There are numerous songs about having a rock and roll heart. Mike Peters didn’t need to write one – his rock and roll heart infused every song that he wrote. Peters passed away last week after a 30 – yes 30 – year battle with cancer. If that doesn’t speak to the strength of Peter’s spirit, I don’t know what does.
Peters launched his musical career in the 80s as co-founder of Welsh rock band The Alarm. His songs – both with The Alarm and as a solo artist – were defiant calls to arms, brilliant and uplifting anthems about standing up to adversity in whatever form it appears. As he said in “Spirit of ‘76”:
If a man can’t change the world these days
I still believe a man can change his own destiny
Here are two videos that embody the spirit of Mike Peters and his music – a 2015 solo rendition of “Where Were You Hiding When the Storm Broke” and a 1986 performance of “Spirit of ’76”.
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.