The Alarm - Spirit of '86 (Full Broadcast)

[@3chords490]

It was the time of U2 , Simple Minds , Big Country , The Alarm , The Waterboys....never to be repeated

[@arildbrkke3918]

yeah, that sums it up!

[@robsiminskey]

I was at that show. 17 years old. Went with my best friend and our youth group. What an awesome experience; got goose bumps just watching the show again.

[@kieransanchez7327]

These guys got lost with so much great music out at the same time. If you were paying attention you found them and were rewarded.

[@dangermouse6561]

D#. One of the coolest and most underrated guitarists to grace my generation.

[@friguy4444]

Yes what a seriously gifted player! It's really too bad this mix does nothing for him! It's mixed for a live show but I would have hoped for the video they would have had it mullti tracked but I don't think they did.

[@1cowper]

Sharp great guitarist

[@starskyrodeo7493]

A hero of mine- why I picked up an acoustic

[@aidanmcpartlin9357]

The Celtic Brotherhood. The Alarm, U2, Big Country, Simple Minds. Amen🙏

[@bleore]

Celtic Treasure all.

[@jasonkeenan6938]

Amen brother! 🙌

[@ackerjawaka1966]

The alarm and big country ive seen a few times and they never disappoint 👍

[@MaileyMcAslan]

The Waterboys too

[@Britag]

I was 17. Camped out overnight making friends with other alarm fans. I was on the right side by the speakers I got front row center on two previous premature crowd rushes where they sent us all back. The 3rd and final rush I wasn’t paying attention. I got interviewed about my deck of cards but it didn’t make the Final Cut I found one of my friends at the show who had won a backstage pass so he tore it in half and I covered the ripped half under my alarm denim jacket and got to meet the band The very very best times of my life!!!

[@chrisvanduin1487]

Small world. We camped out as well. Several of us worked security for the event, the next day. Of the 4 yellow jacket center stage most of the concert, one of my HS friends is the one on the right side (from camera viewpoint) He was in the campout crowd as well.

[@guyo7351]

I remember listening and taping this off my radio because it was being broadcast worldwide. Get well Mike!

[@dampergoldenrod4156]

1983-1988 and specifically 1986-1987 best time ever for college rock indie rock new wave and upbeat rock.

[@MPlainguet]

I was there! Dead center about 25 feet back from the stage. Crammed in the sweltering heat and it was ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!

[@jonreynolds1655]

Me too but about 100 feet behind you ...lol

[@alarmfannh]

Eddie thumping on!

[@redsidebiker]

Absolute Hero. Not taking the piss, if I'd have known about it, I would have been there.

[@oftenlucid]

Me too! Drove my Yellow VW Bus down from Lompoc (Santa Barbara County) to see them. . . There was only a short window in time people could pull that hairstyle off and live to tell about it. Glad we were part of it.

[@vincegedeon6583]

Awesome 🤘😍🎸🔥

[@cozmikcastaway]

Never get tired of listening to the Alarm. One of my favorite bands of all time...so underrated and so talented!!

[@kolbramwellson]

I wstched this live .. alarm.mega city ,,4 got me in to lots of great bands .

[@bretpritzlaff1399]

Mike Peters is the best. Great musician and a great man. Always will spend a few minutes with his fans after a show. Very underrated for all the albums he's made through the years.

[@jimwhite9401]

He left his mates behind. He never recaptured the magic the original band had despite his prodigious talent.

[@Vixter1945]

Actually not accurate about him being a great man and spending time with fans...snobby elitist with a massive ego and thinks he's accomplished a lot more than he has ☺️🙉. Living in the past acting like a mega star instead of recognising where he is nowadays 😒🤭🥱

[@MILUNGAO]

The Alarm was another great live act from the 80's. Even if I was (and I'm still) a metalhead who listened stuff like Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Mötley Crüe, Dokken, WASP, Dio, Megadeth, Metallica, Motörhead, Guns N' Roses, I enjoyed also bands like The Alarm, Simple Minds, U2, Dire Straits, INXS. And today, it's still a pleasure to listen the 2 first The Alarm records (Declaration and Strength). And in all fairness, The Alarm deserved to become as big as U2 or even INXS. Man, I realize today how lucky I was to live the 80's.

[@alarmfannh]

I’m with you. Seen many of the bands you mentioned but in my best 10 concerts The Alarm is in 4 of them.

[@jefferygoodman9928]

@MILUNGAO: Not to mention (tho I will) bands like Depeche, New Order, The Cure, The Cult, Thompson Twins, Bananarama, etc.and soooo many 1 Hit Wonders-I think my fave was “I Eat Cannibals” (Toto/Total Coelo)-so baaad it was really good. My ? is....wtf happed to rock (and roll)? Why did so many (suburban) white guys embrace hip hop/rap? And why did “Diva Pop”-Madonna, Celine, Pariah Carey, Whitney come to dominate the charts? Don’t like getting old but I have such incredible memories. Thx.

[@stuarthutchin7686]

I am the same. Started with U2, then The Alarm. Saw them twice in Brighton, Sussex, UK. Best 2 gigs ever. then got into metal but still love The Alarm. They never got up themselves like U2

[@Tru2SixtyEight]

This man. Our Welsh hero. Saw him solo last night (25 October 2024) in a tiny venue in Tenby, south Wales. Mike was a guest to Big Country and did an Alarm set. Unbelievable energy for someone battling so hard with cancer. The whole country is behind you and your lovely wife Jules, we are so proud of you and thank you for the gift of the Alarm that keeps on giving. Brought us to tears last night again. Sending our Love Hope and Strength from south Wales to north. Iechyd da am byth Mike x

[@Britag]

I also saw them at cal state Northridge. Went there 8 hrs early The band showed up and we got to kick the soccer ball with them. Nicest bunch of guys you could ever hope to meet !!!!

[@darrenwilson8042]

The iconic Alarm line up !! Wishing good health to Mike and Jules xxx

[@eliottsantos2654]

One of my all time favourite bands,absolutely brilliant.

[@vincegedeon6583]

Yes they are so amazing 🤘😍🤘

[@jt2112able]

Great show and Mr. Peters never disappointed. Underrated band!

[@WhizMitchell]

I knew about The Alarm through their early comparisons/association with U2, back in the '80s. Also, I saw their 1st video "Sixty Eight Guns" and was blown away by their undeniable energy. The classic line up was a GREAT f***ing band!

[@helhound23]

the greatest intro and start to a concert ever. guitars raised high, energy bursting from everywhere. I love the alarm

[@donaldlevine4493]

I was there at age15. Still remember how great that show was.

[@joederfler3534]

I was 16

[@alarmfannh]

Mike dammit, get Eddie, Twist and Dave together again. I appreciate the way you have kept the Alarm going but lets face it...true fans want you guys together again before it’s too late. Mark Taylor too!

[@igotjams1]

Don't forget Redeye !

[@insertgoodname4809]

The vocal harmonies are really impressive for a live performance.

[@terrorbulyfe]

One of my favorite bands from the 80s that I wished never broke up (with the original lineup). They could’ve been going as strong today as U2 is. Glad they buried the hatchet in the VH1 special Bands Reunited

[@alarmfannh]

Cannot bring myself to see Mike and his alternate version of The Alarm. Dave,Mike, Eddie and Twist are the only lineup that matters.

[@paulmundy8312]

@@alarmfannh Totally agree. Saw the original band loads of times & was gutted when they split up in '91

[@cliffclavin3865]

Best band ever!! When I was a teenager I used to hear my mum and dad going on about how the 60s were the best. Now I'm in my late 40s and all I do is go on to my kids about how the 80s was the best! It f##king was though!!! Someone please build a time machine and plonk me back at the start of that decade.

[@davidg.9932]

Happy 62nd Birthday Michael Leslie Peters 25/02/59 Prestatyn, Wales Your folksy / raspy voice is one of a kind. And so is The Alarm. Born same day as George Harrison too..

[@nealspilsbury5786]

Mike is a legend seen alarm and Mike hundreds of time a nice guy pure and simple awesome

[@loudenkliehr3633]

Flipped when I saw them open for U2 on the 'War" tour. Saw them on their headline tours for "Declaration" and "Strength". Like some others I have this on tape. Always a band that could lift my spirits when I was down. And those mullets? There's Southern country fellers that get riled with jealousy. Billy Ray Cyrus back in the day can't even compare!

[@ashman0071]

If I hadn't of taken 5 years to graduate, I would have missed this show ; P - thanks Alarm - thank you Richard Blade.....

[@doyleperkins4916]

They hadn't yet recorded "Rain in the Summertime," one of my favourites of theirs.

[@lynfordwalker1176]

The best group, along with U2 to emerge out of the 1980's. Saw The Alarm in Sheffield City Hall in May 1985 The Strength tour so this brings back a few goosebumps.....awesome!!!

[@Qtipword]

The best?? I mean I'm a fan but have you heard of Nirvana? Bleach came out in 89

[@davidleegoth]

What a great voice

[@8bitrocketstudios]

The Alarm at full power in '86. They should have become the biggest band in the world after this concert. Sadly, is didn't happen. It certainly shows Dave Sharp's guitar prowess. This was before hair metal, when alternative should have mixed perfectly with rock. They were before their time. This same sound in 1992 as a fresh faced band would have made them a string of multi-platinum albums.

[@lisaknell1809]

Dave is an awesome guitarist. I really like the sound of an electric acoustic guitar and he makes his sing!

[@davidkillinggiants1361]

I was at this show...and I was probably 15 and I got all The Alarm Members to sign my Alarm t-shirt ...unreal...magic happened at 15..and now I'm a musician...The Alarm and U2 were my two favorite bands...but sometimes the Alarm would win....kind of a tie

[@Nigelxman]

I know everyone says this, but I was there. :-) It was a free concert. Was such a huge Alarm fan.

[@chrispetty4574]

That's absolute reality the alarm ⏰🚨 best ever

[@lisaa6755]

i was there. just googled for a song to share with a coworker who the Alarm was and found this. i was a junior in HS and felt too cool to drive out to UCLA for this. we were so close. i could hear with every bone in my body.

[@rewIndustry]

new to me, brilliant, thank you

[@rewIndustry]

gonna shoot the editor though, get outta their faces, what gives? for the first two songs i thought they were a four piece, now am counting three guitars, and am totally lost. will we ever get a plan view? getting really sick of counting nostril hairs, disgusting.

[@rewIndustry]

ah, think i got it, Howling Wind has a synth bass figure, and the bass player is doubling on guitar? i better go read wiki, really like this lot, powerful, empowering stuff, excellent.

[@rewIndustry]

and oh lord, the faces in the crowd, very much wish i could have been there. to The Alarm - thank you for being there, and bless you, in all that you do. this video is a gift, am sorry i was rude, above.

[@FiloDessertCoUniversity]

I rocked out to their music for hours upon hours. Thanks for making some great music Dave and company.

[@TheDoug2103]

this takes me back to being the same age at the same time, playing bass and singin my ass off, makes me shed a tear. we really had it all....

[@rhysparry3450]

Me and my mate played in a band round this time we lived about 50 miles from the Alarm . And we dreamed of making it like them . Loved watching this . RiP Gonk

[@michaelmenten6826]

1. Marching On (1:43 - 6:58) 2. Howling Wind (6:59 - 12:34) 3. Knife Edge (13:06 - 17:53) 4. Blaze of Glory (18:06 - 24:34) 5. Absolute Reality (24:36 - 27:47) 6. Where Were You Hiding When The Storm Broke (28:04 - 32:05) 7. Walk Forever By My Side (33:15 - 37:00) 8. Spirit of ’76 (38:28 - 46:17) 9. Sixty-Eight Guns (46:26 - 53:22) 10. Strength (53:25 - 1:01:17) 11. The Stand (1:02:45 - 1:09:50) 12. Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door (1:10:22 - 1:15:02)

[@Neil2022]

Michael Menten thanks for taking the time to do that, for that I am grateful!!

[@8bitrocketstudios]

@@Neil2022 Not on the video - We are the Light as the final encore.

[@dosgos]

Great concert. That video & audio are super quality. Solid musicians all around. That guitar work was out of this world.

[@SuperScootDude]

i was there. it was a great day and memorable gig. "i refuse to lay me down...."

[@robertshaw7523]

+SuperScootDude Me too. It was a good concert.

[@igotjams1]

I was there. The crowd was incredibly packed. In fact, Mike Peters had to come out prior to the start of the concert and tell the crowd to back up because the people in front (including me) were in danger of getting injured. The crowd backed up some, but when the Long Ryders came onstage to open the concert. A tidal wave of people pushed forward.Made it through two songs before I couldn't take the crushing anymore. Got thrown onstage, looked up and saw Eddie wink at me. Staggered over to the side of the stage and watched the rest of the concert from the edge on the stage. Loud, hot, painful and joyful. Never ever will forget. Plus all those banners! There were so many more than were captured by camera.

[@Leshtastic]

+michael b . I was there too. In the front. I commented a moment ago that it was so crowded I could lift my feet and not touch the ground. A few girls almost passed out next to me and we lifted them up and got them over the barrier.

[@igotjams1]

+Leshtastic I was up at the Univ. of the Pacific two weeks prior touring their campus. The Alarm were playing the arena on Sunday night. I begged and pleaded with my pop for us to stay but he said that he had to be at work on Monday. Totally bummed that Sunday. Later that afternoon, fans started arriving and hanging out in the parking lot. TSOL was opening, and their fans were everywhere, decked out in their leather and Mohawks. Alarm fans were kicking back on the lawn near the area listening to bootleg Alarm cassettes. Heading back home to Pasadena that Sunday evening, KLOS stated that The Alarm were going to play UCLA. I just looked at me dad and told him that He Was going to take me and my buddies the concert. He did and...it was the best.

[@helhound23]

great story .. your a lucky guy to be there

[@oftenlucid]

Me too! In the back, thankfully. That was a great time for music and shows!

[@davidsimone3785]

I was a UCLA sophomore at the time. Didn't live on campus but even though it was on the weekend, of course I'm going to a free concert there being broadcast on MTV. Saw Tower of Power play by the student union one random weekday also. College just blew away high school.

[@toymachine561]

Indebted to the one who posted this concert. I saw them at Rain Cross Square, caught the Ace of Spades and was inspired. Today I am grateful to those oracles of inspiration; who inspired me to become better than I ever could have imagined. Thank you to THE ALARM.

[@sveincjohannessen1770]

Most powerful comment, wish you all the Best, John.

[@iggypopisgod9]

the alarm were so much better live than their studio Lps! respect!

[@bernadettesmith6649]

I was at this concert! It was fabulous!

[@JeansWebbTv]

46:30 Two guys in jeans & white t-shirts high-fiving followed by M Peters jumping with an acoustic guitar might be the most 80's thing ever.

[@greenmtnman7714]

I noticed that too, they were so happy their favorite Alarm song was about to be played.

[@slashgee7827]

Amazing performance.

[@markrup6369]

Is that a humbucker in Dave's acoustic guitar?? Crazy.

[@theonlywaytofly]

LOVED these guys back in the day. Was lucky enough to see them live at the Riviera in 86 in Chicago and then saw them open for Bob Dylan at Poplar Creek in 88. My buddy & I just saw the band during the Man In The Camo Jacket Tour in Chicago 2017.

[@lulumunguia7982]

there are no groups like that anymore❤️❤️👋👋👋👋👋💥👌👌👌i love it

[@MegaClashcityrocker]

had this on vhs for years, great go see it again .

[@marcnacianceno154]

Always love that song "absolute reality'!!!

[@beachkidboy]

I was part of UCLA Campus Events concert staff back then putting this on, in addition to assisting the camera man stage right. What a great experience and day. Even the night before during the sound check there were a hundred or so camped out and the band was quite gracious.

[@ChannelEleven59]

James Lehmann that is so cool. What was it like working with Joe Dirt? :) Not hating..... Came here for the nostalgia and love of The Alarm. Just dawned on me Mikes hair had that resemblance.

[@sharonsumnerlott]

@@ChannelEleven59 best mullet in the business

[@smaze1782]

I was front row stage left here. Incredible show. We showed up at midnight the night before so we could get up front. Was awesome.

[@Soxmeup]

This band & this concert changed my life at the hardest time ever... Got to see them the following month... Only have the VHS so haven't watched this in years. Thank you for this!!!

[@scottcrainey]

I was there! This was my first concert. I was sixteen... such a great show. I wish MTV had recorded the openers, The Long Ryders, for the video, too.

[@sidgriffin813]

They did film some of our set so they could check things out for the Alarm. Dunno what happened to our footage. Hope they found the young guy throwing Chips Ahoy cookies at me for about half our set. Kid had an arm on him.

[@johnwalenski1555]

Yup,I was super fan ,saw 'em on this tour in Worcester Ma I believe, magical times !!!

[@kolbramwellson]

Saw em live in live in Hereford. Probably around new south Wales tour awsome.

[@mitchwebb2939]

HBD MTV 40 years! This was a great free show in the front row! Started with tequila on top of the parking garage in the morning. Hi Martha!

[@amym7603]

My best friend and I were there right up front stage left. We had a bunch of orange 76 (from Union gas station) antenna balls that we threw on stage when they sang Spirit of 76. You can see them right at the beginning. We were die hard Alarm fans. Couple of teens having a blast!!

[@DavidKILLINGGIANTS]

I was a teenager..and me and a friend set out to meet the Alarm and we had our concert Shirts and Sharpie Pens and we met All of The Alarm Members...and got All their Autographs..lucky teenagers..thee luckiest teenagers ever

[@eddieg710]

Still give me chills! Thank you for posting!! .... Tumbeling down

[@Dave-Red]

First live gig I ever went to was The Alarm, Guildford Civic Hall, circa 83/84 Brilliant night and a fantastic band.

[@mattiarizzo3151]

grandissimii tra le migliori band di sempre.

[@lightbearerfallen8919]

I was there... probably five heads from Dave. Fantastic show.

[@anakina1]

Finally a great version of Strength on KZbin for me to watch. Such a great song.

[@louiepino1687]

Love The Alarm.Wish they were still making music today.

[@scottydog2871]

Thanx for this superb upload. One of my favourite bands ever, being a Welshman it's not surprising I guess lol. Best thing about these guys is that they said they'd play the same way to 20 people as if they were playing to 80,000. They gave everything when they walked out on stage. I think I saw them live 3 times, when they supported U2 in '87 at Cardiff Arms Park, at St. David's Hall on the Strength Tour and in Merthyr for the Eye Of The Hurricane Tour. Each time first class. Mike still going strong after battling cancer the Welsh Warrior that he is and a humble man. One of the most underrated bands ever which adds to their appeal in the long run.

[@ackerjawaka1966]

The first time I heard declaration i thought ive arrived, i had got into punk but to be honest most of it was dog sh_t then came a band who could play, sing and look good doing it 🍻

[@markshoffner3234]

I've been looking for this for SO long and had given up. Thanks for posting!

[@HDIrwin]

Fantastic concert. Fair do's to MTV, camera angles from everywhere and the crowd are amazing.

[@dosgos]

I was wondering about the high quality video and audio work. And it is preserved well.

[@bryansandiego]

Just saw them live, it was insane!!!

[@kirstenhagemeister3864]

Bryan Bloom me too! Detroit. Incredible

[@agemikalsen5640]

Fantastic live concert

[@johnmcclure6161]

Great concert by a great band. Been looking all over for this. Thanks for uploading this :)

[@redlabel9294]

What a great show this was. Been too long since I watched it. I had forgotten what a little cutie Martha Quinn was! ❤

[@jazzndbuster6417]

Never got to see The Alarm in Australia, But I thank you for this.

[@floydage1]

Holy Smokes! Those guitars in the beginning are AWESOME!!!

[@ruthiebgfamily132]

I was a cable-less kid when this was originally aired, so this is the first time I'm watching it. Thanks for posting!

[@daverindone655]

My son and I went to the 30th anniversary of this tour, Mike Peters has not lost a step.

[@daverindone655]

Right on! It took me 35 years but by God, I went. Spirit of 76 was impeccable.

[@MathHammer]

I saw this tour at SUNY Buffalo's Springfest. I knew the band from the friends that went with me to the concert and left a fan. They went to Toronto a very short time later to see the band again but I didn't have the time (engineering school) or cash.

[@robharper1035]

FOUR LADS WHO SHOOK THE WORLD

[@JimWalshified]

My brother bought this on VHS and this was on heavy rotation back when I was roughly ten years old. This is still great, now I need to find the old tape or the DVD release... some really great songs in here!

[@unsafe68]

+CasaWalshProductions There is a new dvd released this week for the 30th anniversary remastered with bonus material. You can find it on www.thealarm.com

[@grahambowden9150]

Looked to be a fantastic gig - was lucky enough to see a rerun of the set on Mike's recent solo tour.

[@ernestooqs5793]

FANTASTIC.

[@stephenthomas2303]

Best band ever from Wales it's a shame they were more popular in American than the U.K.

[@djross95]

Terrific concert, love this band. Thanks for posting!

[@briancampbell7678]

wow cant believe ive found this had it on video brilliant thanks for putting this on

[@spijkenisse1968]

Great to find this. Have the VHS video. But no player anymore. Haven't seen this concert for over fifteen years. One of my favorite bands ever.

[@unsafe68]

+Johan Van Vuurde There is a new dvd released this week for the 30th anniversary remastered with bonus material. You can find it on www.thealarm.com

[@ianholmes3761]

I saw them on this tour manchester Apollo fab gig.

[@mineralt]

Wow, tight band. Love these guys.

[@dpcealla]

Awesome!

[@ianross5492]

this took me back in time,, Thanks guys

[@willgingart]

cool share. thanks.

[@cityhonors1]

I'll never forget their 1st trip to NYC. I was eating lunch in front of my office bldg and saw them unloading in front of the Iroquois Hotel (next door to my office) Been friends ever since U2 found them in a club in Wales and decided to bring them to America! Thank you Bono! Lol! :D #ENRGYZRBunny

[@dafhughes7728]

u2 didnt discover the Alarm, They had the same manager , but he only began managing them after they had been touted by magazines at the time

[@helhound23]

ah recognised your name straight away. I follow you on twitter. I had this vid for years. so good to see it again

[@Leshtastic]

I was there. It was so packed in the front you could lift your feet and not touch the ground.

[@LeotheOrangeCat]

+Leshtastic I saw them about a year before this at the Rivera in Chicago. Smaller crowd but it had the same energy. I was in the crush in front of the stage. By the end of the show I was soaking wet from sweating. Maybe the best show I saw, certainly one of the top two.

[@VivaRevolucionDGS]

Just 4 guys from Wales 5300 miles from home. Good memories.

[@OrmTourist]

Congratulations to Mike on his MBE!

[@sooch7316]

Mike's mullet is the best!

[@1cowper]

Mullets Rule

[@paulxavier431]

Saw them at the San Francisco Fillmore during the mid eighties. Electrifying.