Big Country, Simple Minds and The Cult pay tribute to Mike Peters

North Wales Chronicle

30-04-2025

The frontman of The Alarm has been described as a "beautiful person" by friends and colleagues in the music industry and a valiant fighter and campaigner who was "loved and admired by so many".
The husband to Jules and father to sons Dylan and Evan, who supported U2 and Status Quo on tour and played with Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen, died in the early hours of April 29 from blood cancer. He was first diagnosed with the blood cancer chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) more than 30 years ago, aged 36.
Mike, who was born in Prestatyn and lived in Dyserth, first rose to prominence in the early 1980s with The Alarm, with hits including 68 Guns and Strength.
He reformed The Alarm in 2000 and also worked as the singer for Big Country for a couple of years from 2011.
Big Country said: "Bruce, Sandra, Jamie and the band would like to send their heartfelt condolences to Jules, Dylan and Evan following the devastating news of Mike's passing. We are all deeply saddened."
Billy Duffy, from The Cult, a long-term friend of Mike's [Mike formed a band called Coloursound with the guitarist], said: 'I truly believe a light has gone out in the world today and I'm going to miss my brother from another mother.
"Mike was not only an inspiration to millions of people suffering from cancer but also an inspiration to me as he spread nothing but positivity in every situation.
'I can take some comfort from the fact that when the end came, he accepted it with his usual grace, and ended his days in this life in his beloved North Wales with his family and friends around him."
Simple Minds frontman Jim Kerr penned a heartfelt tribute, making mention when he last saw the artist and his wife.
He said: "'To stay alive and appreciate every second you've got, it's what it's all about.'
"It was words to that effect Mike Peters said when he and his wife Jules sat with me and Charlie on our last visit to Wales last year.
"As always when in their company, so good it was just to sit and talk, we almost forgot that we were due on stage within minutes.
"But it was time to go to work and so they accompanied Simple Minds as we made our way from the dressing room to the steps leading to the stage, hugging and shaking hands as we were about to walk on. We had no idea then when we would next see each other, but hoped sooner rather than later?
"Some months later we were delighted to know that Mike Peters was due to join the line-up of acts performing at our Simple Minds, Bellahouston Park show in Glasgow, this coming June. I had also mentioned something about having him over to my house the night before the Glasgow event, no big deal just something to be arranged nearer the time.
"Over the next day you'll read a lot of comments describing Mike as a beautiful person, a Welsh hero, and so much more.
"All will be absolutely true. He was loved and admired by so many.
"On behalf of Simple Minds we send our condolences."
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Tony Hadley, lead singer of Spandau Ballet, paid tribute to his "good friend."
He said: "So very sad to hear about my good friend Mike Peters. He was a true gentleman in every way, as well as a great and talented musician.
"Over the years, we played in charity football matches together and saw each other at live events many times.
"I'll be raising a glass to you! My heartfelt condolences to Jules and all the family. RIP, love Tone xx."
American record producer, musician and singer Tony Visconti recalled working with The Alarm in 1989.
He said: "Very sad news. Mike Peters of the group The Alarm has passed away. I had the pleasure of working with the band in 1989.
"Mike was a Welshman from the Valleys who didn't grow up speaking that beautiful language, but he espoused it later in life, his wife Julie was his teacher.
"He supported cancer awareness causes as he was diagnosed early on with carrying the deadly cells early on. That he lived this long is a miracle.
"Rest In Peace dear Mike."
Manic Street Preachers wrote on Instagram: "Very sad news - Mike Peters, a true fighter with a heavenly voice. Love to all his family and friends M.S.P."
Gang of Four posted: "RIP Mike Peters. A fighter and inspiration to many. Bravo, good innings, mate."
The Fixx wrote: "R.I.P. Mike Peters - of @thealarm and founder of Love Hope Strength.
"We will all miss you!!!"
The Archive shared a throwback photo of Mike with their band.
They wrote: "We are all so very sad to hear of the passing of Mike Peters From The Alarm. We met Mike through Smiley who worked and toured with Mike for many years drumming for The Alarm.
"Mike joined us to play a brilliant Harmonica in London & Paris on Again during the 25 tour, we hold that memory close to our hearts and send love to his family.
"What a wonderful human being he was , RIP Mike Peters x."
4th Street also shared a photo with their tribute to the singer who they termed a "proper all round nice guy."
"Sad to hear the Welsh Rock Legend Mike Peters has died, got to perform with him on a number occasions back in the day," they said.
"Proper all round nice guy."
MGT commented that they had "no words..."
They wrote: "No words… a true legend has left us.
"He battled valiantly for many years. Sending much love to Jules, his kids and all the family."
Musician, singer and songwriter Howard Jones said: "So sad to hear of Mike Peters passing. I have many wonderful memories of him and his lovely wife Jules.
"Thank you for the positive messages and the great work you gave us all Mike."
New Model Army called Mike a "fellow traveller" with a "kind, generous nature and a true spirit" whilst Silversun Pickups shared a black and white photo of the artist with the words 'Mike Peters' and a red heart emoji.
Rock band The Sweet, who rose to prominence in the 1970s, paid tribute to Mike commenting that he fought his battle with "that b*stard disease" with dignity.
In a statement, lead guitarist Andy Scott said: "He had fought his battle with that b*stard disease with dignity.
"We spent more time discussing health than music and he was at the no direct contact stage while he was being treated.
"He still looked pretty good. My wife Jane and I send our heartfelt condolences to Jules and family. Another Welsh talent gone but not forgotten."
The Christians posted on social media: "Such sadness for the loss of a man, Mike Peters, who possessed such bravery dignity hope courage and had a huge zest for life.
"We had the pleasure of appearing at The Gathering and saw first hand the love of the Welsh people for him (and from all people who met him and heard the songs of The Alarm). Seems unbelievable and so cruel that this beautiful couple Mike & Jules Peters have been separated.
"We are so so sorry you lost this long battle."