If there aren¥t, it¥s definitely something to think about......
Martin Swan (Valencia, Spain)

Thanks Mike for a fantastic evening at the wintergardens Cleethorpes; quote " MEMORIES COME FLOODING BACK " your thoughts were also intresting on todays music scene, as we discussed after the show. Anyway i, ve dug out some old vinyl and i,m off to listen to, across the border and for freedom which were not played on the night ( arrived a little late) Keep the wheels turning , all the best , luke......
I wanted to send a huge thank you to Mike and the rest of the MPO team for the fantastic dedication DVD that arrived yesterday. Mike’s dedication to my entire family was done beautifully, and the acoustic version of Transendental is awesome. Thanks again! My daughter Kira loves to sing about the tangerine clouds & electric blue trees, and having her and my wife’s name in the dedication was just excellent.
Thanks again for all the great work you all do. Can’t wait to meet you all. Only 239 days until G14!
Mark Brock

Many, many thanks for my dvd dedication. Mike recorded 'Marching On' for me and it was magnificant, I was blown away!!!
For an artist to put as much energy into a single recording with no audience as he would for a large venue speaks volumes for Mike's commitment to his fans and OUR music. This dvd is now my prize pocession. God knows what the insurance premiums will be!!
See you all in Llandudno,
Martin Benn

Dear Mike
Here I am, back home in Chile so glad after the gigs in Manchester and
London, during my holidays traveling around UK, Ireland and Wales ( Rhyl -
Prestatyn - Laududno)
Great gigs !!! Also I had the chance to buy some Alarm Cds and Rise, a very
good record... really good !!!
Thanks a lot again for all your music...
Love
Fabiola

Enjoying the DVD set a brilliant idea for those of us who can't make tour dates.
Haven't seen Alarm/ Mike Peters since' 94 but kept up to date through Web Site
And MPO.The Poppy Field collection was brilliant .
Enjoying being kept informed through the web site ,keep up the good work!!
Regards
John Macleod

Thanks very much once again for sorting me out for last night in London. It really was a brilliant show and for me it was the probably best acoustic show I have seen Mike play. The choice of songs was perfect (he can play For Freedom and 2nd Generation every time for me..), and the enthusiasm that exuded from Mike quickly passed across to the audience. I was particularly pleased that Mike played my request for Majority with original lyrics. He'll know them better than recorded lyrics soon! :o) The next challenge for me is to get him to do the original lyrics with the band again which I last saw at Gathering 10 I think. Please pass on my thanks to Mike.


THE FIRST LIGHT
The dark and dingy gig room at the back of Josephs Well was soon alive with hoards of fans wearing their Alarm shirts with pride.
We make a move for the steps at the front of the stage and watched more of Mike’s brilliant Gathering DVD. Something I’ve been doing every night since it arrived.
We spotted some fans writing out forms and we were soon filling in our own request sheets. Lisa went for The Drunk and Disorderly for me! I went for Rise for Lisa and my 18 year old Nephew Mart “Thanked me for bringing him to the music” with 45RPM.
Enter the Man! Thankfully this wasn’t going to be an Alarm greatest hits gig as Mike played his way through a series of dedications from Rise and Breathe. Rise received two votes, which makes me wish I’d gone for Wasted Land instead. As Mike gets half way through Ground Zero and sings “the losers, creeps and assholes” Lisa points out that, that was the song she really wanted. Someone must be physic!
Breathe and Lev’s and Blue Jeans go down a storm. The gig is far more passionate than the Sheffield gig in December. The room is alive with energy as Mike and the crowd work in perfect synergy.
Soon it’s the turn of The Alarm, but we are talking lots of obscure songs, Where Were You Hiding When The Storm broke doesn’t get a look in. So glad I didn’t bring my cards. And that’s the thing about this gig. It’s an acoustic gig on rocket fuel. Many other bands electric gigs couldn’t even compete.
Then it’s serious time as Mike introduces his video’d clip as part of the Gathering DVD box set. Mike dedicates First Light to Tim Downes and First Light Coaching helping people achieve their potential.
Think you’ve more than achieved yours Mike!
The Manic Street Preachers were awesome at Leeds University a fortnight earlier, but it’s mighty Mike Peters who has blasted himself into the number one gig of the year spot.
After all the requests are played (whatever happened to the old song book Mike?) Mike looks at the massed crowd. “You aren’t going to let me go are you? You look like a lynch mob,” laughs Mike GOING OUT IN A BLAZE OF GLORY.
Tim Downes

Just a few words to say thank you for the stunning acoustic performance that Mike gave last night in Wrexham.....
Mike's lyrics and songs have inspired me since 1982, when I was 12. (How come he looks younger than me now ?)
To hear those same songs played so well last night is a memory that I will always keep with me.
I have been to many Alarm concerts over the years but the arrangement last night gave me the chance to meet Mike for the first time.
I was humbled to do so and delighted to personally tell him how much his songs and music have inspired me through the years.
Once again a big thank you for such a fantastic night. Truly awesome !
Darren Williams
Wrexham

The new Mike Peters/Alarm MMVI song "Menai Bridge" will be played Thursday July 7th BBC Radio 2:

Mark Radcliffe Show - Radio Two
10.30pm-Midnight, Mon-Thurs, 88-91FM Radio2
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/shows/radcliffe/

The music to the new song was written by Mike and The Alarm MMVI, but the lyrics were written as part of a Radio 2 contest by Tan Morgan. Don't miss this new song, it's brilliant! It sounds a bit like Spirit Of '76 mixed with 68 Guns.

ALARMSTOCK III - LOS ANGELES
August 20th 2005 @ Capitol Studio A, Hollywood, California, USA.

Due to popular demand, an extra date for ALARMSTOCK III - An acoustic explosion with Mike Peters will take place at Capitol Studio A, Hollywood, California on Saturday 20th August 2005.

Following on from the sold out Alarmstocks at Abbey Road (Aug 6th) and Electric Lady Studios (Aug 13th) this addition to Alarmstock III on the west coast of America will give fans an opportunity to experience the music of Mike Peters and The Alarm in an historic and intimate setting. A once in a lifetime opportunity to visit these incredible studios which are rarely open to the public. Tickets for Alarmstock III at Capitol Studios are extremely limited.

Hollywood's Capitol Studios were made famous by none other than Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack in the 1950's and has been used in modern times by Robbie Williams and also Oasis, who recorded their 'Don't Believe The Truth' album earlier this year.

The day will feature 4 separate acoustic performances by Mike Peters covering the entire span of his songwriting career with a selection of rare and unseen films in between. One of the acoustic sets will be based on The Alarm's 'Spirit Of '86' - U.C.L.A. concert which will reach it's 20th anniversary in 2006. Audience members will also have the opportunity to spend time in the company of Mike Peters and also visit the control room and hear the recordings of the day. The event will commence at Midday and run through until late in the evening.

A letter will accompany each ticket application with a more detailed timetable of events and each ticket holder will receive their own personal Alarmstock laminate / studio pass.

ALARMSTOCK III tickets at Capitol Studios are extremely limited and priced as follows:

Los Angeles, Capitol Studio A: $75.00 + $5 booking /postage

Tickets are available now by telephoning 00 44 1745 571571 or book online at www.thealarm.com

For further information about Capitol Studio A visit:
http://history.acusd.edu/gen/recording/studios2.html

Mike will take a break in recording the new album to appear at the “Big Day Out” event in Cambridge on Saturday 9th July. The day is part of the Summer in the City series of FREE family events in this historic city. The Big Day Out takes place on Parkers Piece in central Cambridge and comprises of a large fair with some hair raising rides, craft and food stalls, big screen entertainment, live stage for a variety of performances running during the day and concluding with a spectacular firework display.

Mike will play an acoustic set around 7pm. If you can’t manage to get to Cambridge on Saturday then you can listen to Vibe FM and the link for the online broadcast is http://www.vibe105.co.uk



Parking can be found at one of Cambridge’s five Park and Ride sites, details can be found at;

Following on from the sold out NYC Alarmstock, it has just been confirmed that Mike will perform a special one off Interactive Acoustic show at the Knitting Factory on Monday August 15th. Following on from the successful April UK Interactive Acoustic Tour, this gives American Alarm fans the chance to experience this unique show!

Please find ticket information below:
Knitting Factory
Tap Bar
74 Leonard Street
New York City , NY 10013
212-219-3132
doors 7pm
adv tix $15
www.ticketweb.com

Mike Peters was recently approached by BBC Radio 2 DJ and friend, Mark Radcliffe to record a song that had been written by a Radio 2 contest winner. It was Mike's challenge to take the winner's lyrics and write a brand new song...

As part of the Get Writing series on the BBC, 'The Ballad of Your Home Town' was given to Radio 2 and Mark Radcliffe's show: Listeners wrote a poem and each winner's poem has been set to music, to be broadcast one-a-night:

Tan Morgan's winning entry Menai Bridge sung by MIKE PETERS (of 'The Alarm') on Monday 4 July

OTHER WINNERS ARE: Amy McCauley -The Ballad Of Scarborough Town *sung by ELIZA CARTHY (to be performed live on the Show Wed 5 July): Barrie Singleton: Never A Bridge When You Want One sung by SUPERGRASS - Sandra Robinson: Oh Beer Rich, Beer Sweet Midlands Town sung by rising folk star JIM MORAY.

Mark Radcliffe Show - Radio Two
10.30pm-Midnight, Mon-Thurs, 88-91FM Radio2
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/shows/radcliffe/

Mike on Radio 2 - date changed to Thursday July 7th
Stop press! Please change your diaries - Mike's brand new song will be
broadcast on radio 2 on Thursday 7th July.

Much to my surprise, I saw Mike Peters from The Alarm waving to me from the ligger’s platform in front of our mix position. I haven’t seen him in the longest time – it has to be ten years – so I was delighted. We had a chance to chat after the show, as I heded up to the hospitality room.

Just a follow up from Hefyn Rees to let you all know that his truck finally turned up! In the meantime, watch out for the Thumbprint Poppy Truck out on the British Road…

Livingonaknifedge

The story so far…..

Livingonaknifedge was purchased unnamed in Ireland as an unraced five year old in September 2004.

He is part of the Concertina Racing Team who have already had two winners in the last 14 days.
Having already won his point to point race on May 15th he now makes his debut at the world famous Aintree racecourse tonight. His future lies over fences so tonight is a gradual introduction for him.

He was christened after the song – Livingonaknifedge by long-time Alarm fan, John Tyrrell.

Hopefully he will be as good as the Alarm!!

Here's a selection of comments from people that emailed MPO directly after this past weekend's show...

Just wanted to say you and the lads were on top form (as ever!!!) tonight........keep rocking mate.....by the way this was my second gig of the week......first being U2 in Glasgow and you guys were far better.....fact !!! Kindest regards Paul

Just to say the alarm were stunning in south shields. Craig.

Just wanted to say that the gig you played at south shields on 25th june was excellent. Its great to see bands who really look like they are enjoying themselves when they play live. Thanks for a top gig. It would be great to see THE ALARM in this neck of the wood again soon. Regards to the band!! Neil

Hello, A big thank you to Mike and the lads for an absolutely superb gig in South Shields. Steve was like a man possessed on the drum kit! My only regret is that it was over to quickly. I look forward to seeing you somewhere in the north-east in the not to distant future. Cheers, Mel

just thought i'd drop you an email to say what a good set you did at south sheilds last night, nice to be able to take the kids to see a decent band, looking foward to dead man walking later this year - cheers dave

thanks for another great North East gig last night to go with the previous ones at the Archer ( Newcastle) and town hall (Middlesbrough). A strange venue but still a great night. Is there any chance of bringing the full band to play somewhere in the centre of Sunderland next time as the lads and I are getting a bit lazy in our old age ! keep getting down and getting with it ! Budgie (Sunderland)

What can I say! Fantastic. Great to see you out there rockin'.
We all had a blast, sounding as good as ever. It was a perfect summer night! g day

Just like to say a BIG thank you for the gig on Saturday night. It was superb. I'm an Alarm fan from many years back. I first saw you support U2 on the War tour and then at Dingwalls in Newcastle back in '83. Great memories. The gig on Saturday was great and brought back so many happy memories. I brought my girlfriend along - I've been shoving cds her way and she's a big fan now too. What a brilliant line up the band has now. Its was a belting drum performance by Steve on Saturday too. Get some more gigs in the pipeline - I can't wait too see you again. Dead Men Walking sounds like it'll be good this year. Any confirmation on the line-up? I've heard Captain Sensible? Can't wait!
Keep on rockin' Mike! Darrin

I would just like to say how much I enjoyed Saturday’s show at South Shields I took my six year old son to see his first rock band as he like to put things and he thoroughly enjoyed himself and has never stopped singing 45rpm since. I myself also enjoyed the show as much as I normally would do and have to point out that out of all the shows I have seen so far this year which include Green day, U2 and my favourites Stiff Little Fingers the Alarm really rocked them all
Keep up the good work and I hope to see the band again soon.
Andy.

hello mpo.i hope you get the pics ive just sent . had a fantastic night at south sheilds, a great concert , a great crowd, must have been 2000 + people ..a beautiful warm summer night . my self ( darren dobson ).and my wife and friends travelled through from sunderland. great to see the alarm back up in the north east. had a few words with mike after show which made my day. keep on rocking , cant wait for next tour, seeya there . best wishes

The first ever Alarmstock to be held at Electric Lady Studios sold out at lightning speed. Mike is really looking forward to returning to the USA for this this one off special event.

Best wishes,

MPO Team
Alarm Information Service
Tel: 011 44 (0)1745 571571
Fax: 011 44 (0)1745 571577
Email mpo@alarmpo.demon.co.uk
www.thealarm.com
PO Box 709, Prestatyn, Denbighshire, LL19 9YR, Wales, UK

25th June is "Live Music at Ampitheatre"
South Tyneside's Scorching Summer Of Events

A top-notch line-up featuring, The Alarm 2005, has
been assembled to perform at this summer's Cookson Festival in South
Shields on 25th June.

Councillor Paul Waggott, Leader of the Council said: "The Summer Cookson
Festival is a fun and free event and this year it's even bigger and better.
We have lined up a hugely impressive programme of events and there really is
something for everyone. Visitors from all over the world will be heading for
the area to join in the fun. I would like to urge people to come along and
make sure they don't miss out on a fantastic summer season in South
Tyneside."

For further details, or to request a free Cookson Festival guide, please
telephone (0191) 454 6612 or e-mail events@s-tyneside-mbc.gov.uk

MPO Team
Alarm Information Service
Tel: 011 44 (0)1745 571571
Fax: 011 44 (0)1745 571577
Email mpo@alarmpo.demon.co.uk
www.thealarm.com
PO Box 709, Prestatyn, Denbighshire, LL19 9YR, Wales, UK

Further to MPO's recent article about Alarm trucks owner, Hefin Rees, we are sad to report that 'No Better than This' has since been stolen. If anyone has any information please can they contact MPO as soon as possible. For those of you out on the road, the truck is a white FH12 Globetrotter. The Alarm poppy and the name 'No Better Than This' can be seen on the bottom rear corner of both sides of the cab.

Thank you!

MPO team
Alarm Information Service
Tel: 011 44 (0)1745 571571
Fax: 011 44 (0)1745 571577
Email mpo@alarmpo.demon.co.uk
www.thealarm.com
PO Box 709, Prestatyn, Denbighshire, LL19

The "68 Guns" Heineken is now online a Heinken's Music For Life web site.

May Newsletter

ALARMSTOCK III - U.K. / U.S.A.

August 6th 2005 @ Abbey Road Studio 2, London, U.K.
August 13th 2005 @ Electric Lady Studio A, New York, U.S.A.

Due to popular demand, ALARMSTOCK III - An acoustic explosion with Mike Peters will take place in both the U.K. and the U.S.A. this year!

The U.K. section of ALARMSTOCK III will take place at the world famous Abbey Road Studio 2 in London on Saturday, August 6th.

The U.S. leg of ALARMSTOCK III will be held on Saturday, August 13th at the legendary Electric Lady Studio A in New York City.

Each event will give everyone an opportunity to experience the music of Mike Peters and The Alarm in an historic and intimate setting. A once in a lifetime opportunity to visit these incredible studios which are rarely open to the public. Therefore, tickets for Alarmstock III are extremely limited.

London's Abbey Road Studios was made famous by The Beatles who created most of their 1960's music inside Studio 2. Mike Peters and The Alarm's own history with Studio 2 began in 1983 with the recording of the 'Declaration' album. In fact, one of the sets Mike Peters will perform at Abbey Road will feature an acoustic performance of 'Declaration' in it's entireity. It was also here that Mike Peters And The Poets recorded the 'Abbey Road Sessions' album before a live audience back in 1992.

New York's Electric Lady Studio A was created personally by the legendary Jimi Hendrix who recorded his 'Electric Ladyland' album here in the early 1970's. The studio has been used by many of the most influential acts in rock history including Mike Peters' personal favourites, The Clash, who cut both 'Sandinista' and 'Combat Rock' during the 1980's. On the U.S. side of the Atlantic Mike Peters will include a complete acoustic performance of the 'Strength' album, marking the twentieth anniversary since it's original release.

Each day will feature 4 separate acoustic performances by Mike Peters covering the entire span of his songwriting career with a selection of rare and unseen films in between. Audience members will also have the opportunity to spend time in the company of Mike Peters and also visit the control room and hear the recordings of the day. Each event will commence at Midday and run through until late in the evening and there will be ample opportunity for refreshments (Heineken anyone?......) at various times during the day on both sides of the Atlantic.

A letter will accompany each ticket application with a more detailed timetable of events/hotel details and each ticket holder will receive their own personal Alarmstock laminate / studio pass.

If you are planning upon attending Alarmstock both in the UK and USA please contact MPO and let us know...

ALARMSTOCK III tickets are extremely limited and priced as follows:

London, Abbey Road Studio 2: £45.00 + £2 booking/postage

New York, Electric Lady Studio A: $60.00 + $5 booking /postage

Tickets are available now by telephoning 00 44 1745 571571 or book online at www.thealarm.com

For further information about Abbey Road Studios visit:
http://www.abbeyroad.co.uk/studio2/

For further information about Electric Lady Studios visit:
http://www.electricladystudios.com/studioa.html

To order:
UK £45 + £2 booking/postage
Europe £45 + £3 booking/postage
USA/Rest of World $60 + $5 booking/postage


TTHE GATHERING DVD COLLECTION REVIEW

The Gathering DVD Collection is a ten disc set covering the history of every Mike Peters fan’s favourite weekend away. The nine discs collect together all four Saturday night performances from Gatherings 9 to 12, together with the Friday night acoustic shows from Gatherings 9 and 11, and a wealth of archive material covering all 12 Gatherings. The six full concerts each have their own disc, with the bonus footage being largely confined to two additional DVDs called HISTORY and FEATURES. Finally there is an individual dedication disc in each set containing a personalised song filmed by Mike Peters himself. Think ALARM 2000 COLLECTION DEDICATION DISC and add video.

The set is a real treat for any fan lucky enough to get their hands on a copy. As well as being a collection of fine performances, it acts as a compelling historical document of the gradual birth of Mike Peters’ new Alarm.

Opening as it does with GATHERING 9 ACOUSTIC, we witness Mike Peters & co. fresh off the back of the greatest hits-heavy ALARM 2000 Tour, and features ten new songs, which would eventually form part of the IN THE POPPYFIELDS Collection. Indeed, the entire boxed-set traces the development of that body of work, from a handful of songs in acoustic demo form, through the ‘bond’ versions, and ending with the arrangements which would become the Steve Brown produced album.

Meanwhile we witness the band reinterpreting the old ‘80’s classics in light of the newer material, and discovering how those two bodies of work inter-relate; a theme which is repeated throughout the entire collection. Indeed, we see the past and its connection to the present day alluded to in both GATHERING 9 discs. For whilst the acoustic set containing early versions of, among others, INNOCENT PARTY and CLOSE, the electric set opens in Alarm ‘82/3 format, with SHOUT TO THE DEVIL and FOR FREEDOM.

GATHERING 10 ELECTRIC contains a first real outing for many of the IN THE POPPYFIELDS songs in an electric format, and an all-acoustic mini-Coloursøund set. A treat for sure, but pride of place goes to the all-star encore in which the band were joined by Pete Wylie, Kirk Brandon and, for a Theatre of Hate reunion, Billy Duffy. The ensuing 20 minute spell saw the audience treated to the anthems of their generation COME BACK, DO YOU BELIEVE IN THE WESTWORLD, SHE SELLS SANCTUARY, and 68 GUNS. ‘80s INDIE HEAVEN!

How do you follow that?

Coming in at a relatively short 79 minutes, GATHERING 11 ACOUSTIC is over far too quickly, but the shortest disc in the collection is arguably the best. Almost every moment is heart-stoppingly intense, from Dave Sharp’s emotional introduction (“…after ten years, friendship never dies…”), through a very non-greatest hits opening, which shows the strength in depth of the Alarm/Mike Peters back catalogue (RISE, THIRD LIGHT, …RAVENS…), and on to the highlight & centrepiece of the evening - excerpts from EDWARD HENRY STREET. Rarely have this band ever looked more like they meant it, or sounded as tight. The evening ends with the enigmatic, and woefully underrated WHEN YOU CAN’T HAVE WHAT EVERYBODY ELSE HAS, as well as a couple of Olde Alarme classics: THE STAND and BOUND FOR GLORY.

GATHERING 11 ELECTRIC has an epic feel, which superbly counterpoints the previous evening’s intimate quality. The concert became the live showpiece for IN THE POPPY FIELDS, at least in as far as the original ‘bond’ arrangements are concerned, with 13 of the 34 performances being given over to that collection. And songs like COMING HOME, THE DRUNK AND THE DISORDERLY, and 45 RPM are already sitting alongside the ‘80’s numbers like old friends. Tellingly the band feel able to re-work MARCHING ON, WHERE WERE YOU HIDING…, and 68 GUNS into an adrenalin fuelled medley, which fits nicely with the likes of IN THE BEAUTY OF MY SURROUNDINGS and FEDERAL MOTOR VOTER.

However, for a thoroughly cinematic Alarm experience, GATHERING 12 ELECTRIC takes come beating. Filmed in glorious widescreen, and showcasing songs from both Alarm eras, the disc reveals why Mike Peters has taken to using the old Alarm name – the truth is, you can barely see the join. It is a shame that the excellent Friday night set from Gathering 12 wasn’t filmed; its concentration on Mike Peters’ ‘90’s solo work would surely serve to underline the point.

Meanwhile GATHERING 12 ELECTRIC serves as a celebration of everything that had happened over the preceding 4 years, being at once a celebration of the past, and the revitalising of the whole Alarm brand in a new context. The Alarm as musical Janus.

The two archive discs are interesting documents of the early years of the Gathering, containing a plethora of documentaries, shorts, and interviews. Pride of place goes to a tellingly informative interview with Mike Peters on the HISTORY disc covering Gatherings 1-12, and the complete Coloursøund set from Gathering 7 on the FEATURES disc, but there are hours of footage here from all 12 Gatherings.

Hidden extras (or Easter Eggs as they’re known in the trade) include: The original Alarm performing HAPPY CHRISTMAS (WAR IS OVER) & an audience sing-along of the refrain from HEY JUDE (both on the GATHERING 11 ACOUSTIC disc), and the VH1 Bands Reunited 68 GUNS, Seventeen performing BREAKDOWN & the BACK INTO THE SYSTEM promo (all on the HISTORY disc).

£100 may initially appear a lot of money to pay for a DVD collection, but the contents of this set are so comprehensive that it soon becomes apparent that it provides excellent value for money.

Highly recommended as either a musical documentary of the evolution of the new Alarm, a memento for all Gatherers (if you were there, you’ll want one), or as a fine set of live music DVDs for those unfortunate enough not to have been there in the flesh.

Steve Woodhouse, MPO Member, Yorkshire, UK

FOR A FULL COMPREHENSIVE MERCHANDISE EMAIL PLEASE email mpo@alarmpo.demon.co.uk

MPO Team
Alarm Information Service
Tel: 011 44 (0)1745 571571
Fax: 011 44 (0)1745 571577
Email mpo@alarmpo.demon.co.uk
www.thealarm.com
PO Box 709, Prestatyn, Denbighshire, LL19 9YR, Wales, UK

Heineken Update...

Here at MPO we are beginning to receive emails from USA Alarm fans reporting in that they have been hearing 68 Guns and other Alarm songs at various sports games. Please keep us posted.

Cheers!

MPO team


If anyone else watched my beloved NBA Champion Detroit Pistons
dismantle the suposedly superior Miami Heat last night on TNT (to an
audience of over 15 million), they were treated to 68 Guns in the
Heineken ad. Excellent exposure. Maybe a follow-up ad featuring 45 RPM
or something (although The Drunk & Disorderly may be more appropriate)?
-AH

Just thought you might be interested to know that I heard The
Alarm on TV during the NASCAR Coca-Cola 600 race on Saturday
night in Charlotte, NC. They played "Strength" during a clip
showing some of the race car drivers. NASCAR is a huge sport
here in the US, so I know The Alarm got a lot of exposure!
~Michelle

MPO Team
Alarm Information Service
Tel: 011 44 (0)1745 571571
Fax: 011 44 (0)1745 571577
Email mpo@alarmpo.demon.co.uk
www.thealarm.com
PO Box 709, Prestatyn, Denbighshire, LL19 9YR, Wales, UK

Due to popular demand, ALARMSTOCK III - An acoustic explosion with Mike
Peters will take place in both the U.K. and the U.S.A. this year!

The U.K. section of ALARMSTOCK III will take place at the world famous
Abbey Road Studio 2 in London on Saturday, August 6th.

The U.S. leg of ALARMSTOCK III will be held on Saturday, August 13th at
the legendary Electric Lady Studio A in New York City.

Each event will give everyone an opportunity to experience the music of
Mike Peters and The Alarm in an historic and intimate setting. A once
in a lifetime opportunity to visit these incredible studios which are
rarely open to the public. Therefore, tickets for Alarmstock III are
extremely limited.

London's Abbey Road Studios was made famous by The Beatles who created
most of their 1960's music inside Studio 2. Mike Peters and The Alarm's
own history with Studio 2 began in 1983 with the recording of the
'Declaration' album. In fact, one of the sets Mike Peters will perform
at Abbey Road will feature an acoustic performance of 'Declaration' in
it's entireity. It was also here that Mike Peters And The Poets
recorded the 'Abbey Road Sessions' album before a live audience back in
1992.

New York's Electric Lady Studio A was created personally by the
legendary Jimi Hendrix who recorded his 'Electric Ladyland' album here
in the early 1970's. The studio has been used by many of the most
influential acts in rock history including Mike Peters' personal
favourites, The Clash, who cut both 'Sandinista' and 'Combat Rock'
during the 1980's. On the U.S. side of the Atlantic Mike Peters will
include a complete acoustic performance of the 'Strength' album,
marking the twentieth anniversary since it's original release.

Each day will feature 4 separate acoustic performances by Mike Peters
covering the entire span of his songwriting career with a selection of
rare and unseen films in between. Audience members will also have the
opportunity to spend time in the company of Mike Peters and also visit
the control room and hear the recordings of the day. Each event will
commence at Midday and run through until late in the evening and there
will be ample opportunity for refreshments (Heineken anyone?......) at
various times during the day on both sides of the Atlantic.

A letter will accompany each ticket application with a more detailed
timetable of events/hotel details and each ticket holder will receive
their own personal Alarmstock laminate / studio pass.

If you are planning upon attending Alarmstock both in the UK and USA
please contact MPO and let us know...

ALARMSTOCK III tickets are extremely limited and priced as follows:

London, Abbey Road Studio 2: £45.00 + £2 booking/postage

New York, Electric Lady Studio A: $60.00 + $5 booking /postage

Tickets are available now by telephoning 00 44 1745 571571 or book
online at www.thealarm.com

For further information about Abbey Road Studios visit:
http://www.abbeyroad.co.uk/studio2/

For further information about Electric Lady Studios visit:
http://www.electricladystudios.com/studioa.html

To order:
UK £45 + £2 booking/postage
Europe £45 + £3 booking/postage
USA/Rest of World $60 + $5 booking/postage



MPO Team
Alarm Information Service
Tel: 011 44 (0)1745 571571
Fax: 011 44 (0)1745 571577
Email mpo@alarmpo.demon.co.uk
www.thealarm.com
PO Box 709, Prestatyn, Denbighshire, LL19 9YR, Wales

MPO is pleased to announce that The Gathering 14 is SOLD OUT. This has been the fastest selling Gathering ever - thanks to all you Alarm fans from all around the globe who have contributed to making The Gathering the ultimate rock and roll weekend. See you in Llandudno next January!

Best wishes,

MPO Team
Alarm Information Service
Tel: 011 44 (0)1745 571571
Fax: 011 44 (0)1745 571577
Email mpo@alarmpo.demon.co.uk
www.thealarm.com
PO Box 709, Prestatyn, Denbighshire, LL19 9YR, Wales, UK

MPO was delighted to receive the following article from Hefin Rees, an Alarm fan, who has managed to entwine his love of all things Mike Peters and The Alarm with his business. Read on for a unique story.

If you have a story as to how you manage to involve your love of The Alarm and Mike Peters with your line of work, we would love to hear your story. Please email us on mpo@alarmpo.demon.co.uk

“Pendragon Haulage Ltd is a small family business located in Shropshire. Hefin Rees, managing director of the company re-discovered The Alarm through an association with Dead Men Walking, who also feature on several of the fleet’s vehicles. Having got to know Mike a little over the last 3 years, Hefin has developed a great respect for Mike’s integrity, and the passion he has for music.

“It seems to counter all the current rubbish peddled by big budget reality TV shows, who succeed only in manufacturing poor quality short term idols, with no real talent or feeling for music, purely a hunger for fame and stardom. Artists such as Mike and The Alarm are not given the exposure through various media that they are due, and we felt that in a small way we could carry the name of The Alarm to the general public, and now two trailers carry The Alarm’s name on 8ft square panels, whilst 5 of the vehicles bear the Deadmen logo, all the firms vehicles are named after Alarm/Mike Peters songs (Someone called Stobart, and thousands of others have already done the Girl’s name thing!!!)

It would be fantastic for Mike, the band and all the fiercely loyal supporters (“fans” seems too weak a word to describe the great bunch, of thousands, of people who are so devoted to The Alarm) if they were allowed to reach the wider audience that their music deserves, and we are more than happy to do anything we can to support that aim.

Look out for the trucks on the road, they travel the length and breadth of the UK, and venture into Europe on occasion. “No Better than this”, for example, a new Volvo tractor is hauling the Rugby world cup around the UK for the English RFU, and recently, “Where were you Hiding” featured in a 20 minute TV item on Children’s nutrition, this tractor working for The Food Standards Agency, visiting schools every week with a mobile Cookery classroom. All the trucks feature in the fleet gallery at www.pendragonhaulage.co.uk.

Hopefully what we are doing will do a little to support all the great work being done by the unique people in the MPO office, bringing The Alarm and real music from real musicians back to the public domain.”

Long live real rock and roll!!!

It's taken more than 20 years, but The Alarm have finally landed a beer commercial!
Heineken Beer (Europe's largest beer producer by the way) is using "68 Guns" in the commercial for their summer promotion.

You can hear it here:

http://www.heineken.com/usa/cc/MusicForLife/index.html

Apparently a TV commercial will follow.

Here's another round of 'What the fans say' after the Interactive Acoustic Tour...

took my 6 and 8 year olds to see mike at the winter gardens in cleethorpes
on thursday after promising they could come with us one day when they were
old enough. What a great first gig for them....they made their requests
after thinking about it for several days prior to the night and were
delighted when they were read out. I have to admit being complimented hugely
when mike commented that at least these two were being well brought up in
musical terms....I like to think so ! The small audience sang and clapped
and chanted as we have for years and the atmosphere really took off during
the second half with all the old favourites blasting out. thanks as always
for a memorable night.....could get expensive now though that the kids have
got the taste for it!
Neil Fleming

What can I say what a performance and a night to remember!!!
Mike really belted the hits out and created a very unique and up close expierence
something which will take a long time to forget.
Please thank Mike for playing my request "Close" for my 7 month old daughter Chloe and wife Christine.
It meant a lot to myself because at the time the lyrics meant a lot because of the circumstances of my
wife's miscarrige to a set of twins and the struggle to get pregnant again. But now blessed with our lovely daughter.
Hopefully if Mike can keep going will be able to bring her an alarm concert and let her see music as it should be.
Thanks one more time really made my night on saturday...keep on rocking in the free world to mike and the gang and the mpo team.
Thanks, Chris Quigley

Just thought I would drop you a few lines to let you know how much we both enjoyed your gig last night (Tuesday). You get better with age like a good wine! We would like to say a special thankyou for taking the time to come and talk to us afterwards and sign the poster.

Keep rockin in the free world and we will be there!!
Annette & Adrian xxxxxx

Just had to send an e-mail to say a big thanks to Mike for the Birmingham and Stourbridge shows. Even after following Mike all over the country for the last 16 years he has lost none of the passion that make his shows so memorable. My mates and i were fortunate to speak to Mike after the Stourbridge gig and he was so enthusiastic to get our reaction which seems to be a rarity in the modern pop/rock star. He even remembered playing the Market Tavern in Kidderminster, which is where i am from, ( i explained that was all down to me having told him to play there when i met him at a u2 gig in 1992). If you could send him a massive thanks from me and the lads from Kidderminster i would be most grateful and i can't wait to see him back on the road soon. All the best Dave. P.S Hallowed ground and Dawn Chorus were both fantastic i just wish i'd gone to Wolverhampton for It just don't get any better than this - i suppose i'll have to wait for next time round. Thanks. Dave Jarvis

Went the acoustic gig at Stourbridge last night - absolutely fantastic!!
First time seeing Mike, but it certainly won't be the last!

Come back soon! Diolch yn fawr iawn for a great night,

Best wishes, Julian Dixon.



Hi Had a great night at the Life Cafe in Manchester the other night, will we ever be able to see some basic chords for favourite songs anywhere on the web sites. Some great songs payed on Saturday and I would ove the chords to srum along myself. John


I recently purchased "The Alarm Live In The Poppy Fields", and I find it incredibly inspiring! I'm the leadsinger, guitarist and songwriter in my own rockband FAVN here in Denmark, and we're putting out our debutalbum right now. No recordcompany. Well... Our own. I'm already trying to figure out which direction to go musically, and the live-DVD has made want to head in that direction, though I'm very aware that we need to sound like FAVN and not like The Alarm. Thank you for being so inspiring, and PLEASE come to Denmark soon. I'll never forget the two Alarmshows I attended in '88 (Long Island USA, support for Dylan) and ´90 (Pumpehuset, Copenhagen). Sheer energy and great songs.

The only thing that keeps me from completely wearing out "Live In The Poppy Fields" is the new Springsteen-album :-)
See you soon (?) Regards, Don Falch

Hi Mike,
I'm a new Alarm fan, thanks to my new partner Steve,who made 2 requests for me last night including my favourite Spirit of 76. He has been a dedicated fan since you first set out.
I came to see you for the first time at G13 this year and loved every minute of it!
Steve and I had only been together about 3 weeks when he took me to Llandudno to see you and the band,so your music is very special to us.We have 7 children between us so to get away for the weekend as well as seeing you and the band was fantastic.
Last night's gig was awesome and so laid back.... it made us all feel special and part of "the family"
As a lover of great music i can only say I wished I'd discovered The Alarm years ago!
I am now totally converted and can't wait to see you at G14.
Once again a fabulous night. S.Cartwright

A big thank you for a brilliant night at cleethorpes thurs 21st
first time i've seen you live but won't be the last
please another accoustic tour soon
once again thank you for a cracking night of music performed well
by a guy who seems to enjoy playing as much as the fans enjoy listening

Graham of Skegness

Dont know if theres anywhere on the site to leave a comment on mikes gigs but would like to thank him for the whitehaven gig on friday.
He was outstanding in front of a small audience although speaking to mike after the show it didn't bother him !
He is so passionate about his music and i thought the idea of peoples requests was great.
hope to see him again soon
BRILLIANT.
Gary McCartney
whitehaven

All I can say is wow!! I last saw The Alarm way back in 1985 and then a couple of times after. I have to say Mike Peters hasn't lost any of his energy or passion!! It was a fab gig at the Bar Academy. A big thank you to Mike for playing Walk Forever by my Side for me (I was the one requesting it after it playing on MP3 player at the Marathon!!)

Till next time!

Frances Hill

A big thank you to everyone for their kindness in sending birthday
congratulations to Dylan ap Michael for his first birthday on May 1st.
How time flies! You will all be pleased to hear that his Daddy made it
home overnight (after a rousing ending night in Blackwood, S Wales)
just in time for Dylan's birthday party!

My name is Dan Mcgee, I am an Independent film maker from the Chicago area (EKDMOVIES.COM). I have been an Alarm fan since the mid 80s. A friend of mine (Tim Krueger) came to me with a script called THE HOMECOMING. After reading the script I immediately new the main sound track for the movie had already been written, the songs from IN THE POPPY FIELDS. The songs fit the scenes as if they were written especially for the movie. I guess that's the style of a great song writer, when you hear the songs you feel like it was written just for you. I think this last album really tells the story of the ups and downs of life and inspires you to get through the downs. Thanks for a great sound track for every day life.

(THE HOMECOMING) with the Alarm songs are to be played on Chicago cable TV19 on Sunday, 5/15 9pm , Monday 5/16 4pm and Monday 5/30 11pm .For the rest of the Alarm fans you can go to (ekdmovies.com) and see it in three 10 min. segments click on MOVIE CLIPS then HOMECOMING PART 1 then 2 and 3.


Synopsis of movie

Can a 40 year old X jock windsurfing fanatic Tim Krueger recapture the excitement of his youth by attending his college homecoming with a couple frat buddies?
Observe 3 quirky guys unwittingly tackling mid life crisis issues. Don't miss
Rob Baker's bathroom conversation scene, a crowd favorite.
Will Max Gail of 70s TV show, Barney Miller fame have to step in when things go wrong? Or is he just the hippie windsurfing guru he appears to be?
Enjoy the radical windsurfing scene shot at Chicago's lakefront. More beautiful lakefront scenes featuring Chicago's skyline as background for a lovey dovey couple strolling through Lincoln Park. Sprinkle in some great music from the Alarm, a spooky portrayal of Patti by Julie Vander Weghe, and a surprise ending and you're at The Homecoming

Following on from the very successful Interactive Acoustic Tour, the MPO Office is now closed and will reopen on Monday 23rd May.

If you have any queries please call the MPO Evening Phone Line on 07837 173311 or email

thealarm@fsmail.net


The Gathering, taking place on January 28th and 29th 2006 is almost sold out. All tickets are being posted out over the next two weeks.

All DVD dedications are currently being packaged and posted and it is hoped that by the end of May all dedications will have been received. Thanks for your understanding and patience during this very busy time for Mike Peters.

From Monday 23rd May onwards, the MPO will announce exciting details about Alarmstock. It looks likely that Alarmstock will be happening in early August.

Have your diaries ready as the rest of 2005 and 2006 is already shaping up to be very busy... the recording of a new album in May and June, Alarmstock in August, Dead Men Walking dates in September/October...

We look forward to sharing all of this with you from the 23rd May onwards.

Thanks for calling - remember, if you have any further queries please call 07837 173311 or email

thealarm@fsmail.net


Best wishes,

MPO Team
Alarm Information Service
www.thealarm.com
PO Box 709, Prestatyn, Denbighshire, LL19 9YR, Wales, UK

From Cymraes via the forums...

For those of you who may not be familiar with the name, Gwynfor Evans was a highly influential person within Wales, a politician, a pacifist and a cultural icon. Not only was he the first Plaid Cymru MP, but he was also the man responsible for forcing Margaret Thatcher into a U turn, when he threatened a hunger strike unless Wales got a Welsh-language TV Channel. His recent death at a great age has been widely mourned.

The following is taken from today's Western Mail. Now read on....


Sir, I write as one of Gwynfor Evans's sons, and as such, a person privileged to know his innermost day-to-day thoughts over recent years.
Your readers might be interested to know of some of the matters he had mentioned to me in recent weeks.
He has been especially anxious to praise the contributions of others to the success of Wales in a number of fields. Many he has praised have been persons one would anticipate, such as Bryn Terfel. I found it interesting, however, that three he had particular admiration for were Ryan Giggs, the soccer player, Neil Jenkins the rugby player and Mike Peters the pop singer.
I hope these persons will be glad to know that they were in his thoughts in the last few weeks.
Dafydd P Evans

London calling!

Just a quick reminder for those going to see Mike Peters London on Friday.

This gig has an early start doors at 7pm and also an early finish, allegedly, 10pm.

See you there!

Mike Peters-Manchester Life Cafe-23/4/05

Hi all,FANTASTIC solo gig last night at the Life Cafe,what made this gig and also this tour so specila is that all the songs played by Mike are requested on the night by filling in a form given to you as you enter then all the forms with the requests on them are given to Mike just before he goes on stage,hes no idea which songs from his vast back catalogue will be asked for so its a show of his musicianship and memory as he takes to the stage just his acoustic guitar in hand for what turned out to be 2 hours of truly great music!!!!

A packed venue heard all The Alarm classics like 68 GUNS,SPIRIT OF 76,WHERE WERE YOU HIDING and RAIN IN THE SUMMERTIME but also songs like BREAKING POINT (which was requested by myself)and EYE OF THE HURRICANE(requested by me for Shell who joined me at the gig)both of these songs are seldom heard these days live so it was great to hear them once again)
Songs from the whole of Mikes career with The Alarm and solo across the last 25yrs where requested and Mike never let the pace drop in what was a awsome live performance!!!

Mike even found time to throw in covers of The Clashs WHITE RIOT,Bob Dylans KNOCKIN ON HEAVENS DOOR and Neil Youngs ROCKIN IN THE FREEWORLD in a two part set that featured over 30 songs!!!!
Great night from a truly great performer and to top it all off we even had a fan ask his girlfriend to marry him from the stage-and yes she did say yes!!!!!

Set List
Breathe,Unsafe Building,Moments in Time,Eye of the Hurricane,Breaking Point,New South Wales,Permanence in Change,Rain in the Summertime,Only the Thunder,Walk Forever by my Side-INTERVAL-Unbreak the Promise,The Stand,Majority,Strength,Right Back where i Started From,Edward Henry Street,Pavilion Steps,One Step Closer To Home,We are the Light,Close,Where were you Hiding,Up for Murder,Absolute Reality,Rescue Me,Spirit of 76,45RPM,68Guns-ENCORE-White Riot,Knockin on Heavens Door,Rockin in the Freeworld,Blaze of Glory.
Any fans wanting to catch the last week of Mikes acoustic request tour can find dates on www.thealarm.com or anyone in the Leeds area see you at Josephs Well on Thursday night-Mick
Email: mick@thompson2112.freeserve.co.uk

Mike Peters
Bristol Fleece

As a thank-you to one of his devoted fans, the Alarm frontman's entire
solo acoustic set comprised songs selected on the night from crowd
requests.

On occassion, Rhyl hero Peters had to consult his bulging lyrics folder. He
proves himself adept as a solo performer. Dressed in black and employing a
harmonica rack like Dylan, each song was performed with such commitment
and power that you couldn't help but be won over.

Couples requested that songs be dedicated to each other, drinks flowed,
the harmonica wailed and people danced to every obscure song.

Some had travelled from Germany for the gig and they must have gone home
happy. Peters doesn't try and reinvent the wheel, but when the show is
this much fun and the man on the stage is enjoying it as much as the
crowd, why should he?

Reviewed by Lee Hanson"

MPO Team
Alarm Information Service
Tel: 011 44 (0)1745 571571
Fax: 011 44 (0)1745 571577
Email mpo@alarmpo.demon.co.uk
www.thealarm.com
PO Box 709, Prestatyn, Denbighshire, LL19 9YR, Wales, UK

With one week of the Interactive Acoustic tour to go, we'd just like to thank you all for your moving letters and emails of praise after your trips on the tour. Here's the first installment.... Enjoy the last week of the tour and stay in touch for LOTS of exciting events planned for the next 18 months!!!!

Best wishes,

MPO team


WHAT THE FANS SAY...

Thanks very much for helping me out after losing my tickets for Exeter. My name was indeed on the guest list and we had a fantastic night. I last saw the alarm over 15 years ago and Mike was in top form last night. I am now switched back on and will be listening to the albums all week.

I first saw the Alarm support Big Country back in December 1982 at the lyceum in London I Then followed them from that day as I did Big Country so it was nice to hear Mike play "In a Big Country" last night. I took 2 mates who had never heard of the Alarm to Mike's gig along with me and they are both now converted.

Many Thanks, A. Yeo

To everyone at MPO Towers and especially to Mike wherever he is in the country right now. I just want to say a HUGE Thank You for Saturday nights gig in Dublin. No longer will you have to put up with the incessant equests to come to Ireland :-) It was well worth the 20 year wait.

From the front row I can assure you it was brilliant. I never thought that an acoustic night could rock so much.
Mike played a fantastic set, it was great to see a good crowd turnout and some of the requests were fantastic. I really do hope that some more Irish
people get involved now - I saw 1 new person on the forums this morning.

Thanks so much for doing Corridors of Power as my DVD dedication - the crowd reaction was great - can't wait to see it. I think Mike was a little taken
aback at the good reception he got so much so he said he'd be back with the band - bring it on :-)

Thanks again and roll on the Gathering. C. Busher


Dear MPO

A big thank you to Mike for making the journey to the far reaches of the South West. It was great to witness Mike's passionate and charismatic performance at a local venue as usually we have become accustomed to travelling to Bristol or Cardiff.

It was my 16 year daughter's first gig, she cannot wait for the second! It was also encouraging to see the gig so well attended especially on a Sunday night. Best wishes for the rest of the tour, I'm sure it will go well. We look forward to seeing the electric Alarm in Exeter on the next tour.

Good Luck, I. Martin


Well it truly was an amazing nite, Mike was in top form. The crowd couldn't get enough. Really looking forward to seeing Mike
and the band or DMW back soon. It was well worth the wait, almost like a mini Gathering with the DVD playing before and after the show.
Take care
Skinny


I went to see Mike perform in Exeter last night with 3 friends - absolutely brilliant! The film shown in the middle of the set was a great idea and will mean that I'll order the box set when I get the money together.
Greg S.

Was at the charrlotte in Leicester gig, what a gig, i really enjoyed it, 2 of my friends enjoyed the night out, it was there first mike peters gig ever, on the way home which was around 5 minutes, was 45 rpm, 45, 45 rpm 45, one of my friends is deaf, but still he enjoyed the music,
Phil in Leicester

It was great to see Mike at Junktion 7 in Nottingham last night, and witness him plough effortlessly through a great quantity of material. Great performance as always. Thanks to Mike for the two dedicated songs - Lie of the land and We are the light, that gave the evening a special edge. As always, this makes me want to get to the gathering but we've not made it for the last few years because of the kids ages. So, special thanks to Mike for making it to Nottingham!

B. Byrom

hi just dropping mike aline to say i had agreat time at the concert last night,in newport .the hi light for me was when mike sang the deceiver truly amazing performance.many thanks again I'm looking forward to the gathering especially the fridaynight .it will be nice to have the acoustic in the round again.cant wait
good luck with rest of the tour
all the best lyndon south wales

It's one in the morning and the wife and I have just got back from the gig.Yet again we met a few new friends and yet again 'the man' just blew us away!!!He just gets better and better ,if thats possible.There's an old cliche'Thanks for the memories' It was made for MIKE PETERS. B. Mc Intyre.

Mike

I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the concert this week. Its almost 20 years since I last saw you play - I simply didnt know you were out there.
My brother and I went all over the country following The Alarm. The music and the lyrics really struck a cord. It hit me this week just how much they still do. As I fast approach 40 it has made me really take stock and think about life in general: more than I have for ages.
I promise one thing - it wont be another 20 years before I next see you. I cant say it enough - it was a real joy to be there and to see you again.

all the best, Stuart P.




MIKE PETERS INTERACTIVE ACOUSTIC TOUR

TUE 26TH APRIL STOURBRIDGE ROCK CAFÉ
ADVANCE TICKET PRICE : £10 Order now from www.thealarm or call 01745 571571
Millrace Lane, Stourbridge, DY8 1JN DOORS OPEN AT : 7.30

WED 27TH APRIL STOKE THE SUGARMILL
ADVANCE TICKET PRICE : £10 Order now from www.thealarm or call 01745 571571
Brunswick Street, anley, Staffs, ST1 1DR www.thesugarmill.co.uk DOORS OPEN AT : 7.30pm

THU 28TH LEEDS JOSEPHS WELL
ADVANCE TICKET PRICE : £10 Order now from www.thealarm or call 01745 571571
Chorley Lane , Leeds www.blackmarketmusic.net DOORS OPEN AT :8pm

FRI 29TH LONDON BAR ACADEMY
ADVANCE TICKET PRICE :£12 Order now from www.thealarm or call 01745 571571
N1 Centre, Islington, london, N1 0PS www.islington-academy.co.uk DOORS OPEN AT : 7pm

SAT 30TH BLACKWOOD MINERS INSTITUTE
ADVANCE TICKET PRICE : £11.00adv Order now from www.thealarm or call 01745 571571
High St, Blackwood, NP12 8BB DOORS OPEN AT : Doors 7.30pm

MPO Team
Alarm Information Service
Tel: 011 44 (0)1745 571571
Fax: 011 44 (0)1745 571577
Email mpo@alarmpo.demon.co.uk
www.thealarm.com
PO Box 709, Prestatyn, Denbighshire, LL19 9YR, Wales, UK

The Interactive Acoustic Tour has continued at a busy pace around the country...

Highlights of the last few shows were Glasgow where there were 46 requests alone for 'Walk Forever By My Side'! Mike commented that he felt like 'a best man at a wedding!'.

The Belfast show did not happen unfortunately due to bad weather which kept Mike at sea for almost 10 hours! The Dublin show more than made up for the disappointment though and after positive discussions with the promoter it looks likely that Mike will be returning with the band and also Dead Men Walking in the future. Well done to Irish fans who kept up the pressure for Mike to visit Ireland.

In Liverpool, Mike was joined by friend and musician, Ian Mcnabb. Together, they performed Knockin' on Heavens Door
and Along the Watchtower. Will Ian become a future Dead Man??

Speaking of Dead Men, Mike was joined by Kirk Brandon in Brighton (Mike did not appear at the Spear of Destiny weekend in order to give his voice a rest). Together they performed 'Never Take Me Alive' and '68 Guns'. Captain Sensible was also in attendance. Will the Cap become a future Dead Man??

After the news about the Radio 2 'Ballad in My Hometown' competition, Mike tried out a verse of two at the Brighton show. Mike has been invited by friend and Radio 2 DJ, Mark Radcliffe song to write the music for a poem about the town of Menai Bridge in North Wales. Coincidentally, Mike and the band recorded many of the Poppy Field songs on a tiny island in the Menai Straits.

The requests continue to roll in. Both Mike and the audience have really enjoyed the challenge of the shows - the interactive nature of the performances has made each night individual, challenging and uplifting. Thanks to all of you across the country who have made it possible. To those who have still yet to attend, have a great show - tickets have sold really well and the last weekend special of London and Blackwood should make a spectacular finish.

Love and life,

MPO Team
Alarm Information Service
Tel: 011 44 (0)1745 571571
Fax: 011 44 (0)1745 571577
Email mpo@alarmpo.demon.co.uk
www.thealarm.com
PO Box 709, Prestatyn, Denbighshire, LL19 9YR, Wales, UK

Field of dreams: Mike Peters is best known for his band The Alarm but he has many side project, including The Poppy Fields
MIKE Peters has fond memories of Whitehaven. The Alarm front man played at the town’s Civic Hall two years ago with one of his side projects, Dead Men Walking, a kind of rock and roll supergroup of Mike, The Cult’s guitarist Billy Duffy, Spear of Destiny/Theatre of Hate leader Kirk Brandon, sometime Sex Pistol Glen Matlock and Slim Jim Phantom of the Stray Cats.

Mike returns to the popular west Cumbrian live music venue tomorrow night as part of a 24 date “interactive” (meaning he’s taking requests) tour.

“I had a fantastic night,” says Mike, without a trace of Welsh accent in his voice. “It’s good to be going back there again, I come from that sort of town – I’m from Rhyl – and I know how much it meant to me when people came to play.”

The News & Star’s reviewer called the October 2003 gig “a timely reminder that British Eighties music was about much more than Wham! and Frankie Goes To Hollywood”.

So true. After over 20 years in the business, Mike says he’s reached a place where he makes music for himself and his audiences – and stuff the record company.

The band formed in Rhyl in 1977, inspired – as everyone was in those days – by the punk scene in Manchester and London. The band enjoyed 14 top 50 singles, seven successful albums and over 5,000,000 sales worldwide. The Alarm’s pioneering use of acoustic guitars brought the band into direct contact with the likes of Bob Dylan, Neil Young and U2, who have all appeared and sung on stage with The Alarm.

“I’m never going to be big but I’ve had a sustained career, a good career and you can’t ask for more than that,” says the singer.

When we speak he has just come out of the studio where he has been recording for Mark Radcliffe’s BBC Radio 2 show. Listeners submit poems on the theme of the “Ballad of Mike”, which he will then set to music. It’s a fun project.

He relishes the fact that he can “explore different sides” to himself and his music, through his different bands.

“With The Alarm I’m sort of the leader, with my solo stuff it’s just me and with Dead Men Walking I’m just an equal member with some creative input.”

That The Alarm are still going is testament to the power of songs such as 68 Guns, Rain in the Summertime, Where Were You Hiding When The Storm Broke? and Absolute Reality.

Mike’s current tour has an original premise; Fans can submit requests – through the website or at the venue beforehand – and Mike will then endeavour to play as many as possible.

The above mentioned songs aren’t necessarily the ones most requested says Mike.

“It’s like meeting old friends from your past, some you remember fondly, some you don’t,” he says. “It’s a cathartic experience though. Sometimes being forced to face forces you to move on.

“I am proud of my material, I don’t believe in having regrets and I always ask myself ‘can I live with this?’ about my songs.”

With The Alarm Mike has just performed at the band’s 13th annual get-together event, The Gathering.

He has also recently completed a 20 date British tour as special guest to Status Quo, but has not performed a solo acoustic UK tour since 2000, concentrating on the worldwide commitments of The Alarm and controversial chart success of 45 RPM through The Poppy Fields, released as a warm-up to a new Alarm record in February 2004.

The story of 45RPM has become the inspiration for a major motion picture which will be shot in this country by Shrek producer John H Williams.

As well as a selection of The Alarm classics, and songs from other Mike Peters projects tomorrow’s gig is the chance to see film footage from 13 years of The Gathering.

Tickets cost £10. Doors open at 7pm and the show starts at approximately 7.30pm

Tuesday's gig in Huddersfield was a small & perfectly formed affair. The Zephyr was the perfect venue for Dave's acoustic show.

Having built up a loyal custom of music lovers, it was great to see the regulars packing in to catch Dave perform. With standing room in short supply, even the usually dominant Troopers had to squeeze into a corner next to the man.

Able support was given by Paul Nolan, a young 19 year old with a powerful voice who is apparently already making a name for himself on the local scene.

Dave took up his stool at a little before 9:30, opening with the Soul Co track Love Magic. While the unsuspecting locals were introduced to the # classics such as ''Lookin This World Over'' & ''Last Smilin' Villain'', treats for the troops came in the form of three new songs, ''Shiny Dollar'', ''Again'' & ''Diesel On'' plus a rare encore outing for ''Criss Cross Affair Of The Heart''.

A Sharp gig is rare these days, but on this performance it's difficult to understand why. He won over an unfamiliar audience with ease, the combination of top quality songs from # & his musical idols with his immeasurable skill on the guitar being an irresistible force.

Dave says that now the Soul Co album release is on track, there should be both band & solo shows coming along over the summer. Watch this space.

Keep The Faith

Team #

Listeners to Mark Radcliffe’s show on BBC Radio 2 tonight (Tuesday April 19) will hear Mike Peters announced as one of four songwriters who’ll be putting specially written poems to music.

Poet Simon Armitage, a regular guest on Mark’s show, has picked four poems written by listeners about their home towns as part of a nationwide competition called ‘Ballad of My Hometown’.

The winning entries will now be put to music by artists with a special interest in that region and on tonight’s show Mark and Simon will announce the winning poems and the artists involved. Mike’s poem has a Welsh flavour and is about the town of Menai Bridge.

The idea for the poetry competition comes from a BBC Interactive initiative last year called ‘Get Writing’. Mark’s show is on air on BBC Radio 2 (88-91FM) between 1030pm and midnight and is a Smooth Operations production.

Goldmine Magazine writes....

IN THE POPPYFIELDS might well prove to be one of the best "comeback" records of the century-so-far.

The USA music collectible magazine, GOLDMINE, continues to give Mike and The Alarm
consistent positive press. This weeks release, April 20th VOL 31, Issue 646 in the
A BROAD ABROAD section, page 20, presented by Jo-Ann Greene has a nice section dedicated.

"Speaking of reunions, the story of The Alarm has taken some remarkable twists and turns in recent
years, with the group even scoring a shock UK hit single last year, "45 RPM," under the best-kept-secret pseudonym of The Poppyfields.
In the Poppyfields (Snapper, U.K.) celebrates the hit with the inclusion of both the single and a bonus enhanced video track, and when you listen to it, it's hard to see how so many people were fooled. The Alarm had one of the most distinctive sound of their age, and a reunion built around founder vocalist/guitarist/songwriter Mike Peters will not disappoint anybody with fond memories of "68 Guns," "The Stand" and so forth. Fellow 80's veterans James Stevenson (ex-Gene Loves Jezebel, Kim Wilde) and Craig Adams (The Mission), and drummer Steve Grantley and the Cult's Billy Duffy (cowriter of the dramatic "Close") ensure that the passion and energy remain high. IN THE POPPYFIELDS might well prove to be one of the best "comeback" records of the century-so-far.


Thanks to MPO member, Jon Haverman for sending the clip in to MPO. Please continue to send us snippets from around the world.

HAVING tasted fame as lead guitarist for 1980s punk rock band The Alarm, Dave Sharp knows a thing or two about the British music business.

And right now, he doesn't like what he sees.

So, after 10 years away in America, he has returned to Britain ready to show today's new bands how it's done.

He said: "I left Britain because I grow as an artist. Since then, I've noticed less and less British rock music making any sort of lasting impact, especially in America.

"Music used to be our most amazing export but the credibility of British music is suffering badly. Everybody thinks they can fool the public with too much hype and not enough substance.

"I thought it's about time someone came over here and got something fresh together."

Manchester-born Dave was with The Alarm from its formation until it disbanded in 1991. After some UK solo releases, he de-camped to New Orleans and produced mainly acoustic work.

But in 2002, he began seeking out talented musicans in Britain and formed The Soul Company.

Now the group's debut album - The Power of Soul - is set for release on May 10.

Dave will give Huddersfield audiences a taste of the record when he plays a solo gig at Zephyr bar on April 19.

"I haven't played a gig for a while and I'm always up for helping anyone out with music.

"It has been a long time since I've been anywhere near Huddersfield and I'm very much looking forward to checking out what's happening on the local scene.

"The fact that people are still interested in getting music together at grass roots level is great. It's something that needs to happen."

Dave believes musicians should develop their skills this way before they enter the `corporate machine'.

He said: "There's great talent out there but people need the chance to grow before they get into the corporate frenzy. If not they end up sounding just like everyone else."

Dave, now 46, has noticed that today's younger generation are looking to the same artists who inspired him.

"I see young people listening to older stuff, because it has longevity.

"Kids coming up the ranks today are just as talented as artists always have been, but they are groomed to be extremely successful for a short period of time. Their stuff doesn't have any lasting impact."

* Dave will be on stage at Zephyr from 9pm. Entry is free.Visit www.soulco.org for more information.

NEWS:

rThree Greenhead College students are hosting a charity gig at the Gas Club on Tuesday. Abi Crowther, Lian Kelly and Rachael Palmer are hoping it will raise cash for Rachael's six-month gap year project, teaching English in China. Some of the proceeds will also go to The National Aids Foundation.

Holmfirth band Nex will headline the event, with support from Barnsley group Idol Minds and Huddersfield bands Earning My Wings, They Made Me Do It and The Retrose. Tickets cost £4.50 on the door. Doors open 7.30pm.

GIGS:

Tonight: lHuddsMusicScene presents On The Scene featuring Drat and The 77s at Bar 1 Twenty.

* J.B Goode play rock'n'roll at the Yorkshire Victoria in Lockwood.

* Renegade play at The Barge in Brighouse.

* Huddersfield indie band Serf play at The Duke of Leeds in New Mill.

* Rock and indie DJ Grrr battles it out with metal,emo and hardcore DJ Throwdown at Huddersfield University Students' Union from 8pm. Entry £1 for NUS cardholders and guests only.

Tomorrow: l The Savages play at the Yorkshire Victoria.

* The Bay Horse at Lindley hosts Bon Jovi tribute act Vagabond.

* Rock act Stormbringer play at The Barge.

* If I Were King play at the Shay Hotel in Halifax.

* Calusari play at The Castle in Oldham.

Sunday: l Recycled play an afternoon gig at The Station Tavern.

* The Whisky Chorus play an afternoon session at The Barge.

Monday: l HuddsMusicScene presents The Monday Mosh featuring The Retrose at Bar 1 Twenty.

* The Hoochie Coochie Band play the blues at the Head of Steam.

Tuesday: l HuddsMusicScene presents The Acoustic Club open mic night at Bar 1 Twenty.

Wednesday:l HuddsMusicScene presents The Live Sessions featuring Sean T Hunter and Roger Davies at Bar 1 Twenty.

Thursday: l HuddsMusicScene presents Wavelength featuring Raven Theory and Rhombus.

* 3 Daze Lost play at the Rock Café in Ramsden Street. Starts 9.30pm, free entry.

* The Swing of Things play jazz at the Station Tavern.

* Quarteto Latino play at Sleepers on Viaduct Street.

* Roller 6ix play at Zephyr bar on King Street.

* Jam session at The Barge.

"There have been many things said of Mike Peters and The Alarm, most of it unfounded, and usually stated out of ignorance - 'a poor man's Clash', 'acoustic punks'. But the root's of Peters music always seems to lie much more in the sound of American folk than any punk band i've ever heard. His songs tell a story, and like all good songs, when you strip them down to their bare bones, they're still good songs. With the majority of this set choosen by fans through his website, it made for an interesting evening, and his delivery and in-between song anecdotes were entertaining. With a film of The Gathering, an annual event for Alarmists held at his home in Wales, thrown in to the middle of this two-set show, there was more of a convention feel to the occasion. It proved too much for some with the attention spans of goldfish, who found the bar and a laugh and chat much better value for money than listening. Why didn't they just stay at home and save themselves the bother?"

See and hear The Alarm in their infancy!! Click the link below to hear a never recorded, unreleased Alarm song named "Mr. Jones", taped at The Stables, June 30, 1981. See a slideshow of the band and their fans looked like almost 25 years ago.

http://www.thealarm.com/phototemp/stable_mrjones.html

As Mike Peters concludes the first week of the Interactive Acoustic Tour with a short trip to Belfast and Dublin, the newspaper features are coming in thick and fast. Thanks to you all over the country for sending in pieces from your local rags. Here's some highlights for starters. Watch out next for the Belfast Telegraph, Portsmouth News, South Wales Echo, Yorkshire Eve Press...

Mike has really enjoyed the first week of the tour. The challenge of performing all your requests often up to 20 minutes before his set begins has certainly kept the creative juices flowing! Mike has tended to shape the first half with the rarer requests and has introduced the more popular songs in Set 2.

Fantastic emails have been sent to the MPO from individuals attending the shows. Many Quo fans have also come along and this has been their first experience of Mike Peters and the Alarm, following on from their introduction when Mike appeared on tour with Status Quo in Dec 2004 and February 2005.

If you are off on the road for week 2, have a great time.

All the best,

MPO Team




*************************************************************************************
Giving you what you want to hear

Mar 31 2005

North Wales Weekly News



MIKE Peters will be taking his extensive Alarm repertoire out on the road for an "all request" acoustic tour in April.

And the multi-talented songsmith, who hails from North Wales , will appear at Wrexham's Central Station club on Sunday (April 3).

As lead singer of The Alarm for over 21 years, Mike's had 14 Top 50 singles, seven successful albums and over five million sales worldwide.

The band's pioneering use of acoustic guitars brought them into direct contact with the likes of Bob Dylan, Neil Young and U2, who have all appeared and sung on stage with the Rhyl-based favourites.

Their use of guitars, back in the early 1980s, helping create what is now known as the electro-acoustic sound of today, the sound behind such hits as 68 Guns, Rain in the Summertime, Where Were You Hiding When The Storm Broke? and Absolute Reality, has always proved popular.

On this special tour, Mike will be performing songs chosen specifically by his dedicated following of fans, who will have the chance to dictate the content of the shows when ordering tickets through the band's website www.thealarm.com or at the venue on the night. Alternatively, contact 01745 5715712 for more information.
**********************************
Daily Post

Pants phobia
'If Rhys plays me, he ditches those Y-fronts...'

By Gareth Bicknell

There's only one thing that bothers The Alarm's Mike Peters about rumours Rhys Ifans is set to play him on the silver screen - the Ruthin actor's underpants.

The film - with a working title RPM - will tell the story of how the band gatecrashed the charts unexpectedly last year by posing as up-and-coming band The Poppyfields.

And although the movie is still at the rough draft stage, there is already talk of Ifans playing the singer after Peters was asked the question by Billboard magazine.

"As long as he gets rid of those brown Y-fronts from Notting Hill," says Peters who returns to North Wales to play an acoustic, interactive gig on Wrexham on Sunday after a fortnight in the States working on a film project about The Alarm.

"Rhys Ifans popped into my mind straight away and everyone's run with that. I don't even know if he's been approached, but he'd be perfect. He looks like a rock 'n' roller and he's into his bands."

Or, if not Ifans? "Brad Pitt?" he ventured jokingly. "Or maybe Russell Crowe? He's got links back to Wrexham, and when I go to America people always think I'm Australian, so maybe he's closer to a Rhyl accent than we think!"

The film is set to be shot in Peters' home town of Rhyl thanks to the influence of his Tinseltown pal Sara Sugarman. At first complanies such as MTV wanted to set the film in the States, but Peters wanted to avoid Americanisation.

"When the story was first mooted over in LA I suggested getting a friend Sara Sugarman to direct it. They nearly fell off their chairs," he laughs, doing an impression of the movie moguls' jaws dropping as they gasped: "How do you know her?"

"I said I went to school with her - we used to be in punk bands together. Then when Sara got involved she said it's got to be set in Rhyl, so that was that!"

But Peters assures Alarm fans that he's not thinking about a career change. "I don't have any sense of being an actor," he says. "I'm happy being a rock 'n' roller. I never even got into the school play."

So it's back to the day job, and Peters can't wait to get back to basics with an acoustic tour for fans which will get to choose the set list before each gig.

"It's a massive challenge. Sometimes I'm not going to know what I'm playing until 20 minutes before each show. It keeps us on our toes, but if I've forgotten any of the lyrics I can just dive online and get them."

"Playing acoustic is a great place to hone your writing skills. There's something special about a gig when the band comes on and the music makes all these people who didn't know each other before feel much closer together. I'm always amazed at how much music can generate that feeling, so I'm really looking forward to the tour - it'll be like a family occasion."

****************************************************
Bristol Evening Post - Keith Clarke

SOUND THE ALARM


11:00 - 31 March 2005

Mike Peters is inviting the audience to compile the set list for his forthcoming Bristol gig, as The Alarm frontman explained to Keith Clark

It is an all-too common occurrence. You go to a gig you've been looking forward to for ages to hear your favourite artist or band, someone you've supported for years by buying their albums, and what happens? They refuse to play any of their hits or your favourites and just play unfamiliar songs off their as-yet unreleased album.

That isn't going to happen when Mike Peters comes to Bristol on Monday.

For the set list is going to be completely made up of songs chosen by the audience from anything he has written and recorded, whether as the frontman of highly-influential The Alarm or in any of his other guises.

"It is something I did once before, a number of years ago, and I found it very interesting to do because the audience dictates what you are going to play.

"They can make their requests on the internet or at the venue as they come through the door, so it is quite challenging for me."

This is even more of a challenge when you consider that The Alarm were around for eight years before calling it a day in 1991, after 14 entries in the UK singles charts, six albums in the UK album charts, and the distinction of being one of the few British bands to really crack it big in the USA. And since then, Peters has never stopped writing, recording and performing.

"I have quite a large body of work now, built up over 20-odd years, but there are certain songs you overlook for whatever reason and some songs you have played a lot at some point in your life and you don't go back to them very often. So it is really great when you find yourself surprised and challenged in the evening by a request that someone has brought up."

He doesn't just ask for titles to be written down on slips of paper or entered on the website but also wants to know from his fans why they are making that request.

"I usually ask them to say why the song is special to them. It helps you realise that songs are part of people's lives and they have helped people through incredible times in their lives, good and bad, and I like to know that.

"If somebody has a story behind their request then you can read it out on stage and then sing the song. It helps the song go to another level and you start to see other things in the words that you have written that you didn't know were necessarily there."

This sort of interaction has the inherent danger that some superfan in the audience will come up with a request for a song that is so obscure even he doesn't remember it anymore.

"They try to challenge me but it is not often that they can catch me out. The good thing is that nowadays you have got the internet and if I'm really stuck for lyrics before the show I can pile onto the website and pull something down. That's been known before. I often take my lyric book onstage with me so I've got some reference points - not all of it is at the forefront of my mind anymore."

Mind you , if you have ever been to The Gathering or Alarmstock festivals, which are totally built around the music of The Alarm, you will know that it is nothing new for Mike to pull out unusual songs from the back catalogue.

"Alarmstock is an event at which I actually play for two days and play eight sets of completely different songs for every set. Again, it is something that I do every year and it helps to keep the songs feeling fresh. I might play something like 145 to 150 songs across the weekend at Alarmstock so you do get to touch base with some of your older songs."

Peters is now at that stage in his career when you'd think he could take life a bit easier, but he seems to be working even harder these days - he is still recording with the reformed The Alarm (they have a new album out called In The Poppyfields), as well as continuously touring solo or as part of "supergroup" Dead Men Walking.

"I think if you stay active all the time it keeps you fresh, it keeps you in touch all the time with what is going on. Bob Dylan, Neil Young, you look at them, they are the lifelong music-makers of their generation and they never seem to stop and they are not exactly young guys anymore. I look at them and think, yeah, life is too short to put your feet up.

"Dead Men Walking is just another way of keeping everything fresh. Dylan did the Wilburys and played with Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers, Paul Simon, the Grateful Dead. And look at Neil Young, he's always reinventing himself.

Peters and The Alarm hit the headlines last year when they suddenly found themselves being played on Radio 1 and TV music shows and in the UK singles charts with a brand-new record - but not under their own name.

They put out a single called 45RPM under the name The Poppyfields as a protest that older established bands were being barred from the radio or TV playlists and accompanied it with a video of a very young band hired to mime to the song. The ruse worked, the record and video got played because the playlist compilers thought it was a new young band, and the single rode high into the charts until The Alarm stood up and told everyone "hey, folks, that is actually us".

A film is currently being made of the story - so expect a lot of red faces all round.

l Mike Peters' Interactive Acoustics tour comes to the Fleece on Monday, April 4. Advance tickets cost £10 from 0870 444 4400 and usual ticket outlets. Doors open at 8pm.
**************************************************


Bristol Western Daily Press

ALARM BELLS RING

You have to hand it to Mike Peters - during his 22 years in the music biz he's repeatedly proved himself a master at publicity stunts.

As we speak, Mike is in his studio getting music ready to take to Hollywood. It's only in the planning stages, but it looks like Tinseltown may make a fictionalised movie all about The Alarm, his Eighties acoustic punk band that came from nowhere. . . well, Rhyl in North Wales. . . to conquer the UK and US charts.

It helps that director Sara Sugarman, known for Mad Cows and Confessions Of A Teenage Drama Queen, grew up with Mike in Prestatyn and the producer (the man behind Shrek and Being John Malkovich) is an Alarm fan.

"It's been reported that Rhys Ifans will play the main part, " Mike says. "I was asked by a reporter who I'd like to play it, and I said Rhys Ifans would be ideal, and next thing you know, it's reported that he's doing it!" he says, mischievously.

"It'll be something like The Full Monty.

We want to shoot the film in Rhyl.

"At the moment it's called 45RPM and that song will be at the core of it." Yes, that song. The pop song 45RPM that catapulted an unknown group called The Poppyfields into the charts last year. That was a Mike Peters and Alarm stunt par excellence.

"The band that appeared in the video were actually four 18-year-olds from Wrexham, in a band called The Wayriders." But the people on the actual recording were The Alarm in disguise, their first hit since 1989, taken off their non-charting album In The Poppyfields.

"We started spreading a few fake stories about going on tour, but we had a bit of a situation with Granada TV. They wanted to put this band on live television, so we told them they were doing their exams.

"Radio stations were playing the single and getting a fantastic response, but as soon as we sent out a press release admitting it was us, they immediately stopped playing it. Which just goes to show." Mike, now aged 46, skilfully used the ensuing furore to make valid points about ageism in the music industry "It's becoming more difficult for bands to get as far as making a second album.

The music industry is so obsessed with new bands, it burns out talent so quickly, before they get a chance to prove themselves. Bands like U2, Led Zep and The Clash are considered great because they made five albums or more." Mike has made more than seven albums with The Alarm (plus three in the Welsh language) and solo efforts.

Though he's not the first to do it, Mike Peters' solo gig at Bristol's Fleece on Monday is part of his "interactive" tour.

Fans choose the set-list, either via the website or by submitting their requests just before he takes to the stage.

"It's nice to throw it open to the fans. I've been around for a long time so people have got a lot of songs to choose from. I literally don't know what I'm playing until 20 minutes before I go on stage, " says Mike.

Mike Peters' Interactive Tour calls at Bristol's Fleece on Monday and Exeter's Cavern Club on Sunday April 10. To request a song, visit www.thealarm.com
*******************************************



MPO Team
Alarm Information Service
Tel: 011 44 (0)1745 571571
Fax: 011 44 (0)1745 571577
Email mpo@alarmpo.demon.co.uk
www.thealarm.com
PO Box 709, Prestatyn, Denbighshire, LL19 9YR, Wales, UK

Read the review here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/northeast/sites/music/pages/mike-peters.shtml

Mike Peters has been recently completing quite a number of interviews for the following papers - Nottingham Evening Post, North Wales Weekly News, Wrexham Evening Leader, North Wales Daily Post, Bristol Evening Post, Lincolnshire Echo, Bristol Western Daily Post, and South Wales Press - in relation to the first week of the tour.

So keep an eye open for these interviews in your local newspapers this week. Could you also send a copy to the MPO if you have found one. Many thanks!

Mike has been rehearsing all week and is very much looking forward to the start of the tour.

On down the road...

All the best,

MPO team


FRI 1ST DONCASTER THE LEOPARD
ADVANCE TICKET PRICE : £10 Order now from www.thealarm or call 01745 571571
1 West St, Doncaster, DN1 3AA
DOORS OPEN AT : 8.30pm

SAT 2ND APRIL NOTTINGHAM JUNKTION 7
ADVANCE TICKET PRICE : £10 Order now from www.thealarm or call 01745 571571
6 ILKESTON ROAD, CANNING CIRCUS NOTTINGHAM NG7 3GE
DOORS OPEN AT : 9pm

SUN 3RD APRIL WREXHAM CENTRAL STATION
ADVANCE TICKET PRICE : £10.00 Order now from www.thealarm or call 01745 571571
15-17 Hill Street, Wrexham, LL11 1SN
www.centralstation-yales.co.uk
DOORS OPEN AT : 8pm

MON 4TH APRIL BRISTOL THE FLEECE
ADVANCE TICKET PRICE : £10 Order now from www.thealarm or call 01745 571571
12 St Thomas, Bristol BS16JJ
DOORS OPEN AT :8pm

TUE 5TH APRIL SWANSEA ESCAPE
ADVANCE TICKET PRICE :£10.00 Order now from www.thealarm or call 01745 571571
Escape, Northampton Lane, Kingsway, Swansea
DOORS OPEN AT :7.30

WED 6TH APRIL LEICESTER THE CHARLOTTE
ADVANCE TICKET PRICE : £10 Order now from www.thealarm or call 01745 571571
8, OXFORD STREET LEICESTER LE1 5XZ
DOORS OPEN AT : 8pm

FRI 8TH THE ROSETTA BAR BELFAST
ADVANCE TICKET PRICE : £10 Order now from www.thealarm or call 01745 571571
73-75 Rosetta Road Belfast BT6 0LR http://come.to/rosettabar
DOORS OPEN AT : 9pm 1am Curfew

SAT 9TH APRIL DUBLIN EAMONN DORANS
ADVANCE TICKET PRICE : €15
3A CROWN ALLEY,TEMPLE BAR,DUBLIN 2
TICKET LINE/WEBSITE : www.tickets.ie
VENUE TELEPHONE/WEBSITE : 00353-1-6799114/00353-86-3908829(MOBILE)
DOORS OPEN AT : 8pm

SUN 10TH APRIL EXETER THE CAVERN
ADVANCE TICKET PRICE : £10 Order now from www.thealarm or call 01745 571571
83-84 Queen St Exeter EX43RP
DOORS OPEN AT : 8.30pm

MON 11TH APRIL PORTSMOUTH WEDGEWOOD ROOMS
ADVANCE TICKET PRICE : £10.00 Order now from www.thealarm or call 01745 571571
147B ALBERT ROAD, SOUTHSEA, HANTS. PO4 0JW
www.wedgewood-rooms.co.uk
DOORS OPEN AT : 8.00PM

WED 13TH APRIL NEWPORT RIVERSIDE ARTS CENTRE
ADVANCE TICKET PRICE : £11.00 Order now from www.thealarm or call 01745 571571
Newport Riverfront Arts Centre, The Riverfront, Bristol Packet Wharf,
Newport, NP20 1HG
DOORS OPEN AT : Doors 7.30pm

THU 14TH APRIL LIVERPOOL CARLING ACADEMY 2
ADVANCE TICKET PRICE : £10 Order now from www.thealarm or call 01745 571571
VENUE ADRRESS : 11-15 Hotham Street, Liverpool, L3 5UF
DOORS OPEN AT : 7pm

FRI 15TH APRIL GLASGOW KING TUTS WAH WAH HUT
ADVANCE TICKET PRICE : £11 Order now from www.thealarm or call 01745 571571
272a St Vincent Street ,Glasgow,G2 5RL
www.ticketscotland.co.uk
DOORS OPEN AT : 8.30pm

SAT 16TH APRIL CREWE WESTWORLD WEEKEND @ THE LIMELIMELIGHT CLUB
WESTWORLD WEEKEND IV - CREWE - THE LIMELIGHT CLUB
Hightown, Crewe, Cheshire,CW1 3BP
DOORS 8PM
WESTWORLD HQ TELEPHONE 07814 607547 EMAIL spearofdestiny@hotmail.com
(quote thealarm.com for special deal)

SUN 17TH APRIL YORK FIBBERS
ADVANCE TICKET PRICE : £10 Order now from www.thealarm or call 01745 571571
STONEBOW HOUSE, YORK, YO1 7NP
www.fibbers.co.uk
DOORS OPEN AT : 7.30 pm

MON 18TH APRIL BIRMINGHAM BAR ACADEMY
ADVANCE TICKET PRICE : £10 Order now from www.thealarm or call 01745 571571
51 Dale End, Birmingham, B4 7LS
DOORS OPEN AT : 7pm

WED 20TH APRIL BRIGHTON KOMEDIA
ADVANCE TICKET PRICE :£10 Order now from www.thealarm or call 01745 571571
Gardner St, Brighton
www.komedia.co.uk
DOORS OPEN AT :7pm

THU 21ST APRIL CLEETHORPES WINTER GARDENS
ADVANCE TICKET PRICE : £10.00 Order now from www.thealarm or call 01745 571571
Kingsway , Cleethorpes, N E Lincs. (on the sea front: UPSTAIRS )
www.solidentertainments.com
DOORS OPEN AT : 7.30p.m.

FRI 22ND APRIL WHITEHAVEN CIVIC CENTRE
ADVANCE TICKET PRICE : £10 Order now from www.thealarm or call 01745 571571
Lowther Street, Whitehaven, Cumbria. CA28 7SH
DOORS OPEN AT : 7pm

SAT 23RD APRIL MANCHESTER LIFE CAFÉ
ADVANCE TICKET PRICE : £10 Order now from www.thealarm or call 01745 571571
23 PETER ST, MANCHESTER
DOORS OPEN AT : 7.30pm

SUN 24TH APRIL WOLVERHAMPTON ROBIN 2
ADVANCE TICKET PRICE : £10 Order now from www.thealarm or call 01745 571571
Mount Pleasant, Bilston, West Midlands, WV14 7LJ
DOORS OPEN AT : 7.30pm

TUE 26TH APRIL STOURBRIDGE ROCK CAFÉ
ADVANCE TICKET PRICE : £10 Order now from www.thealarm or call 01745 571571
Millrace Lane, Stourbridge, DY8 1JN
DOORS OPEN AT : 7.30

WED 27TH APRIL STOKE THE SUGARMILL
ADVANCE TICKET PRICE : £10 Order now from www.thealarm or call 01745 571571
Brunswick Street, anley, Staffs, ST1 1DR
www.thesugarmill.co.uk
DOORS OPEN AT : 7.30pm

THU 28TH LEEDS JOSEPHS WELL
ADVANCE TICKET PRICE : £10 Order now from www.thealarm or call 01745 571571
Chorley Lane , Leeds
www.blackmarketmusic.net
DOORS OPEN AT :8pm

FRI 29TH LONDON BAR ACADEMY
ADVANCE TICKET PRICE :£12 Order now from www.thealarm or call 01745 571571
N1 Centre, Islington, london, N1 0PS
www.islington-academy.co.uk
DOORS OPEN AT : 7pm

SAT 30TH BLACKWOOD MINERS INSTITUTE
ADVANCE TICKET PRICE : £11.00adv Order now from www.thealarm or call 01745 571571
High St, Blackwood, NP12 8BB
DOORS OPEN AT : Doors 7.30pm



MPO Team
Alarm Information Service
Tel: 011 44 (0)1745 571571
Fax: 011 44 (0)1745 571577
Email mpo@alarmpo.demon.co.uk
www.thealarm.com
PO Box 709, Prestatyn, Denbighshire, LL19 9YR, Wales, UK

MIKE Peters will be taking his extensive Alarm repertoire out on the road for an "all request" acoustic tour in April.

And the multi-talented songsmith, who hails from Dyserth, will appear at Wrexham's Central Station club on Sunday (April 3).

As lead singer of The Alarm for over 21 years, Mike's had 14 Top 50 singles, seven successful albums and over five million sales worldwide.

The band's pioneering use of acoustic guitars brought them into direct contact with the likes of Bob Dylan, Neil Young and U2, who have all appeared and sung on stage with the Rhyl-based favourites.

Their use of guitars, back in the early 1980s, helping create what is now known as the electro-acoustic sound of today, the sound behind such hits as 68 Guns, Rain in the Summertime, Where Were You Hiding When The Storm Broke? and Absolute Reality, has always proved popular.

On this special tour, Mike will be performing songs chosen specifically by his dedicated following of fans, who will have the chance to dictate the content of the shows when ordering tickets through the band's website www.thealarm.com or at the venue on the night. Alternatively, contact 01745 5715712 for more information.

Mike to play in Belfast:

FRI 8TH THE ROSETTA BAR BELFAST
ADVANCE TICKET PRICE : £10
Order now from www.thealarm or call 01745 571571
73-75 Rosetta Road Belfast BT6 0LR http://come.to/rosettabar
DOORS OPEN AT : 9pm 1am Curfew

Here is another anecdote I received via emal from an old Alarm fan who heard "Close" at The Gap. This time, the person did not know who the band was, but loved the song and searched the internet to find out who it might be.

"I heard it at The Gap in the Westside Pavilion Mall in Los Angeles Tues March 22. I had no idea what it was but I liked it so much that I looked it up on the internet today and I guess it's The Alarm. I'm pretty psyched about that because I saw The Alarm so many times in the NYC area as a teenager. I hope they tour the US soon."

I wish there was some way Mike and the band could build on this…

Interactive Acoustic Tour: Mike returns back from USA: DVD Dedication Recordings: Regional Press Interviews

The MPO Office is busy behind the scenes preparing for the UK Acoustic Tour which kicks off on April 1st in Doncaster and finishes in Blackwood on Sat 30th April. Tickets can be purchased via www.thealarm.com or through the MPO Office.

If you would like to speak with a member of MPO staff, then please call 01745 571571 and leave your name and daytime telephone number and we will return your call as soon as possible.

Mike has just returned from a USA trip where he visited California to discuss the 45 rpm movie and then to Austin Texas for SXSW. Mike played a blistering set to a packed out house. He was also joined by New Model Army and The Rezillos.

Mike is currently immersed in DVD dedication recordings which are being continually posted out. If you would like to purchase your boxset and have your dedication filmed at one of the acoustic shows please leave your name and number.

Mike has been conducting many interviews for regional press so watch out for features in your local rag for the forthcoming Interactive Acoustic Tour.

Thanks for keeping in touch. You can email us on mpo@alarmpo.demon.co.uk fax on 01745 571571 or leave a message after the tone at 01745 571571.

Best wishes,

MPO Team


MPO Team
Alarm Information Service
Tel: 011 44 (0)1745 571571
Fax: 011 44 (0)1745 571577
Email mpo@alarmpo.demon.co.uk
www.thealarm.com
PO Box 709, Prestatyn, Denbighshire, LL19 9YR, Wales, UK

Read a review of the Gathering DVD Collection at FMQB

also, in Q magazine this month on page 26 the quote is” Ah the American Alarm” from Bernard Sumner referring to Green Day.

Hey Everyone,

Mike will be performing at approx 2:45pm (central time) on KLBJ a huge rock station and the official station of SXSW. You can listen live at www.klbj.com ! After Mike performs please feel free to follow up on the KLBJ forum with a Mike Peters thread!

Happy Listening!

MPO Team

FRI 1ST DONCASTER THE LEOPARD
ADVANCE TICKET PRICE : £10 Order now from www.thealarm or call 01745 571571
1 West St, Doncaster, DN1 3AA
DOORS OPEN AT : 8.30pm

SAT 9TH APRIL DUBLIN EAMONN DORANS
ADVANCE TICKET PRICE : €15
3A CROWN ALLEY,TEMPLE BAR,DUBLIN 2
TICKET LINE/WEBSITE : www.tickets.ie
VENUE TELEPHONE/WEBSITE : 00353-1-6799114/00353-86-3908829(MOBILE)
DOORS OPEN AT : 8pm

FRI 22ND APRIL WHITEHAVEN CIVIC CENTRE
ADVANCE TICKET PRICE : £10 Order now from www.thealarm or call 01745 571571
Lowther Street, Whitehaven, Cumbria. CA28 7SH
DOORS OPEN AT : 7pm

TUE 26TH APRIL STOURBRIDGE ROCK CAFÉ
ADVANCE TICKET PRICE : £10 Order now from www.thealarm or call 01745 571571
Millrace Lane, Stourbridge, DY8 1JN
DOORS OPEN AT : 7.30

KLBJ/Austin the rock station of Austin and the rock station of the festival.. have invited Mike Peters to come by the station at 2:45pm and kick off the afternoon drive show at 3:00pm and sing one song live on air!!! Friday March 18th!!

KLBJ is the rock station on Austin and the Official SXSW Radio Station!

Apologies to those of you who are still awaiting the arrival of the DVD dedication. A combination of huge demand, wide array of choice of dedications and each performance and conversion to DVD taking longer than anticipated has contributed to this delay. It is hoped that all initial orders will be posted out before the April Tour begins. We have been able to see the dedications as they pop into the office from Mike's studio to be posted off and we can promise that it will be worth the wait.

Thanks for your patience.

In the meantime, please take a look at a most recent review of the Gathering DVD Boxset.

Best wishes,

MPO Team

Alarm Information Service
Tel: 011 44 (0)1745 571571
Fax: 011 44 (0)1745 571577
Email mpo@alarmpo.demon.co.uk
www.thealarm.com
PO Box 709, Prestatyn, Denbighshire, LL19 9YR, Wales, UK

THE GATHERING DVD
COLLECTION REVIEW

The Gathering DVD Collection is a ten disc set covering the history of every Mike Peters fan’s favourite weekend away.

The nine discs collect together all four Saturday night performances from Gatherings 9 to 12, together with the Friday night acoustic shows from Gatherings 9 and 11, and a wealth of archive material covering all 12 Gatherings. The six full concerts each have their own disc, with the bonus footage being largely confined to two additional DVDs called HISTORY and FEATURES. Finally there is an individual dedication disc in each set containing a personalised song filmed by Mike Peters himself. Think ALARM 2000 COLLECTION DEDICATION DISC and add video.

The set is a real treat for any fan lucky enough to get their hands on a copy. As well as being a collection of fine performances, it acts as a compelling historical document of the gradual birth of Mike Peters’ new Alarm.

Opening as it does with GATHERING 9 ACOUSTIC, we witness Mike Peters & co. fresh off the back of the greatest hits-heavy ALARM 2000 Tour, and features ten new songs, which would eventually form part of the IN THE POPPYFIELDS Collection. Indeed, the entire boxed-set traces the development of that body of work, from a handful of songs in acoustic demo form, through the ‘bond’ versions, and ending with the arrangements which would become the Steve Brown produced album.

Meanwhile we witness the band reinterpreting the old ‘80’s classics in light of the newer material, and discovering how those two bodies of work inter-relate; a theme which is repeated throughout the entire collection.

Indeed, we see the past and its connection to the present day alluded to in both GATHERING 9 discs. For whilst the acoustic set containing early versions of, among others, INNOCENT PARTY and CLOSE, the electric set opens in Alarm ‘82/3 format, with SHOUT TO THE DEVIL and FOR FREEDOM.

GATHERING 10 ELECTRIC contains a first real outing for many of the IN THE POPPYFIELDS songs in an electric format, and an all-acoustic mini-Coloursøund set. A treat for sure, but pride of place goes to the all-star encore in which the band were joined by Pete Wylie, Kirk Brandon and, for a Theatre of Hate reunion, Billy Duffy. The ensuing 20 minute spell saw the audience treated to the anthems of their generation COME BACK, DO YOU BELIEVE IN THE WESTWORLD, SHE SELLS SANCTUARY, and 68 GUNS. ‘80s INDIE HEAVEN!

How do you follow that?

Coming in at a relatively short 79 minutes, GATHERING 11 ACOUSTIC is over far too quickly, but the shortest disc in the collection is arguably the best.

Almost every moment is heart-stoppingly intense, from Dave Sharp’s emotional introduction (“…after ten years, friendship never dies…”), through a very non-greatest hits opening, which shows the strength in depth of the Alarm/Mike Peters back catalogue (RISE, THIRD LIGHT, …RAVENS…), and on to the highlight & centrepiece of the evening - excerpts from EDWARD HENRY STREET. Rarely have this band ever looked more like they meant it, or sounded as tight.

The evening ends with the enigmatic, and woefully underrated WHEN YOU CAN’T HAVE WHAT EVERYBODY ELSE HAS, as well as a couple of Olde Alarme classics: THE STAND and BOUND FOR GLORY.

GATHERING 11 ELECTRIC has an epic feel, which superbly counterpoints the previous evening’s intimate quality. The concert became the live showpiece for IN THE POPPY FIELDS, at least in as far as the original ‘bond’ arrangements are concerned, with 13 of the 34 performances being given over to that collection. And songs like COMING HOME, THE DRUNK AND THE DISORDERLY, and 45 RPM are already sitting alongside the ‘80’s numbers like old friends. Tellingly the band feel able to re-work MARCHING ON, WHERE WERE YOU HIDING…, and 68 GUNS into an adrenalin fuelled medley, which fits nicely with the likes of IN THE BEAUTY OF MY SURROUNDINGS and FEDERAL MOTOR VOTER.

However, for a thoroughly cinematic Alarm experience, GATHERING 12 ELECTRIC takes come beating. Filmed in glorious widescreen, and showcasing songs from both Alarm eras, the disc reveals why Mike Peters has taken to using the old Alarm name – the truth is, you can barely see the join. It is a shame that the excellent Friday night set from Gathering 12 wasn’t filmed; its concentration on Mike Peters’ ‘90’s solo work would surely serve to underline the point.

Meanwhile GATHERING 12 ELECTRIC serves as a celebration of everything that had happened over the preceding 4 years, being at once a celebration of the past, and the revitalising of the whole Alarm brand in a new context. The Alarm as musical Janus.

The two archive discs are interesting documents of the early years of the Gathering, containing a plethora of documentaries, shorts, and interviews. Pride of place goes to a tellingly informative interview with Mike Peters on the HISTORY disc covering Gatherings 1-12, and the complete Coloursøund set from Gathering 7 on the FEATURES disc, but there are hours of footage here from all 12 Gatherings.

Hidden extras (or Easter Eggs as they’re known in the trade) include: The original Alarm performing HAPPY CHRISTMAS (WAR IS OVER) & an audience sing-along of the refrain from HEY JUDE (both on the GATHERING 11 ACOUSTIC disc), and the VH1 Bands Reunited 68 GUNS, Seventeen performing BREAKDOWN & the BACK INTO THE SYSTEM promo (all on the HISTORY disc).

£100 may initially appear a lot of money to pay for a DVD collection, but the contents of this set are so comprehensive that it soon becomes apparent that it provides excellent value for money.

Highly recommended as either a musical documentary of the evolution of the new Alarm, a memento for all Gatherers (if you were there, you’ll want one), or as a fine set of live music DVDs for those unfortunate enough not to have been there in the flesh.

It has been reported that The Alarm song "Close" appears on the new in-store music CD for "The Gap" stores. You may be able to hear the song by going to any Gap store and browsing around, listening to the background music. Warning: The in-store CD plays for about 2 hours, so you may be browsing for a LONG time. Report your findings to steve@21stcenturyradio.tv.

Finally, you Texan fans have the chance to see Mike Peters again! Mike will be performing at SXSW, a Music Industry Festival Convention on Friday 18th March at 10.30pm at the Elysium. Mike will be performing an acoustic set. Other acts on the bill include New Model Army and The Rezillos. Have fun! As part of his trip to the USA, Mike will also be visiting Los Angeles to hold meetings about the proposed 45RPM movie with Shrek Producer, John H. Williams and Sara Sugarman.

On Saturday night, it was an emotional evening for the North Walian crowd, assembled at The Stiwt, in Rhosllanerchgrugog, outside Wrexham. Following on from the historic Welsh Rugby win against France, the crowd were treated to a spine tingling performance by Mike Peters and his assembled band of musicians. Mike, an English-speaking Welshman had bravely agreed to perform entirely in Welsh, encouraged by his wife Jules, a Welsh speaker. Jules and BBC Radio Cymru had been in discussions for some time to realise the dream of Mike recording entirely in Welsh. On Saturday night, in a celebration of St. David's Day, the dream came true.

Aer - (Breathe)
Glaw yn yr Ha'- (Rain in the Summertime)
Dim FFiniau - (No Frontiers)
Hwylio Dros Y Mor - (A New South Wales)
Dal Fy Llaw - (Walk Forever By My Side)
Dydd Gwyl Dewi Sant (St. David's Day)

Mike Peters' performance will be broadcast on March 1st on BBC Radio
Cymru at 10am
< a href=http://www.bbc.co.uk/cymru/radiocymru/>http://www.bbc.co.uk/cymru/radiocymru/

For Sky Satellite users, BBC Radio Cymru, please tune to Channel 904

Please read on for a review by MPO member, our very own Rockin' Rev
who kindly wrote the piece for Alarm fans worldwide who weren't able to
witness the performance at first hand.

Review of the Welsh Language Gig at the Rhos Swit by Rockin' Rev
 
Off to the Swit in Rhos, a theatre that holds probably about 500
..after a short break, the choir from Ruthin arrived and the string
section. Noticed Olly and Webby (the road crew) getting the stage
ready. Full band to be
there which I heard a while ago, Steve's drum kit, Craig's acoustic
bass etc
were on the stage already. Steve Allan Jones in attendance etc... The
choir
then sang a couple of songs and then they introduced Mike to the stage
with the
usual ref's to the Alarm and tours with Neil Young, Dylan and
U2.

After a Diolch y Fawr from Mike, they had to re-do the intro as one of
the
mics was not working well. Someone from the crowd asked Mike how Status
Quo
were to which he replied "Have you read the news of the world? they are
doing alright". Then were into the first song AER, (thought this one
would
make an appearance somehow) I should mention that James and Craig were
sat
to Mike's right on two chairs very close to each other, almost on each
others laps and this made for some amusement amongst ourselves and also
them, as they moved a little further apart. At one point Craig and Mike
were laughing at each other as usual.

The first surprise of the evening for me at least was when Mike
introduced Rain
in the summertime and the fact that this was the first time it would be
preformed in Welsh, Very good job indeed (dare I say better than the
original although I am basis and love the songs in Welsh) The next song
if my memory
serves me right for the running order was Dim Ffiniau from the Newid
album,
again sung with great passion. Then another surprise, introduced as a
song
from the Strength album that Alarm fans around the world have taken to
their
hearts and many have had played at their weddings, although outside of
Alarm
circles it is probably not that well known, Walk Forever By My Side in
Welsh. This featured the choir also. Then another of the well known
Welsh
songs of the back catalogue, Hwylio Dros Y Mor, which Mike introduced by
talking about how he sang it at the opening of the Welsh assembly in
it's re-
written form of A New Wales, but here he sang it as per A New South
Wales. I
am not sure where he told the story about the record company and Japan,
it
may have been here or at some other point. I have to tell you also they
all
looked very smart in their suits!!

The final Song was a translation of St David Day, Mike told us that
this had
been translated by Welsh Actor and Pop Star, Bryn Fon and what a great
job
on the translation he had done. Mike also mentioned about Flesh and
Blood
and that it was appropiate that he was singing St David's Day as the
show would be broadcast on St David's Day ( I guess I will have to try
and
record it from the radio on Tuesday, although whether the whole
performance
will be broadcast I dont know yet.)

Rockin Rev

Nb. Mike Peterswas joined by Steve Grantley (Drums), James Stevenson
Guitar, Craig Adams (Bass), Steve Allen Jones (Musical Director and
Piano), 8 piece Strings section and the Rhuthin Mixed Choir.

MPO Team
Alarm Information Service
Tel: 011 44 (0)1745 571571
Fax: 011 44 (0)1745 571577
Email mpo@alarmpo.demon.co.uk
www.thealarm.com
PO Box 709, Prestatyn, Denbighshire

Mike had a blast on the recent Status Quo dates. Once again, the MPO office has been inundated with emails, postcards and calls from Quo fans turned on to the music of Mike Peters and The Alarm. On the last night in Aberdeen, at a sold out Exhibition Centre, Mike invited second support act, Tokyo Dragons to join him for a rousing rendition of 'Get Down and Get With It. With Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt watching on, this encore brought the house down!

Coming Home
Where Were You Hiding
Breathe
Strength
Drunk and Disorderly
45 RPM
68 Guns
Get Down and Get With It

Acoustic Alarm Tour with Mike Peters

Buy Tickets

(Note: The problem with the store not accepting orders has now been fixed…sorry)


Mike Peters will be taking his extensive Alarm repertoire out on the road in the U.K. for an 'all request' acoustic tour throughout the month of April 2005.

As lead singer of The Alarm for over 21 years, The Alarm can lay claim to a series of 14 Top 50 Singles, seven successful albums and over 5 million sales worldwide. The Alarm's pioneering use of acoustic guitars brought the band into direct contact with the likes of Bob Dylan, Neil Young and U2, who have all appeared and sung on stage with The Alarm.

On this special tour, Mike Peters will be performing songs chosen specifically by his dedicated following of fans who will have the chance to dictate the content of the shows when arriving at the venue on the night.

Mike and The Alarm have just performed at the 13th annual Alarm event 'The Gathering' which completely sold out (1500 tickets: Jan 28-29) . Mike Peters will use the tour to launch The Gathering DVD Box Set Collection - an eight DVD set together with a personalised filmed dedication disc. Mike will be filming dedications live on stage during the tour and these performances will be included in the individual box sets. Please email mpo@alarmpo.demon.co.uk if you are thinking of ordering your dedication to be filmed and MPO staff will be happy to explain how things will happen on the night!

Mike Peters, who has just recently completed a 20 date UK Tour as Special Guest to Status Quo has not performed a solo acoustic U.K. tour since 2000, concentrating on the worldwide commitments of The Alarm MMV and controversial chart success of '45 R.P.M.'/'The Poppy Fields'. The story of '45 R.P.M.' has become the inspiration for a major motion picture which will be shot in the U.K. by 'Shrek' producer John H. Williams and British film director Sara Sugarman.

Mike Peters and The Alarm MMV will be creating the soundtrack for the film and will be preparing a new studio album for release later in the year 2005. During the tour, Mike Peters will preview new material from the proposed as yet untitled new album.

Mike Peters on Radio 2's Jammin Feb 19th Don't forget: Mike Peters' appearance on BBC Radio 2's Jammin' Feb 19th Check http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/aod/networks/radio2/aod.shtml?radio2/r2_jammin for further information…

Update From Sam Greenley

If people click on this link above it takes you to radio's home page. They can then click on more shows under the Listen Again section, and can select Jammin from the list. For anyone who missed the show, they can listen on line.

(The only element from the recording that was cut for the final show, was Mike doing a very "pained" Bob Dylan impression. Very funny but you had to be there to appreciate the full experience...it probably would not have translated to radio well - as you can't see the faces he made!)

The MPO - The Alarm Info Service Office is now open. Opening hours for calls are between 11am and 4pm. If the answerphone clicks in, this means we may be busy on another call, dealing with the forthcoming acoustic tour, Gathering 14 etc so please leave your name and daytime contact and we will endeavour to call you asap. Alternatively, you can email mpo@alarmpo.demon.co.uk As always, we are very busy post Gathering 13 and now pre-Gathering 14 (putting together all the finishing touches right now) as well as all the day to day queries and managerial duties that need to be done.

MPO receives over 100 emails a day. We try our best to email to all the different requests/complaints(!)/compliments :) that come our way but please bear with us as it is all very time consuming.

Ticket information for the interactive acoustic tour in April will be announced any day now, followed shortly after by exciting details of Gathering 14. Thank you for all your queries re-booking your Gathering tickets. Please be patient and we will be happy to take your booking from March 1st.

On Feb 26th, Mike and the band appear at a special concert at the Stiwt in Rhos (just outside Wrexham). This is a special recording for BBC Radio Wales and Mike will be performing through the medium of Welsh. The concert is now sold out.

This week Mike once again joins Status Quo, appearing as Special Guest on a handful of their British dates.

On St. David's Day Mike has been invited to Buckingham Palace for services to the British Music Industry.

Mid March, Mike flies out to America for an appearance at the SXSW Festival in Austin Texas and then returns back to the UK for the hugely anticipated Acoustic Interactive British Tour. Dates can be found at alarm.com

The groundbreaking DVD boxset is on sale now priced £99.99 plus postage. Mike is currrently enjoying the challenge of all your video dedications. !

Thanks for all your wonderful messages following the Gathering weekend. These will be added to alarm.com over the next few weeks.

Best wishes,

MPO Team
Alarm Information Service
Tel: 011 44 (0)1745 571571
Fax: 011 44 (0)1745 571577
Email mpo@alarmpo.demon.co.uk
www.thealarm.com
PO Box 709, Prestatyn, Denbighshire, LL19 9YR, Wales, UK

The Welsh Music Awards are back!
Thanks to dedicated Alarm fans like Misti, Katrina, Terry and many others, we can bring you a comprehensive voting guide so you can log on, and vote for your favorite Alarm-related artists.

You can vote at the Welsh Language Awards Web Site: http://www.thewelshmusicawards.com. You will need a valid email address to vote.

All of your votes must be write-ins. Here is a voting guide to help you with your entries:

BEST MALE SOLO ARTIST: Mike Peters
BEST NEWCOMERS: The Poppyfields
BEST ALBUM: The Alarm - In The Poppy Fields
BEST LABEL : 21st Century Recordings
BEST SINGLE : The Poppyfields (The Alarm) "45 RPM"
BEST ROCK ACT : The Alarm
BEST EVENT: The Gathering

Thanks for all the support!

MPO is proud to announce a very exciting tour: Mike Peters Interactive Acoustic Tour.

Many of you will remember a similar successful tour from many years ago when you, the fans created the setlist! This time, Mike is very looking much forward to the challenge of playing the songs chosen by your good selves. All ticket information and details of how the tour will operate will be revealed in the next few weeks. In the meantime, take a look at the dates for your diary...

Apr-05
FRI 1ST DONCASTER THE LEOPARD
SAT 2ND NOTTINGHAM JUNKTION 7
SUN 3RD WREXHAM CENTRAL STATION
MON 4TH BRISTOL THE FLEECE
TUE 5TH SWANSEA ESCAPE CLUB
WED 6TH LEICESTER THE CHARLOTTE
THU 7TH off
FRI 8TH IRELAND TBC
SAT 9TH IRELAND TBC
SUN 10TH EXETER CAVERN
MON 11TH PORTSMOUTH WEDGEWOOD ROOMS
TUE 12TH off
WED 13TH NEWPORT VENUE TBC
THU 14TH LIVERPOOL ACADEMY 2
FRI 15TH GLASGOW KING TUTS
SAT 16TH CREWE WESTWORLD @ THE LIMELIMELIGHT CLUB
SUN 17TH YORK FIBBERS
MON 18TH BIRMINGHAM BAR ACADEMY
TUE 19TH off
WED 20TH BRIGHTON KOMEDIA
THU 21ST BRADFORD VENUE TBC
FRI 22ND WHITEHAVEN CIVIC CENTRE
SAT 23RD MANCHESTER LIFE CAFÉ
SUN 24TH WOLVERHAMPTON ROBIN 2
MON 25TH off
TUE 26TH STOURBRIDGE ROCK CAFÉ
WED 27TH STOKE SUGAR MILL
THU 28TH LEEDS JOSEPHS WELL
FRI 29TH LONDON BAR ACADEMY
SAT 30TH BLACKWOOD MINERS INSTITUTE

Please note that the MPO Office will be closed for calls and emails for one week (until Feb 15th).

Best wishes,

Alarm Information Service
MPO 21st Century Recording Label
P.O. Box 709, Prestatyn, Denbighshire,
LL19 9YR, Wales, UK
Tel 011 44 (0) 1745 571571
Fax 011 44 (0) 1745 571577
E Mail mpo@alarmpo.demon.co.uk
www.thealarm.com

The Gathering Thirteen (Friday)

I went to the Gathering 13 to see Mike Peters and came away with the impression that I had witnessed not just one artist but nine!

Friday night's 'acoustic' stage had been set up along a side wall and a huge projection of The Gathering DVD Collection played on the stage backdrop. The concert proper got under way when a resplendent Mike Peters entered from stage left all dressed up in a black suit and sporting a fabulous sounding Gibson J200 acoustic guitar. 'Coming Home' was the first number and the audience responded by singing along to every word. It was a pleasure to hear acoustic versions of 'Close' and 'Right Back Where I Started From', proving just what great songs they are. 'Walk Forever By My Side' sounded fresh, bookmarked between songs from 'In The Poppy Fields'. 'You're Only Young And Innocent Once' filled the room, the raw emotion in Mike Peters voice all too evident for all to hear. 'The Rock And Roll' with it's refrain of "Where are they now?" was a fitting showcase for the vocal talents of Gathering main man and artist number one Mike Peters himself.

Mike Peters then introduced to the stage one Dave Sharp and thus began a set by artist number two, namely 'Mike Peters and Dave Sharp'. Beginning with 'Unsafe Building' Mike and Dave took us all back to the roots of The Alarm and hence the beginnings of their own musical careers. Mike sang the words with clear conviction and coming so soon after 'Young And Innocent', you could see that Mike clearly identifies with the lyrics to this very day. Dave Sharp punctuated the song with his very own unique style of acoustic guitar carrying echoes of the 'Unsafe 1990' version. The acoustic duo of Peters and Sharp then performed 'My Land Your Land' with Sharp's Americanised vocal stylings now almost unrecognisable from the young gun slinger who sang the original on the b-side of 1987's 'Rescue Me'. Much to the delight of those assembled, 'Unbreak The Promise' was dedicated to the late John Peel and with 'Bells Of Rhymney' it became obvious that the two were following a theme of performing classic Alarm b-sides. Dave Sharp once again took over the lead for a dark version of 'Reason 41'. The atmosphere was so intimate at this point that you could even hear Dave Sharp asking Mike to remind him of the opening line of the lyric. 'Strength' followed before Mike once again gave way to Dave Sharp to remind us of his greatest Alarm contribution 'One Step Closer To Home'.

The duo then became a five piece when Craig Adams, Steve Grantley and James Stevenson all sauntered up onto the stage and backed the two original Alarm guys for versions of 'The Stand' and 'Bound For Glory'. By now the gig was rocking so hard that it was like a Saturday night Gathering only this time on a Friday.

Dave Sharp left the stage and then came what I can only describe as Artist number three, Mike Peters, Craig Adams, James Stevenson and Steve Grantley, affectionately now known as The Alarm MMV who were then joined by pianist Steve Allan Jones and a trumpet player for a monumental run through of songs from Edward Henry Street [Album 4 from In The Poppy Fields]. I first saw these songs performed at G11 and loved it even though it was still slightly unfamiliar. Now with the added dimension of familiarity it was amazing. It was like seeing The Who, The Kinks and The Jam all rolled into one great package. The sequence began with '1959' / 'The Crescent' while an 8mm film of the actual Edward Henry Street and moving images of Rhyl began playing on the screen above the band. This had the effect of giving the music even greater impact. The band rocked into the title song and it was obvious Mike was pushing the band hard as there were no gaps between the music 'Wherearewegoingandwhatarewegonnadowhenwegetthere? was celebratory with the whole room picking up on the choruses, 'Mercenary Skank' was fast and furious, 'In You I see The World' featured a brilliant trumpet solo and 'Up Downtown' completed the rout.

Then came artist number four. Mike Peters introduced surprise guest Chris Lewis to the stage. Chris Lewis was Mike's guitarist for some very important years appearing at Gatherings 2,3,4 and 5 with The Poets, and also performing guitar duties on Mike's solo records - 'Breathe, 'Feel Free' and 'Rise', and it was to this album that the five musicians on the stage turned to. Beginning with a stately performance of 'Rise', a reconstituted 'Mike Peters And The Poets' performed an absolutely spine tingling 'High On the Hill' which also featured a majestic solo from James Stevenson. 'Ground Zero', 'In Circles' and 'Burnout Syndrome' took the show to a thrilling climax with Chris Lewis and James Stevenson trading solos at the end, brilliant!!!!!!

An encore was demanded and The Alarm MMV came back on stage and ripped into 'Marching On', it was like Hammersmith 1984 all over again. Ever since then tradition has it that 'Marching On' is followed by 'Where Were You Hiding When The Storm Broke?' and tonight is no different. Only this time, Mike brings back to the stage keyboardist Steve Allan Jones and the trumpet player Kevin Pickford to perform the next few songs with the trumpet parts that were controversially added to the 'Declaration' versions by producer Alan Shacklock. Well I can only describe this part of the show as being by artist number five! The performances of 'Hiding', and 'Sixty Eight Guns' sounded exactly like The Alarm of 1984 and the audience responded like it was actually 1984 by going absolutely berserk. Dave Sharp and Chris Lewis came back on stage for 'Blaze Of Glory' and as the entire crowd took over the vocals for the closing coda, Mike Peters pointed to the trumpet player who repeated the melody back. It was amazing. What a way to make songs sound fresh and new again after all this time and a fitting testament to the musicianship of all concerned.

The Gathering Thirteen (Saturday)

The first thing to say about Gathering 13 Saturday is that the crew must have worked overnight as the stage is now at the traditional end, the venue is filled to capacity as Gathering artist number six Dave Sharp's solo set comes to a close.

At 9.00 P.M. Gathering artist number seven takes the stage in the form of The Alarm MMV. Mike Peters, James Stevenson, Craig Adams and Steve Grantley blow the gig wide open with 'Federal Motor Voter' followed by a trimmed down 'Rescue Me'. With Mike Peters silhouetted under a huge cloud of smoke, Craig Adams unleashed his big bass rumble on 'Regeneration' and already The Gathering is in a frenzy. An electric 'Right Back Where I Started From' follows and is now fast becoming the new 'Blaze Of Glory' before Mike Peters cranks up the intro to 'Deeside'. The temperature is in the high farenheits as James Stevenson dons a Fender Electric Twelve String Guitar, strumming out the intro chords for 'Breathe' as Mike Peters voice fills the room with power and intensity. 'The Unexplained' creeps out of the P.A. before exploding into an electric maelstrom as the band crashes in climaxing with an emotional closing vocal refrain against the glorious slide guitar of James Stevenson. 'The Drunk And The Disorderly' was probably the high point of the weekend. Brilliant lyrics, superbly sung, a fantastic guitar arrangement and Steve Grantley smashing the drums into submission. There is no finer sight in Rock and Roll than those four guys going for it on this song. Then we were treated to 'Howling Wind' which was incredible to hear again after such a long time as the class of 2005 did justice to the class of 1984 playing it superbly. 'Coming Home' came next and if ever there was an Alarm single that should have been this is it. The set finished with '21st Century' - Mike Peters, James Stevenson, Craig Adams and Steve Grantley all leaving the stage one by one.

A fifteen minute break ensued and then came the next surprise of the weekend. 'Coloursound' (artist number eight!). Mike Peters, Craig Adams, Steve Grantley and The Cult's Billy Duffy took to the stage and stormed into 'Under The Sun' from their one and only album. 'Coloursound' also performed 'Fountainhead', 'State Of Independence', Where Do You Want To Go?', 'This Life', 'Heavy Rain' and 'Alive'. I think this part of the set went over the heads of some of the audience who are unfamiliar with this chapter of Mike Peters musical life but for me it was great to hear Mike and Billy playing again. Mike obviously picked up a lot from his time working with Billy Duffy as evidenced by the Mike Peters songs that followed from 'In The Poppy Fields' - 'Trafficking' and 'I Never left I Only Went Away'. By working with Billy Duffy I think Mike Peters has added a lot to his skills as a songwriter and has used the knowledge gained to write such modern Alarm classics like 'Coming Home' and opener 'Federal Motor Voter'. The set certainly picked up momentum again when James Stevenson came back on and smashed out the riff to 'Trafficking', Billy Duffy traded Alarm for Cult and blocked out the chords to 'Wildflower' before James and Billy opened up the intro to 'I Never Left I Only Went Away' which was wonderful. Billy Duffy chimed in once more with the Cult classic 'Fire Woman' and Mike Peters (who was struggling temporarily to keep his voice going it seems because of the intense use of stage smoke) responded by having James crank out the riff to 45 R.P.M. The place went mad.

This merger of The Alarm and The Cult (Gathering Artist number 9!!) continued during the encore and with both James Stevenson and Craig Adams both having played for The Cult back in 1994 and Mike Peters working closely with Billy Duffy as a songwriter in Coloursound and the Dead Men Walking, it was a fair chance that this was going to happen at some time. Sadly a few members of the audience did not have the patience, respect or sobriety to let Mike Peters, Billy Duffy and co. do their thing and an amazing version of 'Sun King' from The Cult's 'Sonic Temple' was marred by a distasteful bottle throwing incident aimed at Billy Duffy. Billy Duffy made his feelings clear down the microphone and you could see that Mike Peters was clearly shocked and upset. 'Sold Me Down the River' got things back on track followed by a 'first ever' performance of 'Change 1' which sounded amazing before the band bravely finished with the 'Coloursound' classic 'Fade In Fade Out Fade Away'. It's in moments like this that I totally respect what Mike Peters and The Alarm stand for. A lot of other artists would simply have left the stage and never come back whereas Mike Peters and the Alarm came back out and gave of their very best.

Firstly, an acoustic 'We Are The Light' followed by 'Absolute Reality' and 'Knife Edge'. Billy Duffy came back on for 'Spirit of '76' and during the middle of the song Mike Peters lead the them into an impromptu version of 'Teenage Kicks' dedicated to John Peel, (apparently some fans had got a petition together during the day and Mike being Mike did what he always did and gave them what they wanted). It was unbelievable! Billy Duffy and James Stevenson doing guitar harmonies on the Spirit Of '76 riff gave the song a modern up beat feel and Mike was singing his heart out - "I will never give in until the day I die". This is what Mike Peters is all about. He takes risks, and he demands a lot from his audience but he will always pay them back. Mike Peters is always asking questions of himself and his followers - sometimes the answers aren't always obvious and sometimes the questions demand difficult courses of action. Mike Peters is not afraid to be his own man and follow his instincts, people trust him and that's why he, The Alarm, the Gathering have been so successful down the years and long may it continue.

The finale and third encore featured Mike Peters, Craig Adams, Steve Grantley and James Stevenson - The Alarm MMV all alone at the end playing one of their most beautiful pieces of music 'In The Poppy Fields' (Mike made a very touching tribute to his family, remarking that this was the first Gathering with his son, Dylan in attendance). Mike and the band had been onstage for 2 hours and 45 minutes. Throughout The Gathering weekend they had performed songs from all the eras of Mike Peters' career and beyond - from 1981 to 2005. No other band in the world could have pulled this off. "I remember yesterday as if it was today". I will never forget The Gathering 13.

Dave Jones

After Friday nights joint performance with Mike Peters, on Saturday night
Dave took to the stage in solo capacity opening for Mike and band.

Opening with a pacey run through ''Lookin This World Over'', the set mixed
fan favourite with tracks from The Power Of Soul album. Dave was joined by
James Stevenson on slide guitar for a very laid back & blues soaked ''Drivin
Hard Rain'', before closing the set with a medley of Love Magic and the
album title track, Dave leaving the stage while the crowd sang the 'I Don't
Know, But I Been Told...' refrain.

Dave told the audience that he's been putting blood, sweat and tears into
the album over the past twelve months, but that everything is now in place
for the official UK release of the album in March, supported by a
simultaneous single release to radio. A release in America is planned for
later in the year. Dave said he believes this album is the best thing he's
ever done and he couldn't have done it without the support of the fans so
far and hopes that the fans will continue to support it over the coming
months. ''What it does is only as good as the support from you guys''

Earlier Dave attended the afternoon session at the North Wales Conference
Centre and had a great time meeting with fans old and new.

Of the whole weekend, Dave says he enjoyed it very much. ''I thought Mike
was great and I think the band sounds better than ever - Rescue Me was the
bees knees. I was blown away both nights....''
''The crew and staff were out of this world and my hat is definitely doffed
to each and every one of them. Thank you one and all!!!''

www.soulco.org
www.davesharp.org

Fan Comments

Gathering Friday Reports

From Steve Woodhouse

The sold out Gathering weekend beckons!

Alarm fans are travelling from far and wide for what has become the hottest date in the Alarm calendar. This year, fans are travelling from America, Germany, Holland, Scandinavia, Hungary, Australia and Tanzania. One Alarm fan, Peter Roberts, originally from Llandudno is making the trip from Halifax, Nova Scotia.

"I am at present on a drilling rig off the East Coast of Canada and would love to see Mike and the band again. Mike and the band have been such a big part of my life and have always been proud to "sound off" his music wherever I may be in the world."

The itinerary of the Gathering is as follows: (all times subject to change)

Fri (Evening)
7.30 Doors
8.00 - 9.00 One Hour DVD presentation
9pm Mike Peters
11pm Finish

Sat (Day)
11am Doors
12 noon Quiz
2pm Signing Session with Mike Peters

Sat (Eve)
7.30 Doors
8.00 - 8.30 Dave Sharp
8.45 - 11pm Mike Peters plus Special Guests!

Sat (Late)
Aftershow Party

The DVD boxset collection will be on sale at the Gathering weekend. All existing orders have been posted out this week.

To all of you travelling to Llandudno tomorrow, take care and we look forward to welcoming you to Wales for the ultimate rock and roll weekend!

Best wishes,

MPO Team
Alarm Information Service
Tel: 011 44 (0)1745 571571
Fax: 011 44 (0)1745 571577
Email mpo@alarmpo.demon.co.uk
www.thealarm.com
PO Box 709, Prestatyn, Denbighshire, LL19 9YR, Wales, UK

The Alarm's Declaration will be the featured album on the Dream Ticket show on BBC Radio 6 tonight at 10.00pm.

Full details here:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/6music/shows/dream_ticket

You can also listen online at the above address.

Status Quo Dates
Mike Peters will appear as Special Guest at the following Status Quo shows in Feb. To those of you enquiring, Mike will not be appearing at the January dates due to Gathering commitments:

February 17 Newcastle City Hall
Box Office: 0191 261 2606.
February 19 Edinburgh Usher Hall
Box Office: 01312 281 155.
February 20 Glasgow Clyde Auditorium
Box Office: 08700404000.
February 21 Aberdeen Exhibition Centre
Box Office: 01224620

Listen To Mike Peters Online!

Here is an interview that Mike Peters did for Star FM in Cambridge which was broadcast last Sunday evening.

Listen Here

Happy New Year!

Here at MPO, we are looking forward to welcoming you to the sold out Gathering 13 Weekend, taking place in Llandudno on the 28th and 29th January 2005. After show Party passes have been posted out and and should arrive with you shortly. Please keep them safe as there will be no extra tickets available over the weekend. At the party, you will be able to unwind with fellow Gatherees and also chat to Mike who will do his best to 'meet and greet' as many people as possible.

Mike is currently immersed in video dedications in response to the huge demand for the Gathering DVD boxset. There has been a vast array of choice of songs and so Mike is being tested to the limit to perform and film songs from his entire career!

For those of you planning to purchase your DVD boxset at the Gathering please contact Chrissy Koestel and the friendly MPO Merch team at the Merch Deskwho will take care of your order.

Mike and the band are currently rehearsing a dream Gathering set which will also include the welcome return of Mr. Dave Sharp! As you know from past Gatherings, Mike always has a surprise up his sleeve so we'll leave the rest for you to discover!

At this time of year we are also planning next year's Gathering- Number 14! There are some exciting new developments which we hope to announce around St. David's Day- March 1st. So please don't book any accommodation just yet as we want to unveil a whole new exciting package very soon!

2005 is already shaping up as yet another busy year... Mike Peters will be taking his extensive Alarm repertoire out on the road in the UK for an 'all request' acoustic tour, hopefully throughout the month of April. Mike has not undertaken an acoustic UK Tour since 2000, concentrating instead on the worldwide commitments of The Alarm MMIV and controversial chart success of 45 R.P.M. and 'The Poppy Fields'. In fact, the story of 45 R.P.M. has become the inspiration for a major motion picture which will be shot in the U.K. by 'Shrek' Producer, John H. WIlliams and British Film Director, Sara Sugarman.

Mike and The Alarm MMV are preparing a new studio album for release later in the year and all being well, Mike plans to preview new material from the proposed as yet untitled new album during the tour.

Last but not least, Mike will be performing with Status Quo in February in the UK and on Feb 25th, it looks likely that there will be a very special Birthday Concert. Watch this space!

Once again, thanks for your wonderful support. People are travelling far and wide - we have a feeling that this will be the best Gathering yet!

All the best and have a safe journey!


MPO Team
Alarm Information Service
Tel: 011 44 (0)1745 571571
Fax: 011 44 (0)1745 571577
Email mpo@alarmpo.demon.co.uk
www.thealarm.com
PO Box 709, Prestatyn, Denbighshire, LL19 9YR, Wales, UK

It seems like MANY people have been "holding-in" their feelings about The Alarm/U2 and all the comparisions over the years. Many people have said very nice things to me, and I really appreciate it. Some of the comments below are from email and others are from the Alarm Forums.

Thanks to everybody. Your words have been inspiring and enlightening. If you missed the original story, you can read it here.

-Steve Fulton.

The song “Close” was released for review in the UK in mid-December 2004. It’s little late in the album cycle for “In The Poppy Fields”, and without a single to sell in the stores, it’s kind of a wasted effort. Still though, it’s nice to see The Alarm MMIV get some press, even though it’s not really the kind that does the much good. Why? Because reading through most of the reviews of the single (Google '"The Alarm Close" review' to read what I mean) you might think it was 1986 all over again. With a new U2 album out (the satisfyingly but light mega-hit "How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb") the same year as a new Alarm album (the unsung adventurous comeback "In The Poppy Fields"), comparisons have arisen again. Almost every review, good or bad, says "Close" sounds like U2. It’s funny though, because if you asked any one of those people to tell you the specific U2 song “Close” sounds like, they probably could not. Why? Because, really, it doesn’t sound like U2 at all. It sounds like an idealized burst of rock and roll , ardent in its obvious love for the medium, while gripping with simple lyrics of yearning and hope. It’s what people think U2 “should” sound like, but have not for many years now (sorry, not even on their new album). Furthermore, “Close” has none of the signature guitar sound of U2 or even much of Bono’s vox style. It sounds more like a cross between Icicle Works and Echo And the Bunnymen, shouted from the roof-top of decaying building somewhere in the dystopia of cold-war Europe. Funny though, that "Close" was written in 2001, long before the current U2 album was even being considered…but then that's not really the point. The point is, The Alarm and U2 have never really much sounded the same. They were friends and confidants with similar ideals who played guitar rock at time when it was patently unfashionable to do so. They might have affected each other in various ways, but that the influence was definitely not a one-way street.

The early 80's were an interesting time for music. Poverty, unemployment, skyrocketing inflation, the cold war, and armed conflict around the world were jettisoning us right into the post-modern age. The promise of punk rock, championed by music critics with The Damned in 1976, had became a Bow Wow Wow dog of epic proportions by the 1980. However the need for punk still existed, and it's influence had taken hold around the world. Passionate bands with roots deep in punk and protest began springing-up all over the place. Australia had Midnight Oil. The USA had R.E.M. Scotland had Big Country, Ireland had U2, and Wales had The Alarm. Many of the UK based bands (including other stalwarts such as Echo And the Bunnymen, Cactus World News, New Model Army, The Waterboys, and Icicle Works) would exemplify this "80's Sound" that is commonly, but mistakenly attributed solely to U2:, a passionate mix of guitars, big ideals, and earnest vocals. Many of these bands knew each other, and traveled in the same scene. They borrowed from each other, but each were able to etch-out their own identities that they took to various levels of success. However, as U2 broke out of the pack, and rose towards world domination, all this was forgotten. In the eyes of popular thought, U2 had started it all, and everyone else was simply following-on behind.

The one band that seemed dogged the most by U2 comparisons was The Alarm. While most of the other bands seemed to wriggle out of the "just like U2" comparisons, music critics seemed to load-up both barrels and aim them directly at The Alarm. However, besides the obvious passion in the songwriting, there are really not many songs from the early Alarm era that you could put side-by-side any U2 songs any definitely say "The Alarm ripped-off U2". But the comparisons persisted. Why? Well, U2 and The Alarm started out as friends. In late 1981, Ian Wilson, who was working with U2 at the time, discovered The Alarm, and both bands started playing with one another. Wilson would soon become The Alarm’s long-time manager. At the time, the only real similarities were that each band had four members and used guitars. The Alarm certainly did not come from the same place as U2. Far from being Irish art-rock boys with a Christian bent, The Alarm were raised on the punk of Liverpool, Manchester, and London, while working the seaside fun fairs of the Welsh coast. Their main influences were early punk and the power-pop of the Rich Kids, mixed with the politicized skiffle of the Stray Cats . Their cowboy outfits made them look a bit like The Clash, but they never sounded much like them. Stiff Little Fingers would have been a better comparison, if anyone had been wise enough at the time to make it. By the way, why was it OK for a band like Rancid (who I really enjoy) to not just echo The Clash, but sound EXACTLY LIKE The Clash in the mid-90's, yet still get the kind of critical consideration that befits a band whose sound is completely original? Where is the parity in the critical world? But, I digress.

While U2 were deep into the electric sound of their instruments (and experimenting with Middle Eastern sounds on October), The Alarm played all acoustic guitars. Three acoustic guitars and bass drum were their main musical weapons. Harmonicas might make an appearance as well, and sometimes an electric bass, but little else. The band even helped create a new sound by building guitars out of hollow-body acoustics and electric pick-ups. Yeah, you read that right. When these bands met, neither even played the same type of instruments. In fact, it wouldn't be until 1987 that U2 would pull-out acoustics and harmonica…oops, long after The Alarm had done it first.

However, acoustic guitars and harmonica were hardly the only things that U2 might have barrowed from The Alarm. While U2 had just released the introspective and outwardly religious "October", The Alarm were deep into their "war" mode. Martial drumming, and battle scenes in songs like "68 Guns" (written in 1979) "Marching On" (released as a single in 1982) and "Third Light" echoed the world weary war ravaged times. Funny though, that U2's next album, 1983' "War" would echo much the same sentiment. U2's entry might have been a more directed effort, but then they had the hindsight to focus their anger more than the broad statements of The Alarm's songs. U2 might not have been original, but they certainly showed the talent for taking influences and improving on them. Still, U2 might still have needed The Alarm to get them "over the edge". In an interview in the May 1991 issue of Stereo Review, Eddie Macdonald of The Alarm said that Bono once told him that with songs like "The Stand", they would have never been able to write "Sunday Bloody Sunday".

Some review of the Close single, released in December 2004 for review:

Close Single Review At Indigo Flow
Close Single Review At Music OMH
Close Single Review At Between Planets
Close Single Review At Atomic Duster

To all you lucky people attending The Gathering Aftershow, please note that all Aftershow tickets are being posted this week!

The Gathering is coming and here at MPO HQ, we are busily working away with the exciting advance preparations! We look forward to welcoming you to Wales very soon!

All the best,

MPO Team


MPO Team
Alarm Information Service
Tel: 011 44 (0)1745 571571
Fax: 011 44 (0)1745 571577
Email mpo@alarmpo.demon.co.uk
www.thealarm.com
PO Box 709, Prestatyn, Denbighshire, LL19 9YR, Wales, UK

There is a rumor that the video for "Close" is on very light rotation (a couple plays a week) on VH1 Europe.

If anyone sees it, please email us and tell all!