THE ALARM BIOGRAPHY

The Alarm was formed in Rhyl, Wales in 1981. They were originally called "Seventeen" because when they formed, like some sort of Welsh Hanson, they were all seventeen. From one of their tunes, "Alarm, Alarm" they got their new (and better) name. Almost always singing about human rights and other social issues, they were constantly compared to both U2 and The Clash. In fact, it seems the Welsh quartet was destined to forever remain in the shadow of those two seminal bands.

Despite the excellent musicianship (and penchant for keeping the Welsh hairspray industry solvent during the 80s) they had a hard time breaking onto the charts, though they did have several charting records. They managed to break the top 20 once, with "Rain In The Summertime" in 1987. Many fans wouldn't know it, but The Alarm was a favorite among Christian Rockers. Mike Peters' lyrics (again like U2's Bono) reflected his strong Christian beliefs.

In 1991, after a decade of playing, recording, touring (opening for such headliners as U2, Bob Dylan, Status Quo and Queen) and meeting with moderate succcess, Mike Peters left to pursue solo projects, effectively disbanding The Alarm. His debut solo LP came in 1994. Dave Sharp released a solo LP (on I.R.S.) in 1991.

THE ALARM I.R.S. DISCOGRAPHY

Albums & EPs

Produced by The Alarm, Aricentus, Steve Tannet, Harry Murlowski and Ian Wilson except *
*Produced by Mick Glossop
+Recorded Live at The Marquee, London, 30 Jan 1983
+Recorded and Mixed by Steve Tannet & Kenny McAndrews
Engineered by Jess Sutcliffe
Photography by Harry Murlowski

Musicians:
Mike Peters Guitar, Harmonica & Lead Vocals
Dave Sharp Guitar & Backing Vocals
Eddie MacDonald Bass & Backing Vocals
(Nigel) Twist Drums & Backing Vocals
Additional Musicians:
Mark Feltham Harmonica
Angie Knox Keyboards

Track Listing:

1. The Stand* (MacDonald/Peters/Sharp) 3:40
2. Across The Border (Sharp) 3:30
3. Marching On (MacDonald/Peters) 3:30
4. Lie Of The Land (MacDonald/Peters) 2:31
5. For Freedom*+(MacDonald/Peters) 3:25

With this stunning debut EP, The Alarm were immediately compared to both U2 and The Clash. Their musicianship was impressive and their playing tight. The best tracks are "The Stand" and "Marching On." The video of "The Stand" received moderate rotation from MTV and is included in THE BEaST OF IRS VIDEO...

Musicians:
Mike Peters Guitar, Harmonica & Lead Vocals
Dave Sharp Guitar & Backing Vocals (Lead Vocals on *)
Eddie MacDonald Bass & Backing Vocals (Lead Vocals on +)
(Nigel) Twist Drums & Backing Vocals
Additional Musicians:
Alan Shacklock Keyboards

Track Listing:

1. Declaration (MacDonald/Peters/Sharp) :45
2. Marching On (MacDonald/Peters) 3:35
3. Where were You Hiding When The Storm Broke? (MacDonald/Peters) 2:56
4. Third Light + (MacDonald/Peters) 3:25
5. Sixty Eight Guns (MacDonald/Peters) 5:49
6. We Are The Light (MacDonald/Peters) 3:16
7. Shout To The Devil (MacDonald/Peters/Sharp) 4:10
8. Blaze Of Glory (MacDonald/Peters/Sharp) 6:04
9. Tell Me * (Sharp) 3:14
10. The Deceiver (MacDonald/Peters) 5:05
11. The Stand (Prophecy) (MacDonald/Peters) 1:15
12. Howling Wind (MacDonald/Peters) 6:44

Produced by Mike Howlett
Engineered by Nigel Luby

Musicians:
Mike Peters Guitar, Harmonica & Lead Vocals
Dave Sharp Guitar & Backing Vocals
Eddie MacDonald Bass & Backing Vocals
(Nigel) Twist Drums & Backing Vocals

Track Listing:

1. Knife Edge (Macdonald/Peters) 5:06
2. Strength (Macdonald/Peters/Twist) 5:34
3. Dawn Chorus (Macdonald/Peters) 5:24
4. Spirit of '76 (Macdonald/Peters) 7:05
5. Deeside (Macdonald/Peters) 3:08
6. Father to Son (Macdonald/Peters) 4:04
7. Only the Thunder (Macdonald/Peters) 4:06
8. Day the Ravens Left the Tower (Macdonald/Peters) 4:45
9. Absolute Reality (Macdonald/Peters) 3:24
10. Walk Forever by My Side (Macdonald/Peters) 3:32

Review coming Soon!

Produced by John Porter and The Alarm
Engineered by Tony Platt

Musicians:
Mike Peters Guitar, Harmonica & Lead Vocals
Dave Sharp Guitar & Vocals
Eddie MacDonald Bass, Synthesizer & Backing Vocals
(Nigel) Twist Drums & Backing Vocals
Additional Musicians:
Chris Stanton Organ & Piano
Mark Taylor Piano

Track Listing:

1. Rain in the Summertime (Alarm) 5:12
2. Newtown Jericho (McDonald/Peters) 4:05
3. Hallowed Ground (McDonald/Peters) 4:17
4. One Step Closer to Home (Sharp/Twist) 4:01
5. Shelter (Alarm) 3:08
6. Rescue Me (McDonald/Peters) 3:19
7. Permanence in Change (McDonald/Peters) 4:01
8. Presence of Love (McDonald/Peters) 4:01
9. Only Love Can Set Me Free (McDonald/Peters) 4:22
10. Eye of the Hurricane (McDonald/Peters) 3:38

Review coming Soon!

Produced by Gary Katz
Engineered by Elliot Scheiner
Recorded Live At The Wang Center, Boston MA, 26 April 1988
Mixed at
Art Direction by
Photos by

Musicians:
Mike Peters Guitar, Harmonica & Lead Vocals
Dave Sharp Guitar & Backing Vocals
Eddie MacDonald Bass & Backing Vocals
(Nigel) Twist Drums & Backing Vocals
Additional Musicians:
Mark Taylor Keyboards

Track Listing:

1. Rescue Me (Macdonald/Peters)
2. Strength (Macdonald/Peters/Twist)
3. Rain In The Summertime (Alarm)
4. Spirit Of '76 (Macdonald/Peters)
5. Permanence Of Change (Macdonald/Peters)
6. Blaze Of Glory (MacDonald/Peters/Sharp)

Review coming Soon!

Produced by
Digitally ReEngineered by
Recorded At
Art Direction by
Photography by
Liner Notes by

Musicians:
Mike Peters Guitar, Harmonica & Lead Vocals
Dave Sharp Guitar & Backing Vocals
Eddie MacDonald Bass & Backing Vocals
(Nigel) Twist Drums & Backing Vocals

Track Listing:
Coming Soon!

Review coming Soon!

Produced by Various Producers
Recorded At Various Studios

Musicians:
Mike Peters Guitar, Harmonica & Lead Vocals
Dave Sharp Guitar & Backing Vocals
Eddie MacDonald Bass & Backing Vocals
(Nigel) Twist Drums & Backing Vocals

Track Listing:

1. The Road (Macdonald/Peters) 3:13
2. Unsafe Building (Macdonald/Peters) 4:06
3. The Stand (Macdonald/Peters/Sharp) 4:43
4. Sixty Eight Guns (Macdonald/Peters) 3:15
5. Where Were You Hiding When The Storm Broke? (Macdonald/Peters) 2:57
6. Absolute Reality (Macdonald/Peters) 3:25
7. Strength (Alarm) 5:34
8. Spirit Of '76 (Macdonald/Peters) 7:06
9. Rain In The Summertime (Alarm) 5:11
10. Rescue Me (Macdonald/Peters) 3:20
11. Sold Me Down The River (Macdonald/Peters) 4:11
12. Devolution Workin' Man Blues (Macdonald/Peters) 4:11
13. Happy Christmas (War Is Over) (Lennon/Ono) 3:41
14. Marching On* (Macdonald/Peters) 3:32
15. Blaze Of Glory*(Macdonald/Peters/Sharp) 6:04

This "Best Of" collection spans all the group's recordings up to 1989's CHANGE. STANDARDS also features three tunes recorded just for this collection and the CD includes two *CD Only bonus tracks.

Production Credits Coming Soon!

Musicians:
Mike Peters Guitar, Harmonica & Lead Vocals
Dave Sharp Guitar & Backing Vocals
Eddie MacDonald Bass & Backing Vocals
(Nigel) Twist Drums & Backing Vocals

Track Listing:
Coming Soon!

Review coming Soon!

Musicians:
Mike Peters Guitar, Harmonica & Lead Vocals
Dave Sharp Guitar & Backing Vocals
Eddie MacDonald Bass & Backing Vocals
(Nigel) Twist Drums & Backing Vocals

Track Listing:

1. The Stand* (MacDonald/Peters/Sharp) 3:15
2. Lie Of The Land (Live) (MacDonald/Peters) 2:57
3. A Legal Matter (Live) (Townshend) 2:42

By the late 1980's many labels were experimenting with making the music even MORE portable than the five inch Compact disc. Solution? a three inch disc! With three songs! This one featured "The Stand" and two live tracks: "Lie Of The Land" and a Who cover, "A Legal Matter." The live tracks, which were originally broadcast live on WLIR-FM are a little uneven, but still show the finesse of a great band.

Musicians:
Mike Peters Guitar, Harmonica & Lead Vocals
Dave Sharp Guitar & Backing Vocals
Eddie MacDonald Bass & Backing Vocals
(Nigel) Twist Drums & Backing Vocals

Track Listing:

1. Sixty-Eight Guns (MacDonald/Peters) 3:16
2. The Chant Has Just Begun (MacDonald/Peters/Sharp) 3:41
3. Marching On* (MacDonald/Peters) 5:58

The second CD3 from The Alarm is somewhat more satifying than its predescessor. The Lead-off track (the terrific "Sixty-Eight Guns") is followed by the non-LP "The Chant Has Just Begun", a tune in which the opening chant grabs the listener and doesn't let go until it fades out. The CD3 closes with a live version of "Marching On" which was origianlly broadcast on WLIR-FM. Audience participation shows just what a terrific live show these guys put on!

Singles

Produced by Mick Glossop
B-Side recorded by Steve Tannett & Kenny McAndrews Sleeve Design by Carl Grasso
Photos by Ed Colver

The Alarm's first single release is indeed one of their most powerful numbers. The song ("The Stand") received airplay on college and "cutting edge" radio stations, promoting both the single and the EP from which it is culled. Moderate rotation of the video on MTV didn't hurt either. "Reason 41" on the B-side was recorded live at the Marquee, in London. Not necessarily a "great tune" it does demonstrate that The Alarm was just as good "Live" as in the studio...

(PROMOTIONAL 12" VINYL)

Produced by Alan Shacklock

12" Radio station promo. Gave The Alarm much needed radio exposure.

Produced by Alan Shacklock
B-Side Produced by The Alarm

"Sixty-Eight Guns" is your humble webmaster's favorite Alarm tune. A truly rousing anthem, you find yourself singing along with the chorus by the second time through. The "anthem" motif is enhanced by the cover art featuring a Civil War era drummer boy marching along. There's no credit for the cover art or photography. The non-LP tune gracing the B-side ("Pavilion Steps") is a largely forgettable slow-building ballad.

Review coming Soon!

(PROMOTIONAL 12" VINYL)

Produced by Alan Shacklock

12" Radio station promo.

Produced by Mike Howlett
Sleeve Design by Lewis Evans

Review coming Soon!

Review coming Soon!

Produced by Mike Howlett
B-Side Produced by Nigel Luby and the Suicide Squad

Review coming Soon!

Produced by John Porter and The Alarm
B-Side Produced by MacDonald for the Suicide Squad

Review coming Soon!

Produced by John Porter
A-Side Engineered by Tony Platt Mixed by David Leonard
B-Side Engineered by Gary Bradshaw Recorded & Mixed by The Alarm

Review coming Soon!

Compilations & Soundtracks

Bachelor Party (SP70047) includes "What Kind Of Hell"
Bedroom Supplement (no number) includes "Strength"
Hearing Aids (no number) includes "The Stand" and "Marching On"
KROQ Presents The Normal Noise Of IRS (IRS #?) includes "Sixty-Eight Guns"
Live For Life (IRS5731) includes "Howling Wind" (Live)
On The Charts: IRS Records 1979-1994 (IRS29695) includes "Rain In The Summertime"
These People Are Nuts! (IRS82010) includes "The Stand"
21 Jump Street (IRS 6270) includes "Rescue Me"

THE ALARM LINKS & OTHER COOL STUFF

There are a number of websites devoted to The Alarm...

The New Alarm Page (with Links to official Mike Peters and Dave Sharp pages)
A Very Good Fan site! Great source of info on UK releases.
King Biscuit Records page where you can order a live recording by The Alarm...
A Mike Peters fan page that will fill you in on what he's up to these days.
A Dave Sharp Homepage!