The day we dreaded has arrived when we have to say goodbye to one of the Greats, Mike Peters. Already, the tributes flooding in from his multitude of friends in the music industry show firstly what a talented musician, singer and songwriter he was. However, without fail, they all speak of their love for a beautiful, kind and caring man.
All around the world, the lights will be going down tonight, as many mourn Mike’s passing, but the pain is felt nowhere more than in his North Wales homeland where he is, quite simply, a legend. He was a towering figure whose monumental fundraising efforts helped to build the North Wales Cancer Centre which saved many patients and families from long journeys for treatment.
Mike performed on mountains around the world, he popped up singing in the entrance foyer of our hospitals, he walked along the coastline, performing as he went and he tirelessly banged the drum for people to register as potential bone marrow donors. Everything above is a measure of the man, but I can testify from many personal experiences, and from people who knew him and those who taught him at school, Mike Peters was a genuinely lovely guy. He was kind, considerate and humble with a gift for putting people at ease and making them feel special.
Away from the limelight, on a one-to-one, he could make you feel ten feet tall. I once saw him deliver a talk in his old school to around a thousand teenagers at 9 a.m., many of whom didn’t know who he was. Believe me, that is a tough crowd! Mike was clearly not a morning person but, when he started to speak, he came to life. He had them in the palm of his hand as he spoke about his journey, a mention of Dylan here, and U2 there, but always about them, what they could become and the importance of going for it. As I said, tough crowd, but what an impact Mike Peters made on them.
Mike Peters, the frontman of Welsh band The Alarm, passed away on April 29, 2025, at the age of 66 after a long battle with blood cancer. He had been undergoing treatment for fast-growing lymphoma at the Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester.
Peters was first diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) more than 30 years ago, when he was just 36 years old. Last year, he faced a devastating turn when he discovered a large swollen gland on his neck just five days before he was scheduled to fly to Chicago for a tour. This shocking news led to a diagnosis of Richter's syndrome, a transformation of CLL into a more aggressive form of lymphoma.
“I am still reeling from the consequences of this new and completely unforeseen diagnosis and doing my best to process what is happening,” Peters said in a statement at the time. He leaves behind his wife, Jules, and their two sons, Dylan, 20, and Evan, 18.
During his career, Peters supported U2 and Status Quo on tour and played alongside legends like Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen. He first rose to fame in the early 1980s with The Alarm, which had hits including "68 Guns" and "Strength." In 2019, he was awarded an MBE for his contributions to cancer care.
His legacy extends beyond music; Peters was also a dedicated activist in the fight against cancer. He co-founded the Love Hope Strength Foundation with his wife, which has significantly contributed to cancer awareness and fundraising efforts. The foundation's “Get on the List” campaigns have successfully added over 250,000 people to the global stem cell registry, helping countless patients in need of transplants.
Even while battling cancer, Peters continued to perform and inspire. He participated in the Rebellion festival last year, delivering stunning performances during a break from chemotherapy. Those who witnessed his shows during this time will never forget his resilience and passion for music.
In a heartfelt tribute, Ian Gwyn Hughes from the Football Association of Wales remarked on Peters’ impact, stating, “He will not only be remembered for his music but also as just a proper, genuine football fan who made a huge contribution to the culture of The Red Wall.” Peters had composed and sung the EURO 2020 Wales song, "The Red Wall Of Cymru," which further solidified his connection to the Welsh community.
Peters’ DJ skills were also a significant part of his life. He often spun records at his local pub, The Red, and shared his Top 10 Rebellion Floor Fillers, showcasing his infectious enthusiasm for music. His selections included classics like "Rebel Rebel" by David Bowie, "Town Called Malice" by The Jam, and "Fight For Your Right To Party" by the Beastie Boys, reflecting his deep appreciation for the punk scene and its evolution.
Mike Peters was born in North Wales in 1959 and grew up in the same neighborhood as future bandmate Eddie McDonald. His journey into music began after being inspired by the Sex Pistols during a concert in Chester in 1976. This pivotal moment led him and his friends to form a punk band called the Toilets, which later evolved into The Alarm.
The Alarm signed with I.R.S. Records and found success with singles like "The Stand" and "Sixty Eight Guns," often compared to U2 due to their similar sound and shared experiences on tour. Peters’ unique vocal style and the band’s acoustic-driven music set them apart, allowing them to carve out a distinct identity in the rock scene.
Despite the ups and downs of his career, including a brief hiatus from The Alarm in the early 1990s, Peters remained a beloved figure in music. He revived the band years later, releasing new albums and touring, always citing music as a vital force in lifting his spirits during his illness.
As he once reflected, “I can still sing, play guitar and write songs, and I give thanks for all the simple things in life that keep me going.” This enduring spirit and passion for life are what Mike Peters will be remembered for as fans and friends around the world celebrate his remarkable legacy.
