Mike Peters, frontman of Welsh new wave band The Alarm, has revealed that his cancer has returned, leading to the postponement of their upcoming US tour.
The musician first shared the news in a statement on the band’s website on April 29.
“On Sunday morning April 21st, I awoke with a large swollen gland on the left side of my neck,” Peters shared. “The early results have determined that my Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL) has undergone a transformation into a High Grade Lymphoma.
“I am still reeling from the consequences of this new and completely unforeseen diagnosis and doing my best to process what is happening. I’m grateful for the love and understanding of everyone affected by the tour postponement and hoping and praying with all that I have, that this is just a pause in the story of my life, and that normal service will be able to resume soon.”
Peters has been living on and off with cancer for 29 years, and has established a cancer foundation named Love Hope Strength.
“In all that time, I have managed to outrun the disease and stay alive,” he continued. “My focus and resolve remain the same, and I’m determined to keep running even harder to stay one step ahead and resume my life as a husband, father, and musician as soon as possible.
“Thanks for all your understanding, and I will endeavour to keep you updated as soon as I know what the doctors have in store for me and the life steps I will have to take to get back on the front foot.”
In an update posted on May 3, Peters gave further information on his condition. He confirmed that doctors had informed him that his leukaemia had undergone “an overnight transformation into a rare and aggressive form of lymphoma known as Richter’s Syndrome”.
“I am now engaged in the biggest challenge of my life and have the highest mountain to climb in order to stay alive,” he added.
“With your support and Jules by my side, I know I can defy the odds and survive the intensive treatments the doctors at The Christie Institute have mapped out for me.
“I’m up against a formidable opponent and it won’t be easy to come through the Chemo, Stem Cell and possible Car-T transplants that are some of the options and medical weaponry at my disposal.”
He went on to state that he “should still be able to perform” at some of the band’s upcoming shows, including dates with Status Quo and Big Country, on June 2 in Scarborough and on August 13 in Halifax.
“I am determined to remain calm and take everything in a passive manner,” he added. “Don’t get too down by the lows or too excited by the highs and there shall be many of both along the way I am sure.”
“I have lived to tell the tale before and shall do so again.”
The Alarm formed in 1981, after having previously played together in punk band The Toilets. Embracing a more new wave aesthetic, they scored a UK Top 20 hit in 1983 with ‘Sixty Eight Guns’, and joined U2 on their US arena tour the same year.
They went on to secure a further eight UK Top 40 singles. Their most recent studio album was 2021’s ‘WAЯ’.
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