The Song That Changed My Life - In a Big Country

Short documentary featuring musician Mike Peters

[@eleanorfortesings4815]

The crossing by big country is a very underrated album. A true classic imho

[@BlueHopi144]

still got it after so many years .....one of the best rock bands of the 80's

[@DianeStephen-yp1fv]

As a teenager I would go and see Big Country at the Glasgow Barrowlands and then the next month go and see the Alarm, I loved both bands so when Mike fronted Big Country that was really special for me, I loved it ❤

[@orisons1701]

me too, been there and the memories

[@jeffreymackay4343]

Mike Peters was given life and he knew just exactly what to do with it. God bless him.

[@ronatopaz2793]

This man talked me out of a suicide attempt more than three decades ago and has been a constant in my life since then. He is quite simply, an extraordinary, inspirational human being, a bridge over my troubled waters and a cheerleader when things go well. I hope he and his music continue for as long as humanly possible. I ❤️ you, Michael Leslie Peters!

[@stewartmackay]

Salute to you, Rona. Hats off to Mike.

[@chrisikin69]

Mike Peters should be Sir Mike. A fine classy human being.

[@windsurfdaves]

No better accolade

[@dexstewart2450]

@@chrisikin69 We don't have Knights - we have Bards :)

[@chrisikin69]

@@dexstewart2450 Having googled what a Bard is- I agree !

[@kenwheeler1525]

How on gods green earth can 47 people give this video a thumbs down!? I bothers me that there is as much bitterness in this World that we live in!! So so sad.

[@adamwest4987]

I really think the only reason most give it a thumbs down is that he took his life after all the good he did. Just sad.

[@Lorneplumber]

It’s the algorithm trying to get you to engage

[@ebenclukey7293]

@@adamwest4987 You've got the wrong person. Mikes alive and well.

[@markanderson6787]

Guys like me think that Lenin was an angry loser.

[@nigelvernon7173]

This video brought me to tears. Mike is a wonderful human. And a great fellow Welsh man.

[@firejam78]

Like Mike would be arsed about the 23 thumbs down when he's beaten cancer twice. This man is a legend and a good role model for all

[@firstlast5350]

Twenty three morons?

[@zorannikolic3823]

@@firstlast5350 Today 4/15/2021 63 idiots

[@Cards-In-The-Closet]

Probably Alarm fans still mad that he walked out on the band without warning.

[@firejam78]

@@Cards-In-The-Closet 🤣

[@dizzylizzysunflower]

Have loved the Alarm since I saw them support U2. Mike Peters is such a humble bloke..remember him sharing my friends umbrella as we walked up to the Strand towards a Big Country gig..again, the Alarm were support. Legend

[@234cicero]

Spirit of 76 is as important to me as In a Big Country is for you Mike. 40 plus years later it makes me smile in recollection and sob with regret.

[@marccarter1350]

Such a wonderfullness, love it asa well

[@Redplanetfilms1]

This man has inspired me throughout my life, year after year. I wonder how many souls have been saved by his spirit? God bless you Mike Peters

[@spirou39]

Mike is an inspiration to us all. Stay alive.

[@bkulchycki]

in a big country

[@bewareofchild2462]

!!!!!

[@KingMob.]

Not a big fan of the music, but I'm a big fan of strong, and humble, positive people like Mike Peters...

[@marksimpson8665]

How could any decent person give this man a thumbs down, it truly is beyond me.

[@robruitenberg4064]

people exist who genuinely hate good people.

[@2msvalkyrie529]

His narcissism is slightly off putting. ? Also his musical talent seems rather limited. ? Apart from that he's OK.

[@richeaton7436]

If only Stuart had had Mik's inner strength. Stay strong, Mike. RIP Stuart. You are truly missed.

[@dianegodbout2356]

tes, and not let alcoholism taken over him

[@helenrudd7842]

Be strong

[@pencil123ify]

😘

[@jasontotz]

I truly admire this bloke, what an inspiration.

[@philipthompson8525]

Great Man ,Fantastic Band, Awesome Family, Brilliant Video. Love, Hope, Strength Forever Young.❤

[@Aaron50001]

Best albums of 1983 , The Crossing and Declaration . RIP Stewart , well done and said Mike !

[@johnbarry1965]

War - U2?

[@tommygunhunter]

There's an earnestness, an almost painful earnestness in Mike Peters' eyes that is a constant all of these years, no hint of the cynicism and tiredness that affects so many other performers with so many years of putting up with the vagaries of the music industry. An amazing spirit, a flame that keeps on burning.

[@avocate2017]

Totally agree.

[@eightiesmusic1984]

Tom Hunter A profound observation that sums up Mike Peters' and The Alarm's music. There is a lot of rubbish written on You Tube but this is a gem of a comment that keeps coming to mind when I think of or listen to the music.

[@stevenmorellojr]

Word.

[@Stratboy999]

Great comment.

[@flemwad]

Yes!!! he always seems to me like he is totally and utterly welded to the moment

[@betweenthewars4054]

“I thought that pain and truth were things that really mattered but you can’t stay here with every single hope you had shattered.” Why the hell didn’t I write that?

[@barrydutton9056]

“I thought that pain and truth were things that really mattered but you can’t stay here with every single hope you had shattered.” One of my all time favorite lyrics. It really brought me out of a tough time. I was literally lying on the floor feeling sorry for myself when I first became aware of what Stuart was singing. I pulled my head off the floor and never looked back. An amazing song.

[@HearturMind]

In my small US City, Lancaster, PA we blast “In a Big Country” in the square for emigration protests and protests in general. It always makes me cry! The big heart in it still transmits powerfully decades later. Nice to see the story of how this song inspired the Alarm and Mike. Long live Mike his family and his LOVE HOPE STRENGTH Foundation. THX!!! ❤️

[@squirrelattackspidy]

What an incredible life Mike has led. A life with meaning.

[@alanwhite7912]

I've met Mike. Top bloke. Has respect for his fans.

[@Neil100]

No better person to sing Adamsons' song than Mike Peters.

[@matthewdodds9754]

Ur kidding right?

[@vfxtutswithdan1893]

@@matthewdodds9754 Why?

[@seamusin1697]

I have nothing against Mike Peters but no one can replace Stuart Adamson and hearing him sing his songs just doesn't do it for me. He doesn't have the vocal range or distinctive sound in his voice that Adamson had. Big Country just sounds like a mediocre cover band of itself in its heyday. It sounds just as wrong to me as it would if U2 had someone replace Bono or Midnight Oil without Peter Garrett.

[@deloreandmc9600]

@@vfxtutswithdan1893 Stuart was one of kind you cant replicate that the emotion and the soul you cant capture that he was like Bon Scott to AC/DC so I wish them success but the songs dont have the fire that Stuart had.

[@vfxtutswithdan1893]

@@deloreandmc9600 Sure, but Mike and Stuart had a personal connection and this very video shows the impact that BC's songs had on Mikes life. I agree that Stuart was one of a kind, but reforming got them to make new album and tour again. And it finally got them back to the States and I had the opportunity to see them, although it was bittersweet without Stuart and Tony. Compared to their last couple of albums, The Journey is actually pretty good and some of the songs have some real spirit to them. And it was really special for me to see Bruce playing with his son to recreate the old songs with 2 guitars. Sure, Mike Peters can't replace Stuart, but what about the guy that's with them now? I'm not even sure who he is. They've made some new songs, but they really don't move me that much. No new album, no real touring beyond staying local. Anyway, I appreciate what Mike did, for what it's worth.

[@loganpierce9244]

This song has affected so many of us. It’s my understanding that before spoke angels spoke. And; before man made music, angels made music.

[@karlclemmy8325]

Mike Peters is an inspiration to so many, he's gone through so much, there is such a belief and strength in him, the love for his wife, his music and his fans really comes through, the guy is a Legend

[@superbatfirenze]

i love this kind of human being.... i see it in his expressions, in his way of thinking, we can connect instanctly and i surely can rely a lot to this kind of human being.... pure essence of life,positivity,hope and love for Life and the people around him.... the way he overcame is big and i wish him the best of the best....stay alive!

[@pamelajoy67]

Wow! My husband just sort of randomly stumbled upon this video (In a Big Country is one of his theme songs). We had never heard of Mike Peters or The Alarm, which now surprises me. But we just fell head over heels in love with him, his family, and his story. I just said, "He's my new favorite rock star that I've never heard of!".

[@henryod65]

Christ,he comes across as being a genuinely good guy

[@mom2djm]

I've met Mike and he truly is a genuinely good guy. So sweet and generous with his soul.. spreading love, hope and strength to all.💖

[@ballastico]

A good man and a brave man, God bless mike

[@billdavies4276]

The nicest, most humble and generous man in rock n roll. He deserves all the respect and accolades he has garnered over his career. Took on the rock industry and the tossers who control the radio stations and won. The inspiration for the film ‘Vinyl’. Those first three Alarm albums have stood the test of time. Blaze Of Glory - May his blaze burn for many years.

[@goodo5691]

never heard of him

[@derin111]

I wasn't ever a fan of the Alarm but....Wow! What a great bloke! Very inspiring. I'm glad I watched this.

[@carlgorneault3340]

he's so humble, wondering if the crowd enjoyed the show, and if he was good enough. This is a man of deep feeling

[@daverindone655]

Somehow found a way to see Mike Peters + The Alarm after being a fan for 35 years. Took my 21 year old son along and had the time of our lives. Just to be in the presence of such a positive, kind, energetic and humble spirit was something I'll never forget. Keep on marching on!

[@miketyler4536]

Dave Rindone I met him and his lovely wife Jules at his gig here in Salt Lake City last year, they are two of the kindest human beings! Can’t wait to see them Nov 2nd here again. He is such an approachable person with love for all his fans!

[@paulwilkinson8099]

Saw Mike fronting Big Country in Sheffield and was really impressed with his stage presence . Seemed like a really lovely guy as well .

[@billymcmonagle949]

Love Mike Peters great guy, used to love The Alarm, so glad he is fit and well , as people have already said, he is an absolute gentleman, a nice guy 100% and he just lives for music

[@betweenthewars4054]

1:34 a man ages. He gains weight, he loses his hair; energy and testosterone. But there’s just sometimes a man remembers his youth and all at once he’s twenty again. God bless you, sir. Rock and roll will never die.

[@buckrichard7690]

Seriously, how can anyone give this video a thumbs down? Mike Peters comes across as one of the most decent and genuine human beings in the world. I hope to be at the Assembly Rooms next April.

[@tomguitar1963]

A story of courage and determination Mike a horrible disease which my partner was diagnosed last year she’s in remission now it changed our lives forever great music pal wish you all the best.

[@jimsorrow4841]

Met Mike by accident at a service station . Brief chat with me being polite, and glad to know another lovely human in a competitive music industry. Cheers Mike !

[@sutty331]

As a massive Alarm fan, seeing them loads of times in the 80's, including supporting U2 at Cardiff Arms Park, where the Alarm stole the show, Mike is legend to me. In the late 80's, while on holiday in Rhyl and knowing mike lived in Dyserth, i decided to go and see his home, not thinking he, an international rock star, would be there. I went in a shop by the waterfall and asked the shopkeeper if he knew where Mike lived. He replied something about " that long haired bloke" and pointed me in the direction of Mikes home. I pulled up outside a big house, up the hill and looked at the house. Mike was actually there, mowing his front garden, i got out my car and introduced myself as a big fan and asked for a signature. He duly signed the only piece of paper i had, which was my Birth Certificate. Has a chat for 10 mins and on my way...totally starstruck

[@dubboyz4887]

A genuine decent human being ,not trying to be anyone other than himself.In these times a rare thing , good on you

[@gayajay]

I've nothing but fond memories of seeing the Alarm live (with original members) in concert back in the 90's!!!

[@dennisberube2307]

I saw them twice. Passing this music down to my kids

[@Neil2022]

@@dennisberube2307 saw them in Newcastle city hall 1984, my kids love them!

[@ElSantoLuchador]

That song changed my life as well. I lost it the very first time I heard it. Especially poignant if you've ever been on the literal edge. It takes one to know one and I think that's why the song so powerful to some people.

[@OCOrbits]

I absolutely loved when Mike talked about his children and the meaning his children give him. My wife and I were in the same situation and we were blessed with twins. Just seeing them kick a soccer ball is such a joy.

[@harrytuttle1446]

Last night I pushed my groceries out of my nearest Walmart. Something struck me when I realized I was listening to Rain in the Summertime. Almost time warped back to the 80s when everything seemed possible. And you would rarely hear it on radio here. It was special when you did.

[@LisaEvans-qb1bs]

You will never meet a more humble, down to earth person than mike.

[@skidco1]

An all round nice guy - stay alive!!

[@deanaldridge4277]

I worked will Mike Peters about 15 plus years ago. What a great, and friendly man. I'm So glad to have met him.

[@eightiesmusic1984]

In what capacity if you do not mind me asking?

[@deanaldridge4277]

@@eightiesmusic1984 I did his on stage sound. Sound engineer/ monitors.

[@eightiesmusic1984]

@@deanaldridge4277 Thanks for replying.

[@eightiesmusic1984]

@@deanaldridge4277 Thanks for replying.

[@mrlucky777]

there is no one more sincere,kind ,or generous in music than Mike Peters. just to talk to the man you can feel his inner strength.

[@bigred4592]

what a fighter...great musician, great father, great husband and most of all a great human being.

[@stevetodd5820]

Stuart Adamson, RIP big man, STAY ALIVE

[@FoxyLad]

God bless you Mike and your wonderful loving wife and kids xx

[@ericthomas9569]

Definetly the soundtrack from a very memorable time in my life here in Brazil .Thankyou !

[@ChrisW444]

That was brilliant, such an inspirational man. I did buy some Alarm singles many years ago but ironically my favourite band around that time was Big Country. Saw them quite a few times and Stuart was amazing as a player, performer and a songwriter. Your energy and positivity is humbling something I am sure Stuart would approve of. All the best for you and the family, they are lucky to have such a strong person around them. All the best. x

[@monzadh]

I've been a fan of the Alarm since the late 80's and still have the Standards CD I've had since the 90's in regular rotation. Love this video and Mike and the band deserve more attention and appreciation....outside of Wales of course!

[@iancampbell3242]

What an inspiration you are Mike Peters so positive in life, you attack everything full on and win. You and Stuart Adamson were and are my hero's Stay alive! !!

[@lairdsimpsonog3840]

Both Mike Peters and Stuart Adamson are/ were . two amazing human beings.. God Bless them both...💙 🙏 🇬🇧

[@CUZIND413]

I love mine peters and the alarm. Mike is my big country. I'm 47 and a signed recording artist and I owe so much of that to the alarm. I was a 16 year old kid when I saw the alarm and the ritz in nyc. I was changed. I knew what I was doing for the rest of my life. Thankyou mike And all the alarm. Respect

[@johnnyo576]

Darren Diaz wow I was at the same show. Boston band Face to Face opened right? One of the best shows I have ever seen

[@lisaknell1809]

I have loved The Alarm and Big Country since the 80s. I was so thankful to get to see Mike front Big Country back in 2013 and meet him as well. What a class act, inspiration and fighter he is! ❤

[@OceanClif]

Just saw Mike this past Thursday at City Winery in Nashville with my wife for her birthday. He was inspirational. We also met a superfan, Stuart. Stuart's enthusiasm and stories of his college years following The Alarm made the evening all the more fun and memorable.

[@waltersmetak]

Woe, the Alarm!!! I haven't heard about them for over three decades!

[@DarrenMalone253]

STRENGTH One of my fave 80's songs ever!

[@stevewaterworth5176]

I only met Mike and his beautiful wife Joules once and I can honestly say that they are what makes life LIFE❤❤❤

[@dsmith3351]

This has blown my mind! This geezer and his missus are inspirational human beings!!

[@bgierat]

Such a big fan of this man. Such a wonderful human being. Always so positive. Really inspiring. Bless you!

[@davidmata4786]

Just an amazing person, amazing performer and song writer.. I've always loved how powerful Mike's voice is and how much energy he's always welled up from his soul and given to his audience. Mike Peter's is a national treasure and where he felt he always needed to give back to us all I can think of is I wish he would have thought of himself just as much.. He's needed here for a while longer..

[@MarkRichShootingthebreeze]

Brilliant video. Hopefully gives all us musicians hope. I loved Big Country. 👍

[@timlane8205]

What a good person! Cheers to Mike Peters.

[@willlehrfeld457]

What a wonderful video, thank you. Huge fan of big country and the Alarm.

[@rockville48]

Utterly blown away by this...Big Country were the soundtrack of my early teenage tears on long bus journeys across country, school etc....now, watching Mike Peters tell his story I’m in awe of this man...long may you live and rock Mike! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🎸

[@civilservice7806]

Mikes an inspiration, I’m glad I stumbled across this !! The Alarm was a great band.

[@ephraimlessell]

People saluting this guy and this video reminds me of a song I wrote about ten years ago: "Somewhere on the road to nowhere, somewhere on the interstate. Someone will point at nothing. And someone will say "that's great!".

[@vfxtutswithdan1893]

I got to meet Mike in the US a few years ago. Not only was that meaningful, but it was with him that Big Country returned to the States to play again, so I got to fulfill my lifelong dream of wearing my kilt to a Big Country concert. I'll never forget the energy of that night.

[@IANLIZ1]

Amazing, beautiful human being.

[@Neil2022]

Spot on mate!

[@dougieroberts7045]

One of the only people I would love to spend an hour with , just chatting, what an amazing man.

[@yvonnetatlock717]

Awe this made me so emotional this morning. No one sees the personal vulnerability sides to ppl in a band/film etc. but this film has shown all of that. A great film, a film of struggle’s strength and winning at life. Love from Anglesey ❤

[@31446963048]

When I was 16 Id drive in my Fiat Spider, top down playing War and Declaration on my tape deck with the top down.

[@MartynTottMedia]

Always comes across as a genuine guy. Brilliant.

[@TonyField]

Mike is an insperation to us all. His positivity too. ❤

[@phillipblanshard3423]

Incredible voice, great band and vastly underrated. Chapeau, Mike et al.

[@paulstillwell3874]

That made me cry. What an incredible story. What a hero. What a Human Being.

[@anthonywilliams674]

Absolutely amazing I am lost for words , what a fantastic human being puts everything into perspective . Life is everything

[@davidambrose8935]

Wow ,what an inspiration you are ,what you have overcome is truly incredible and the strength of mind you possess is just wonderful ❤ wow ,big love ✌

[@eyemoeba2]

beautiful soul and beautiful story. i was never the biggest fan of his work growing up - eye was staunch big country during the alarm's escalation - but this brought a tear to my eye. he kept bc going and is now making music that sounds as fresh and energetic as '80's U2. stay alive. rip stu-pot.

[@glennbotes8937]

What a great real life Life coach and musician. Thank you for this video.

[@milleracer41]

This is simply AWESOME.

[@southerner4566]

What a decent bloke you are Mike, The Alarm were always one of my favourite bands in the 80's and I still have great memories of seeing them live in Southampton in 85 and 86

[@tommygunhunter]

& Jules is Mike's female mirror image! The STRENGTH behind the throne!

[@MarksGoneWalking]

Had the privilege of doing Snowdonia Rocks this year and got to meet Mike and Jules. Both amazing/ inspirational people - for those interested the vid is on my channel. ATB Respect. Mark.

[@MarksGoneWalking]

Ps - I’m sure if your watching this vid you know - check out their new Album Equals - it’s really good - got some great tracks on it. Personal favourite - Transatlantic 👍

[@Blissful_Soundscapes]

Been a huge Alarm and Mike Peters fan since hearing them on college radio in the early 80’s… finally got to see him a couple years ago. It was glorious. ❤

[@pucky900]

First saw you in Seattle back in the day when I was a young Marine opening up for Pat Benatar. Been a fan since!!!!

[@sutty331]

As a massive Alarm fan, seeing them loads of times in the 80's, including supporting U2 at Cardiff Arms Park, where the Alarm stole the show, Mike is legend to me. In the late 80's, while on holiday in Rhyl and knowing mike lived in Dyserth, i decided to go and see his home, not thinking he, an international rock star, would be there. I went in a shop by the waterfall and asked the shopkeeper if he knew where Mike lived. He replied something about " that long haired bloke" and pointed me in the direction of Mikes home. I pulled up outside a big house, up the hill and looked at the house. Mike was actually there, mowing his front garden, i got out my car and introduced myself as a big fan and asked for a signature. He duly signed the only piece of paper i had, which was my Birth Certificate. Has a chat for 10 mins and on my way...totally starstruck

[@geoffrees418]

Bless you, beautiful human being

[@mikemankowich4965]

This is clearly a very good person.

[@mikewilliams9053]

Sir Mike Peters, it should be. You will always be my hero. Have seen you and the Alarm so many times. Keep hoping i would meet you in a pub in Dyserth. My mum lives in Towyn. You are a true inspiration my friend xx

[@Gothaura]

My love for this man,and his family,exceed words. His music is raw emotive beauty. I miss touring so much,climbing mountains and travelling, due to illness, but treasure the many years of memories. His music now soothes my mind as I live a life of chronic depression. Love, hope and strength.

[@squirrelattackspidy]

Stay strong and alive. God loves you and wants you to use your gifts.

[@Gothaura]

@@squirrelattackspidy 🥰❤

[@footshotstube]

wow i stumbled on a gem!! thanks @TheWestcoaster65 loved the alarm and big country [ still do ] this a great trip down memory lane , mike peters is on a par with justin sullivan in lyrical ability and very worthy of more airplay

[@derekormsby3682]

What a really nice guy. Saw him fronting Big Country in Edinburgh last month and he was fantastic.

[@mark-adams]

Big Country, U2, The Alarm, all incredible acts to emerge in the early 80s, and their music, collectively, sustained me through my teen years. U2 emerged as the most successful act, and has produced some awesome music through the ages, but The Alarm never ceased to deserve a place in my album collection. So glad to see Mike Peters pushing on in a blaze of glory.

[@dsfavorites1]

Well said

[@PompeyMatt17]

I remember The Alarm well from the 80s...but never knew any of this he went through. What an amazing guy