Latest news with #MikePeters
North Wales Live
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- North Wales Live
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
Wales Online
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Funeral for Welsh musician Mike Peters ‘spot on perfect', long-time friend says
Funeral for Welsh musician Mike Peters 'spot on perfect', long-time friend says The rock star, who was the frontman of Welsh band The Alarm, died on April 29 from blood cancer at the age of 66 Footage of Mike Peters performing, played to mourners gathered outside St Bridget and St Cwyfan in Dyserth The funeral for rock musician Mike Peters was "spot on perfect", his friend and charity co-founder has said, as the singer was laid to rest in the village he lived in. The rock star, who was the frontman of Welsh band The Alarm, died on April 29 from blood cancer at the age of 66 – more than 30 years after he was first diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) at the age of 36. Fans and friends travelled from all over the world to celebrate Peters's life, with tears and laughter inside the Parish Church of St Bridget and St Cwyfan in Dyserth, north Wales, during the two-hour service. Peters's wife, Jules, 58, and their 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. Around 150 guests attended the emotional funeral service, including James Chippendale, the co-founder of Peters's charity, Love Hope Strength, which aims to raise awareness and funds for those fighting cancer. Speaking to the PA News Agency after the service, Mr Chippendale said 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." Paying tribute to his friend of 18 years, Chippendale, who travelled from Mexico for the funeral, said: "Here's the thing about Mike – whether you were his great mate like me, or his fans, he's always the same. "What you saw on stage, what you saw when he was interacting with the fans, was Mike. "Mike never faked it. Mike was always authentic, just amazingly authentic. "I think that's why so many people gravitate towards him, and I think that's why so many people connect with him. "If you put yourself out there like he did and open yourself up like he did, there's no way of not loving him, honestly." He said the musician has changed the lives of people who did not even know him through his charity work, such as his Get On The List campaigns, often publicised at rock concerts, which have seen the charity add more than 250,000 people to stem cell registers worldwide. He said: "I think that the legacy is not how he affected the fans or his family or his friends, but how he affected the people that never even knew he existed. "Through the charity work, there's people alive today because of the work that Mike did. And that's the real, true definition of when you know you changed the world. "You got the songs, you got the charity, you've got his boys, you've got Jules. It'll all live on, but there are thousands and thousands of people that are also living on because of him." Fans who gathered outside the church with ice creams, picnics and drinks to watch the funeral on a big screen wiped away tears, applauded and sang along throughout the ceremony, which featured tributes from friends and musicians including Peters's bandmate Eddie Macdonald of The Alarm, as well as drummer Slim Jim Phantom of the Stray Cats and Billy Duffy of The Cult, who played Fade In, Fade Out, Fade Away. Bruce and Jamie Watson of Big Country, a band Peters was a member of between 2011 and 2013, also played Fragile Thing. Producer and director Alex Coletti became tearful as he shared memories of Peters sharing his vitamins with him while he was fighting cancer, as they both reached Everest base camp. He said: "Mike was all that everyone said he was and so much more. "Mike had to carry medicine and he had a vitamin supplement, just enough to get him through the trek, and one morning, as the climb got higher and harder, he said 'here, drink this'. And he did that every morning, even though he needed every drop. "I thought I was there to look after him, but he was looking after me." Slim Jim Phantom recalled meeting Peters when he was 17 under "false pretences" after he turned up to a Stray Cats gig with his band pretending to be the opening act. He said: "He did about seven shows until someone figured out they weren't the opening act, but by that point it was too late, Mikey boy had worked his magic on me and I loved the guy." He added: "We always stayed in very close touch all these years. I truly love the guy and I think about him all the time." Eddie MacDonald shared memories of meeting Peters as babies on Rhyl beach and growing up together, forming their first band at 17 and their rise to success, calling him a "catalyst who always made things happen". He said: "He was entrepreneurial, his energy, his drive was infectious. Whenever he set his heart on something, he would achieve it and God help anyone who got in his way. "He was a huge inspiration to work with." There was also a "minute of noise" started by The Alarm's tour manager Andy Labrow, which saw those inside and outside the church cheering, clapping and whooping in Peters's memory. Peters's wife Jules said they had "39 wonderful years" together, with the last year before his death "one of our best years ever, living life to the full". She said: "I want to thank you all for coming from far and wide and everyone outside – it was the most incredible thing to arrive and walk down to that, it set the tears off but it was happy tears. "Mike would be so proud." She added: "Let's be happy today and concentrate on all that we have had with our beloved Michael Leslie Peters. He will live on in our hearts and live on in his music." Peters, who supported U2 and Status Quo on tour and played with Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen, underwent numerous drug treatments and rounds of chemotherapy, and had tried experimental therapy to keep his cancer at bay. Last year, five days before he was due to fly to Chicago for a 50-date US tour, he noticed that a lump in his neck had appeared overnight and doctors quickly realised the star had developed Richter's syndrome, where CLL changes into a much more aggressive lymphoma. He had been undergoing treatment at the Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester before his death. Article continues below The artist first rose to prominence in the early 1980s with The Alarm, with hits including 68 Guns and Strength. He was made an MBE in 2019 for voluntary services to cancer care in north Wales and abroad.
The Independent
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Fans to join family and friends of musician Mike Peters at his funeral in Wales
Friends, family and fans of musician Mike Peters, who died at the age of 66, are expected to gather in Wales for his funeral on Thursday. The rock star, who was frontman of Welsh band The Alarm, died on April 29 from blood cancer, more than 30 years after he was first diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) at the age of 36. More than 150 guests, some who have travelled from the US, will attend the funeral service in the village of Dyserth alongside Peters' wife Jules, 58, and their sons Dylan, 21, and Evan, 18. Dylan and Evan are expected to carry a casket containing their father's ashes to the Parish Church of St Bridget and St Cwyfan for the service, which will feature readings and musical performances. Peters' sons are expected to play guitar as those in attendance since Stand By Me, before Welsh TV presenter and opera singer Rhys Meirion, who is himself being treated for cancer, performs Anfonaf Angel. There will also be performances of Wonderwall, by Evan, and Fade In Fade Out Fade Away by Peters' longtime friend and collaborator Billy Duffy of The Cult. Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth will speak of Peters' contributions to Welsh culture, and Welsh singer and campaigner Dafydd Iwan will perform Yma o Hyd. The service is expected to be broadcast on a big screen outside the church for fans who are planning to attend. In a statement, Jules Peters said: 'Mike lived as he sang – with passion, courage, and an unshakeable belief in the power of people to make a difference. His voice may be still, but his message and music will never fade. 'Mike was so grateful for the love so many people showed him in his lifetime, and we are so grateful for the outpouring of love our family has received in the past few weeks since he died. 'Mike's music will keep us strong, and the community he built for all of us will sustain us. 'Today is a sad day, but it's also a celebration of his life and the legacy he created. Mike is very much here in spirit.' Reverend Gregor Lachlann-Waddell, the vicar at the Parish Church of St Bridget and St Cwyfan, said it was an 'honour and a privilege' to lead the service in the village 'Mike loved so much'. He said: 'The celebration we have carefully curated befits a man whose life was marked by music, resilience, and unwavering hope. 'While staying true to his Welsh roots, Mike found global fame, and the people who have come to celebrate his life today, many travelling thousands of miles, are reflective of the remarkable life he carved for himself and his family.' Peters, who supported U2 and Status Quo on tour and played with Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen, underwent numerous drug treatments and rounds of chemotherapy, and had tried experimental therapy to keep his cancer at bay. Last year, five days before he was due to fly to Chicago for a 50-date US tour, he noticed that a lump in his neck had appeared overnight and doctors quickly realised the star had developed Richter's syndrome, where CLL changes into a much more aggressive lymphoma. He had been undergoing treatment at the Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester before his death. The artist first rose to prominence in the early 1980s with The Alarm, with hits including 68 Guns and Strength. He was made an MBE in 2019 for voluntary services to cancer care in north Wales and abroad. Alongside his wife, he co-founded Love Hope Strength, a cancer charity to encourage action around stem cell donation. Through its Get On The List campaigns, often publicised at rock concerts, the charity has added more than 250,000 people to stem cell registers worldwide.
North Wales Live
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Live
Thousands to gather to celebrate life of The Alarm's Mike Peters
Thousands are expected to descend on Dyserth today (Thursday) for the funeral of much-loved The Alarm frontman - Mike Peters. Family, friends, music and entertainment industry associates and fans will gather, to say a fond farewell and pay tribute to Mike. The legendary musician and cancer campaigner, from Prestatyn, passed away on April 29 after a brave 30-year battle with cancer, with tributes pouring in after to remember Mike and his fantastic impact on all that knew and met him. The service will take place at the Parish Church of St Bridget and St Cwyfan, Waterfall Road, Dyserth and will feature 24 speakers and musicians. They will be offering heartfelt reflections, readings, and performances to honour Mike's remarkable journey — from rock star to cancer warrior and founder of the Love Hope Strength Foundation. You can read about Mike's incredible legacy here. Outside the church, a big screen will be erected for those gathered there, so they can part of the celebration. Around 150 invited guests, many of whom have travelled from the United States, will attend the service along with Mike's widow Jules, 58 and their sons Dylan, 21, and Evan, 18. We will bring you all the latest pictures and updates from today's celebration as we get the, via the live blog below. Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you. If you have some information you can contact us by following our Twitter feed @northwaleslive - the official North Wales Live account - real news in real time. Or like - your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the North Wales Live. Don't forget you can also keep up to date with the latest via the free North Wales Live app. Download it for Apple devices here and Android devices here. 11:37Steve Bagnall Waterfall Road blocked off for mourmers ahead if funeral service Waterfall Road has been blocked off for mourmers as people gather for the funeral of Mike Peters, which is set to start at 3pm. 'His voice may be still, but his message and music will never fade' In an emotional statement, Jules Peters spoke of the Mike's wonderful belief in people and their power to make a difference: Mike lived as he sang – with passion, courage, and an unshakeable belief in the power of people to make a difference. His voice may be still, but his message and music will never fade. Mike was so grateful for the love so many people showed him in his lifetime, and we are so grateful for the outpouring of love our family has received in the past few weeks since he died. Mike's music will keep us strong, and the community he built for all of us will sustain us. Today is a sad day, but it's also a celebration of his life and the legacy he created. Mike is very much here in spirit. People gathering before TV screen outside church People are already gathering before a TV screen outisde in Dyserth which will televise the funeral service of Mike Peters: 11:17Steve Bagnall Preparations underway before the service Preparations are underway on the streets of Dyserth, before family, friends and guests arrive for the service: Funeral to take place this afternoon The funeral of Mike Peters is set to take place at 3pm today at St Bridget Church in Dyserth, with 150 invited guests. A TV screen will also be erected outside for people gathered there to follow the service:
Wales Online
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Thousands expected in small Welsh village for rock icon Mike Peters funeral that hopes to be 'like a festival'
Thousands expected in small Welsh village for rock icon Mike Peters funeral that hopes to be 'like a festival' Mourners from around the world are expected to travel to Wales to celebrate the life of The Alarm's Mike Peters The funeral of Mike Peters is being held in Dyserth on Thursday (Image: PA ) Thousands of fans are expected to gather in a small Welsh village for the funeral of rock icon Mike Peters later. People from across the globe are expected to travel to Peters' home village of Dyserth in Denbighshire on Thursday (May 29) to pay their respects to The Alarm's legendary frontman.. The musician died on April 29 at the age of 66 after being treated for an aggressive lymphoma, leaving behind his wife Jules and sons Dylan and Evan. He lived with cancer for over 30 years. Speaking to BBC Radio Wales, Peters' widow Jules said she hopes the funeral will be "like a festival and something that will go down in history." Jules said her husband had always held so much confidence that we would recover that he hadn't planned much for his funeral. "I didn't like to bring it up too much in case he thought that I thought he was going to die," she said. "We did have a funny conversation once when he said 'if you keep talking funerals you're really damaging my confidence here'. So I stopped." Around 150 people have been invited to the service at the Parish Church of St Bridget and St Cwyfan. However, a large outdoor screen and sound system has been put up in front of the church to allow fans to engage with the service, including joining in with plenty of songs. Peters' ashes will be buried in the churchyard across the road from the cafe she runs with her sons - The Red. Mike Peters with his wife Jules (Image: PA ) Jules told Radio Wales: "I never thought that Mike could be buried in the graveyard across the road from The Red in the village where he was born. "What I really wanted was somewhere public where everybody could come and pay their respects for the rest of time and that's what we've got." She added that it has "brought her the most comfort" to know that her husband will be laid to rest opposite their cafe. "I really hope that Mike knows that we are doing this because he didn't know this was happening in our last discussion. "It's bringing great comfort to me, Dylan and Evan. They work the coffee shop, so in the morning we literally are going to have a coffee and pop over to see Mike. Where he's laid to rest, he'll be able to keep an eye on us, so it's perfect." Jules also thanked the residents of Dyserth for their understanding as roads are closed to accommodate the funeral. "I think it's befitting for the man that came from Dyserth who became the rock star, travelled all around the world and always wanted to put the village on the map," she said. Following his death, tributes flooded in for the beloved rock star, who co-founded the Love Hope Strength cancer charity. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here Jules expressed that she was "touched by the outpouring of love" and the sheer volume of people planning to travel from abroad for the funeral. In an open invitation to the funeral, Jules said: "Whether you knew him as the incredible musician he was, called him a friend or neighbour, respected him for the support he gave for others affected by cancer, or just want to be part of what we think will be a memorable day in a special place, you are very welcome to join us. "We are doing everything we can to provide a fitting celebration to someone who lit up the world whilst he was here. "All our family are so grateful to everyone in and around our village for the incredible support we've been given and for enabling us to recognise Mike's life in such an inclusive way, just as he would have wanted. Article continues below "As we have said before, it feels profoundly right that Mike's farewell will take place in Dyserth, the village where he was born and he proudly called home, and in sight of The Red, where he found so much happiness."
