MIKE Peters's 19-year-old son Evan took to the stage to carry on his late father’s musical legacy at the 32nd Gathering in Cardiff
Jules said she felt her husband’s presence in the moment and felt inspired by the optimism and energy that Mike always brought to life and to his music.
Mike Peters, frontman of The Alarm from Dyserth, died on April 29, 2025 at the age of 66 from blood cancer, more than 30 years after his initial diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. One of his last wishes was for The Gathering to continue.
In his last few days, Mike spoke to Jules, his sons Dylan and Evan, and tour manager Andy Labrow, urging them to “Keep The Gathering going and The Alarm legacy" saying "You can’t let the fans down."
The annual event, which ran from January 15 to 18, brought together fans from around the world to celebrate the band’s music. During the event, Jules and Evan performed Walk Forever Together By My Side.
Reflecting on the moment, Jules said: "As we performed Walk Forever Together By My Side, it felt as though Mike was by our side willing us on. Miraculously, I felt no fear or sadness, only confidence and optimism for new beginnings, just like the way Mike always looked positively to the future and new horizons.
Mike will always be by all our sides, willing us on to enjoy every second of this beautiful life."
Evan shared his own emotional connection to the music during the opening night at Temple Bar, Cardiff, for The Gathering’s 'Open Mike' event.
He said: "I stood at the side of the stage not sure what to play and then it came to me - Cenotaph.
"Cenotaph is probably one of my favourite Alarm songs.
"In 2018, I remember dad playing it to me for the first time. Mum was out at a council meeting and Dylan was out with his friends. I was 11 at the time. Dad organised a pizza. He was a much less strict as a parent than mum. Everyone was out so it was just me and dad watching Star Wars.
"Dad loved Star Wars, Lord of the Rings and Star Trek and he would always take the time to sit with us and watch his favourite films but then, half way through, he stopped the film and started playing Cenotaph.
"He was known for being quite shy playing his new songs to people in the band but I suppose it felt easy to open up and play it to me.
"I've never forgotten the moment and since dad passed, I play this song a lot as it comforts me a lot."
The event featured performances from Evan, Matt Peach, Chris Summerill, Big Country’s Bruce and Jamie Watson, and The Alarm with Spirit of ’86 — a recreation of the original setlist from UCLA on April 12, 1986, celebrating its 40-year anniversary. The show was presented by Evan Peters & Friends.
There was also an 'Interview with Jules Peters' and a Q&A session with The Cult guitarist Billy Duffy.
Further performances took place on Saturday, and on Sunday, attendees participated in the 'Love Hope Strength Solidarity Rock-N-Stroll' - a walk across Cardiff Bay Barrage and back.
Jules revealed to the Journal that she would like to bring The Gathering “home” next year.
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