Mike Peters of The Alarm with the School of Rock Allstars
Mike Peters returns to MusicFest for what promises to be a unique performance. Playing a full set of Alarm and Mike Peter’s songs, the School of Rock Allstars will bring their own interpretations to the classic tunes.
Formed by Mike Peters in 1981, the early years of the Welsh band The Alarm featured amped up acoustic guitars, harmonica and passionate vocals that invited the enduring description “Bob Dylan meets The Clash.” Their work spans 17 Top 50 UK singles including the classic hits “68 Guns,” “Spirit Of 76,” “Rain In The Summertime,” “Strength,” “45 Rpm,” and of course “The Stand,” along with a host of successful albums on both sides of the Atlantic. Their latest full length album “Direct Action” was released in April 2010.
In 2000 the modern lineup of The Alarm came together with Peters joined by James Stevenson (Gen X) on guitar, bass guitarist Craig Adams (Sisters of Mercy/The Mission) and Steve Grantley (Stiff Little Fingers) on drums. After the groundbreaking release of five internet only studio albums titled “In the Poppy Fields,” the seeds for an Alarm renaissance were sown in 2004 when the band released its controversial “45 R.P.M.” under the infamous pseudonym The Poppy Fields.
The battle was just beginning for Peters, who was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia in 2006. He kept touring nonstop in the trademark green fatigues that helped him beat a bout of cancer ten years previously, and formed the Love, Hope, Strength Foundation, raising funds to fight cancer including leading a team of musicians to 18,500 feet on Mt. Everest.
“Counter Attack,” another multi-recording Alarm internet project in 2007, was the springboard the next release, “Guerilla Tactics,” which was launched with an audacious acoustic concert in Times Square. From adrenaline-filled acoustic rock played with a vengeance, to deft rock n’ roll played from the heart, the Alarm’s songs are something special with lasting significance.
This year, Peters is bringing his passion for music an d the fight against cancer to MusicFest at the Union County Fair for the fifth year in a row. He will perform a special set on Saturday September 17 at 12:00 noon with the School of Rock All-Stars featuring aspiring young musicians from around the region.
The School of Rock music schools uses an immersive, performance-based approach to inspire and motivate. The All-Stars program provides the topmost talented and passionate students with chance-of-a-lifetime opportunities to tour and perform.
Peters and Love, Hope, Strength will once again partner with The Valerie Fund in the Rock On! Walkathon and 5K Rock ‘n’ Run fundraisers on Saturday morning at Oak Ridge Park. Once again, the Love Hope Strength Foundation will host a bone marrow registry at the County Fair. In previous years, hundreds of fairgoers have signed up and 13 potentially life-saving matches have been identified.
To register for the Rock On! Walkathon or 5K Rock ‘n’ Run visit uclovehopestrength.com.
More information on the School of Rock music schools is available at schoolofrock.com.
