July 14th, 2008 at 4:04 PM

Mike Peters Rings The Alarm at The Fillmore at Irving Plaza

250246,300,300,p,n“In case you’re wondering…the situation is under control!” announced singer Mike Peters before The Alarm tore into “Situation Under Control,” a track from his band’s new album, Guerilla Tactics. The song’s title alludes to Peters’ two bouts with cancer (it’s now fortunately in remission), but judging by the electric performance he gave last night, he’s only interested in rocking out and staying positive.

And what an energetic show he gave. Although The Alarm was the first act on the three-band Rockin’ the Colonies retro tour featuring fellow ‘80s legends The Fixx and The English Beat, the quartet played like they were headlining a sold-out show at Madison Square Garden. In all of the years I’ve been attending shows at Irving Plaza, I’ve never seen an opening act have the crowd in the palm of their hand and singing along to every song (the reaction to The Fixx was significantly muted).

250247,300,300,p,nThe lyrics of Peters’ heartfelt, often populist folk-rock songs rang even truer on rousing renditions of “68 Guns,” “Strength” and “The Spirit of ’76.” Though this crowd was a little older and probably not very hip, Peters, 49, didn’t lose himself in nostalgia. Mike Peters won’t forget yesterday, but he also won’t stop thinking about tomorrow.

 

images by Darren Ressler

By Darren Ressler

Filed under LimeWire Music Blog, Live

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Comments

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  1. July 14th, 2008 at 4:00 PM { # }

    Frank Deserto said:

    it was a drag to hear that the alarm were only touring as part of this package deal… i adore that band very much but don’t care for either the fixx or the english beat. i still sort of regret skipping this one.

    otherwise, the same holds true for the upcoming jones beach show…which features three bands i don’t care about + the human league, who i love above most things.

  2. July 14th, 2008 at 4:00 PM { # }

    NYCTim said:

    Darren, great observations about The Alarm at Irving Plaza. The band had another stellar show and I was one of the people in the front who wished The Alarm could have played for another hour. If the music industry and fans would actually pay attention, they’d know by now that The Alarm is one of the best live bands out there. Mike Peters always puts on a passionate and energetic show, and the new songs are outstanding.

    My lone objection was your line about the crowd being “a little older and not very hip.” While I may be close to 40, I don’t consider myself “older” just yet. I’m not sure what being hip has to do with being a music fan. I just know what I like and what is good. The Alarm tops both of those lists for me.

February 9th, 2010 at 8:09 PM