The Alarm

The Alarm
Helge Øverås · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Name	The Alarm
Background	group

The Alarm is a Welsh rock music band that originated in Rhyl, Wales, and was formed by Mike Peters and Eddie MacDonald in 1981. The band's music is often compared to that of The Clash, The Sex Pistols, and The Damned, with Mike Peters' distinctive vocals and Dave Sharp's guitar work drawing inspiration from Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, and Neil Young. The Alarm's early sound was also influenced by punk rock bands like The Ramones and The Undertones, as well as new wave music acts like The Cars and Blondie.

History

The Alarm's history began in 1981 when Mike Peters and Eddie MacDonald formed the band in Rhyl, Wales. The band's early years were marked by constant touring and gigging, sharing the stage with bands like U2, The Police, and The Pretenders. In 1983, The Alarm released their debut single, "Unsafe Building", which gained them attention from BBC Radio 1 and John Peel. The band's big break came in 1983 when they supported The Police on their Synchronicity Tour, alongside R.E.M. and The Fixx. The Alarm's music was also influenced by reggae and ska bands like The Specials and Madness, as well as folk rock artists like Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger.

Music Style

The Alarm's music style is a unique blend of post-punk, new wave, and folk rock, with Mike Peters' poetic lyrics and soaring vocals drawing comparisons to Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan. The band's sound is characterized by Dave Sharp's jangly guitar work, reminiscent of The Byrds and R.E.M., and Twist's driving rhythms, inspired by The Who and The Rolling Stones. The Alarm's music has also been influenced by psychedelic rock bands like Pink Floyd and The Doors, as well as protest music artists like Joan Baez and Phil Ochs. The band's music has been praised by critics and fans alike, with NME and Melody Maker hailing them as one of the most exciting new bands of the 1980s, alongside The Smiths and The Jesus and Mary Chain.

Discography

The Alarm's discography includes several critically acclaimed albums, including Declaration (1984), Strength (1985), and Eye of the Hurricane (1987). The band's debut album, Declaration, was produced by Alan Shacklock and featured the hit single "68 Guns", which reached the top 20 in the UK Singles Chart. The Alarm's subsequent albums, Strength and Eye of the Hurricane, were produced by Mike Howlett and featured the hit singles "Absolute Reality" and "Rain in the Summertime", respectively. The band's music has also been featured on various soundtracks, including Sid and Nancy and Times Square, alongside artists like The Pogues and The Stranglers.

Band Members

The Alarm's original lineup consisted of Mike Peters (vocals, guitar), Dave Sharp (guitar), Eddie MacDonald (bass), and Twist (drums). The band has undergone several lineup changes over the years, with Mike Peters being the only constant member. Other notable band members include Nigel Twist (drums), Steve Grantley (drums), and James Stevenson (guitar), who has also played with The Cult and Gene Loves Jezebel. The Alarm's current lineup features Mike Peters (vocals, guitar), James Stevenson (guitar), Craig Adams (bass), and Steve Grantley (drums), with Steve Norman (saxophone) and Mark Taylor (keyboards) contributing to the band's live sound, alongside Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark and Heaven 17.

Tours and Live Performances

The Alarm has toured extensively throughout their career, sharing the stage with bands like U2, The Police, and R.E.M.. The band's live performances are known for their energy and passion, with Mike Peters' charismatic stage presence drawing comparisons to Bruce Springsteen and Bono. The Alarm has also performed at various music festivals, including Glastonbury Festival, Isle of Wight Festival, and Reading and Leeds Festivals, alongside artists like The Cure and Depeche Mode. In 2018, The Alarm embarked on a 40th-anniversary tour, celebrating four decades of music and featuring a setlist of classic hits and new material, with support from The Wonder Stuff and Guns N' Roses. The Alarm's live shows have been praised by critics and fans alike, with The Guardian and The Times hailing them as one of the most exciting live acts of the 1980s, alongside The Smiths and New Order.

Category:Welsh rock music groups