AFTER a very difficult year, The Alarm's Mike Peters is back on stage doing what he does best!
The Gathering returned to Llandudno's Venue Cymru last weekend and has been hailed by Mike, his wife Jules and fans as "the best ever".
The annual three-day event took place over Friday, January 27; Saturday, January 28 and Sunday, January 29. The event concluded on Sunday with a charity hike along the promenade of Llandudno to the Pier and back to the Arena.
The future of The Gathering was initally not certain; Dyserth rocker Mike was hospitalised in September. Earlier in 2022, following an acclaimed national tour with his band, Mike relapsed [Mike was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia in 2005].
The rocker stopped responding to his medication and had to undergo a new gruelling treatment plan.
Fortunately, following treatment, the frontman was able to get back to doing what he loves.
More than 1,500 fans attended The Gathering. People travelled from Seattle, Los Angeles, New York, USA, Australia, all over Europe and from various parts of the United Kingdom.
Jules, organiser and pianist, said: "The weekend has surpassed all others and surpassed all my expectations. To witness over 1,500 people all gathered together in the spirit of Love Hope and Strength and all things Alarm has just lifted my spirits like no other."
Mike described the weekend as his "ultimate live experience."
"Back in October, lying in my bed in the North Wales Cancer Centre, I wondered if I would ever be able to perform again," he said.
"The weekend has been the ultimate tonic for me. I’m back. The future has opened wide again for me."
The Gathering weekend kicked off with an emotional evening acoustic performance on the Friday.
Jules spoke to assembled fans and explained how important the weekend was for Mike to focus and regain his strength.
As Jules introduced Mike to the stage, Alarm fans began an impromptu singing to Mike of the classic Alarm song, 'Walk Forever by my Side.'
Jules added: "There wasn’t a dry eye in the house.
"Saturday was a day of celebration with a frenzy of activity for Alarm fans; Quizzes and a keynote afternoon speech by Mike Peters explaining the roll out of 2023 with a brand new Alarm album and selected live dates in tandem around this treatments at the North Wales Cancer Centre."
On Saturday night, Mike and Jules Peters hosted a reception for Love Hope Strength, their charity which hosted a hike to the Sahara last year.
The trek raised an incredible £100,000; the reception explained and outlined where the money was being spent.
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Jules said: "Audiences heard from a Rhyl Man who had donated and saved a German life after signing up to the bone marrow donor list whilst attending an Alarm show.
"As the clock ticked down to stage time, The Alarm hit the stage to a rapturous reception and Mike shouted 'I’m back'.
"The Alarm ripped through a three-hour greatest hit set which saw Mike literally jumping for joy.
"The Gathering crowd were with him every step of the way, arms aloft and hands in the air.
"An Alarm concert is an experience like no other - the fans and band assembled as one."
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