Mike Peters, frontman of rock band The Alarm, dies at 66

Mike Peters, the charismatic frontman of the Welsh rock band The Alarm, passed away on Tuesday April 29, at the age of 66 after a years long battle with blood cancer. His death was announced in a video post on the band's Facebook page and confirmed by his wife Jules Peters, co-founder of the Love Hope Strength Foundation, the cancer charity she co-founded with her husband Mike.

Peters was first diagnosed with lymphoma in 1995 and later with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Despite his health challenges, he remained active in music and became a prominent advocate for cancer awareness. In 2007, he co-founded the Love Hope Strength Foundation, which focuses on cancer care and awareness. The foundation has been instrumental in registering over 250,000 people as stem cell donors.

In 2024, Peters was diagnosed with Richter's syndrome, a rare and aggressive form of lymphoma that arises from CLL. This development forced the cancellation of The Alarm's U.S. tour and led to intensive treatment, including chemotherapy and participation in clinical trials.

Born Michael Leslie Peters on February 25, 1959, in Prestatyn, Wales, Peters grew up in Rhyl. He began his musical journey in the late 1970s with punk bands like The Toilets and Seventeen. In 1981, he co-founded The Alarm, alongside guitarist Dave Sharp, bassist Eddie MacDonald, and drummer Nigel Twist . The band quickly gained attention with their energetic performances and anthemic songs.

The Alarm's debut album, Declaration (1984), featured the hit single "Sixty Eight Guns," which became their signature song. They followed up with albums like Strength (1985) and Eye of the Hurricane (1987), solidifying their place in the alternative rock scene. The band toured extensively, opening for acts such as U2, Bob Dylan, and Queen.

After the original lineup disbanded in 1991, Peters pursued a solo career, releasing albums like Breathe (1994) and Feel Free (1996). He later reformed The Alarm in the 2000s with new members, continuing to release music and tour under the band's name, their most recent release was the single "Outlier" earlier this year.

Mike Peters is remembered not only for his contributions to music but also for his unwavering spirit and dedication to cancer advocacy. His work with the Love Hope Strength Foundation has had a lasting impact, offering hope and support to countless individuals affected by cancer. Peters is survived by his wife, Jules, and their two sons, Dylan and Evan.