Mike Peters / The Flowerpot / Derby

Nov 15

Nov 15 Mike Peters / The Flowerpot / Derby

The 80’s, for me, was a decade of some incredible music, with the likes of the Cult, Sisters of Mercy, Gary Numan, The Pogues and The Alarm. Formed in Rhyl, North Wales in 1981, initially as a punk band (called The Toilets in 1977), under lead vocalist Mike Peters, the band soon embraced a folk-rock style, embracing the Welsh language and culture (similar to Scottish rockers Runrig). They went on to open for the likes of U2 and Bob Dylan, they became one of the most popular new wave bands of the ‘80s.

The Alarm's highest charting single in Britain was 1983's Sixty Eight Guns, which reached number 17 on the UK Singles Chart and their 1984 album “Declaration” peaked at number six on the UK Albums Chart.

The last time I saw The Alarm live was back in something like 1987/88, and I was so looking forward to seeing Mike perform live again. A short hop along the A52 to Derby and The Flowerpot, a brilliant grass roots music venue with a capacity of about 250.

Doors at 8, and Mike on stage at 9. There’s no support but we have two full sets from the man himself to look forward. The place is packed and a great mix with old fans like myself and newer music lovers which was great to see. The stage is set up ready, with Mikes green “The Vigilante” guitar on its stand at the back, and a bass drum surrounded by a range of pedals ready at the front.

Mike walks out onto the stage with a wide grin to raucous applause and picks up “The Vigilante” and launches straight into In the Poppy Fields. What strikes me right off, is how strong Mike’s vocals are – crisp and clear. The set is a really good mix of the more familiar and popular chart hits and to the more casual fan as well as less well know tracks such as The Drunk and the Disorderly.

This includes all the hits from the early albums “Declaration” (1984), “Strength” (1985) and “Eye of the Hurricane” (1987). The crowd enthusiastically join in with the lyrics to The Deceiver, Shout to the Devil, The Stand and The Chant has just Begun. Considering most of these are almost 40 years old now, its incredible how new, current and relevant they seem today !

My favourite track from the set has to be Rain in the Summertime from 1987’s “Eye of the Hurricane” which demonstrates just how good Mike’s voice still is as he delivers the big chorus sections with aplomb (joined by the crowd) but the softer sections highlighting the great tone and balance in his voice.

The Alarm are masters of the anthemic banger and the set delivers banger after banger. The crowd are enjoying every second of it. Looking around, its wonderful to see the smiles on faces as they eagerly sing along, hands in the air.

As the set drew to a conclusion it was inevitable really as the big guns are drawn, and we enjoy the rabble rousing raucous beats of old favourites Blaze of Glory, Where Were You Hiding When the Storm Broke, Sixty Eight Guns and finally Rescue Me.

Despite running through two sets, the time flies by. This wasn’t just a night of nostalgia, it was edgy protest songs for a new generation, and it was great to see younger music lovers enjoying the tracks too.

Mike Peters is a legend. It may be 36/37 years since I last saw him live, and the hair may not be as big, but the talent certainly is ! I felt like a teen again at one of my first gigs….. and I loved it.

Setlist

In the Poppy Fields

Cenotaph

Peace Now

Across the Border

The Day the Ravens Left the Tower

The Deceiver

Unsafe Building

Shout to the Devil

Beautiful

The Stand

New Standards