The Alarm frontman Mike Peters dies of blood cancer at 66 after iconic rock career

Mike Peters, iconic lead singer of Welsh rock band The Alarm, passed away on April 29, 2025, after a decades-long struggle with cancer.

Young Peters performing live in 1984 (Photo: Wikipedia)

Diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) in the 1990s, Peters later faced the aggressive Richter's syndrome and underwent numerous treatments, including chemotherapy and experimental therapies.

His death was confirmed by a spokesperson from the Love Hope Strength Foundation, the charity Peters co-founded with his wife, Jules.

The diagnosis forced him to cancel a major US tour last year. "Luckily for me, they [the British shows] were all at the end of the chemotherapy cycles," Peters said in a 2024 interview. "I couldn't do them with the band and the crew and the tour buses… but I could stand up on the stage on my own with a small back-up team."

Mike Peters during one of his final performances (Photo: Instagram)

Peters also expressed deep gratitude to his fans, calling their support "phenomenal" and "incredible."

Legacy beyond music

Born in Prestatyn, Wales, in 1959, Peters rose to fame with The Alarm in the early 1980s, known for anthems like 68 Guns and Strength.

After the original band's breakup in 1991, he pursued a solo career, briefly fronted Big Country, and revived The Alarm in the 2000s. He also played with legends such as U2, Bob Dylan, and Bruce Springsteen.

Outside of music, Peters was a tireless advocate for cancer patients. In 2007, he led a record-setting charity concert at Mount Everest base camp.

Through his charity's Get On the List campaign, more than 250,000 people joined global stem cell registries. He was awarded an MBE in 2019 for his services to cancer care.

Peters is survived by his wife Jules and their two sons, Dylan and Evan. His enduring legacy lives on not only in his music, but also in the countless lives he helped save.

A true rock hero in every sense, Mike Peters fought for his life — and for others — with unwavering strength.

Sources: Wikipedia, The Guardian