Birds send 'sign' in 'beautifully iconic' moment at Mike Peters' funeral
Two small birds captivated friends and fans during yesterday's 'spot on perfect' funeral for Mike Peters (Thursday, May 29). One caused a ripple of excitement when it joined the star-studded congregation in Dyserth, the Denbighshire village the rock musician lived in.
Later, in the cemetery, a robin alighted near Mike's graveside. In Celtic mythology, the robin was a symbol of passion as well as new beginnings - they were believed to bring messages of hope and rebirth.
Mourners flew in from the USA and around the world for the moving and eloquent service at St Bridget and St Cwyfan Church. Some 24 speakers offered tributes, memories and music during the almost two-and-a-half-hour service.
There were tears but also plenty of laughter as friends and relatives remembered a life well lived. At one point, heads turned when a bird fluttered over the altar and landed on one of Mike's guitars. Perched next to Mike's widow Jules and her two boys, it remained almost motionless for quite some time, as if listening to the service.
Dozens of the 7,000 people watching a live stream took it as a 'sign'. One viewer wrote online: 'When a bird appears, a loved one is near. The bird is Mike Leslie Peters getting a final wish to say goodbye to everyone here today.'
Another said it was a 'beautifully iconic' moment. The bird was thought to be a Dipper, perhaps visiting from Dyserth's famous waterfall next to the church. A third person added: 'I like to think that is Mike letting us all know he is with us all.'
The rock star, frontman of North Wales band The Alarm, died on April 29 from blood cancer at the age of 66. He'd been diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia more than 30 years earlier.
Jules, 58, and sons Dylan, 21, and Evan, 18, were applauded by hundreds of fans as they walked into the church, with his wife clutching a single red rose and his youngest son carrying his father's ashes. Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone
Around 150 guests attended the emotional funeral service, including James Chippendale, the co-founder of the Peters' charity, Love Hope Strength, which aims to raise awareness and funds for those fighting cancer.
Mr Chippendale, who travelled from Mexico for the funeral, told PA News the celebration of his life was 'very, very Mike Peters'. He said: 'A little bit grungy, a little bit long, a little bit funny, a little bit sad, great music, and it just couldn't have been a more perfect ending. I think he would have been laughing his ass off.'
During a string of heartfelt eulogies Danny Cohen - Mike's son Dylan's godfather - said Mike's energy was superhuman. Andy Labrow, The Alarm's tour manager, remembered discussing politics, faith and music with Mike.
Andy said Mike felt like his brother from another mother and 'we never had a crossed word.' He added: 'I never thought I'd say that about a Man Utd fan,' to laughter from the audience.
Weatherman Derek Brockway remembered a walk he went on with Mike from Gwaenysgor to Prestatyn. He said 'Mike may have been an international rock star but he never let fame go to his head. Mike was one of the nicest people you could wish to meet.'
And in another eulogy, Sean Taylor, Zip World founder and friend, said: 'He was the most positive guy I have ever met in my life. He honestly truly thought he was going to get through this (last illness).'
Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth paid tribute to everything Mike had done for Wales. 'Thank you for celebrating that Welshness that binds us together.'
Dafydd Iwan, who sang Yma o Hyd, called Mike 'a very inspiring man'. He said: 'I can't believe there has ever been such a collection of eulogies so beautifully expressed.'
One of the most moving parts of the service, which lasted just under three hours, came when tenor Rhys Meirion, who has had his own health issues and only had an operation ten days ago, sang Anfonaf Angel. Another emotional moment came when Mike and Jules' son Evan played Oasis's Wonderwall.
At the end, mourners were asked to pause in the church and on the road outside while the Peters family laid Mike, whose ashes were in a casket, to rest in the churchyard.
A celebration of his life was then held in The Red in Dyserth where Mike had performed only last December. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox
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