While diagnosed with lymphocytic leukemia over three decades ago, Mike Peters never let the disease hinder his ability to perform on stage. Although seeking treatment at the time, the frontman for the Alarm helped record hit songs like “Sixty Eight Guns”, “Blaze of Glory”, and “Marching On.” Outside of his time with the Alarm, the musician also explored a solo career with numerous albums. He eventually revamped the Alarm and even performed with Big Country. Sadly, on April 28th, Peters passed away at 66 years old.
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Dealing with leukemia throughout his adult life, Peters received some wonderful news back in September 2024 when he learned he was in remission. Sadly, just a month later, he found out he suffered from Richter syndrome, which is an aggressive form of lymphoma. Once again focusing on his health, the musician told fans, “My white lymphocytes were harvested in December. Those were then sent to a laboratory where each blood cell was re-engineered by scientists and then targeted to seek and destroy the Richter’s syndrome.”
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Mike Peters today, a true talent who’ll be missed by anyone associated with Welsh sport and music. pic.twitter.com/ANZtIl2hjR
— Welsh Football Fans (@welshfootball_) April 29, 2025
[RELATED: Mike Peters Defies Cancer, Pushes The Alarm into ‘Forwards’]
Fans Remember Legacy Of Mike Peters
With Peters gearing up for a massive tour around the same time, he explained the stress put on himself and his family. “It was devastating because it all happened in an instant. There was no chance to even think about it.” He added, “Untreated I probably had two months to live and to then have to think about stopping the tour, communicating all that to the fans, trying to hold the family together while we are dealing with this devastation, it was intense.”
Farewell, Mike Peters. The saddest news about one of the nicest guys in rock.
— Sue Charles (@Sue_Charles) April 29, 2025
The Alarm’s frontman spent much of the last 30 years living with cancer. His optimism and resilience in the face of adversity was inspiring. You lived a life of love, hope and strength. 💔#MikePeters pic.twitter.com/psiGnwKq91
Always supporting cancer research and even forming the Love Hope Strength Foundation, Peters went far beyond just the stage. When news broke of his passing, fans shared their love for the musician online. “Farewell, Mike Peters. The saddest news about one of the nicest guys in rock. The Alarm’s frontman spent much of the last 30 years living with cancer. His optimism and resilience in the face of adversity was inspiring. You lived a life of love, hope and strength.”
Another fan pointed back to a 2018 interview between Guitar World and Peters. Staying positive about the future and his health, he insisted, “Live right up to the last breath and stay positive about the world, your family and the environment you live in.”
(Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)
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