Alarm to return to their roots in 2021

Dyserth’s Mike Peters and The Alarm held their 28th annual Gathering at Venue Cymru, Llandudno this weekend.

The sold-out celebration was described as “one of the best on record”.

The event started on Friday with a side dish of intrigue as a message on the band’s website asked audiences to “dress for the occasion and become part of the show”.

Dave Jones, long-term supporter of the The Gathering 2020, said: “What audiences were then exposed to, was a ground-breaking piece of immersive rock theatre formed from a newly-composed Mike Peters’ narrative entitled Stream [Hurricane of Change].

“Based upon two classic Alarm albums - Eye Of The Hurricane (1987) and Change (1989), the story was performed musically by The Alarm and acted out ‘live’ within the surroundings of the audience members, by a 10-person cast.”

This was led by Denbigh actor Sean Jones, a long-time friend of Alarm frontman Peters, who took on the role of narrator throughout.

Jones, of Blood Brothers and Macbeth, is a long-time friend of Peters.

Peters later took to the stage and performed an electro-acoustic set based on requests taken from audience members.

Painted brollies were passed out to the audience members during Rain In the Summertime.

The Gathering, which attracts fans from across the globe, was first established as a way to reach fans after Peters was diagnosed with leukaemia.

Pictures: Andy Labrow, Graham Harries, David Coombs and Jules Peters

On Saturday morning the excitement of the night before was still felt by fans.

The ever-popular Alarm Mastermind took place at midday.

In order to celebrate The Alarm’s 40th Anniversary in 2021, an ‘emotional’ Peters unveiled his future plans to bring the Gathering 2021 back to its original beginnings in Rhyl Town Hall for two acoustic concerts.

This will be on May 21 and22 along with a private event on May 23 at The Royal Victoria Hotel, Prestatyn.

Also revealed was Love Hope Strength Foundation’s newest event - Offa’s Dyke Rocks (May 23-June 4, 2021), which will raise funds for cancer care projects.

On the Saturday evening, The Alarm hit the stage for an ‘intense high voltage rock and roll’ show.

Dave said: “This began with Blood Red Viral Black from their recent Number One UK Rock Album Sigma and a whole host of modern classic and vintage standards like The Stand and Sixty Eight Guns’.”A highlight was the 45 RPM medley in the middle of Spirit Of ‘76 which had the whole of Venue Cymru on it’s feet. “Mike Peters was a whirlwind of energy all night long, prowling the stage and singing in various microphone positions, backed to the hilt by his band mates.

“Mike’s wife Jules, played the keys to perfection, and created sounds that only enhanced the fact that The Alarm is a guitar band at heart.”

On Sunday, the Love Hope Strength Walkathon Event took place; an annual fundraising stroll by the seaside.

Dave added: “Mike Peters led the way to the end of the Victorian Pier where an impromptu acoustic festival broke out.

“Hands were clapped and feet were stomped and the pier was rocked by all.”

“Mike sang with a voice still going strong after 48 hours of perpetual use, and after a daunting weekend of change, restructure and renewal, everyone went home feeling a little bit more optimistic, a little bit more hopeful and a whole lot stronger.”