THE late rock star Mike Peters’s dream has been fulfilled by his friend - the classical singer Rhys Meirion.
Mike, the lead singer of The Alarm, died on April 29 2025 aged 66 from blood cancer. His family marked his 67th birthday on February 25 2026; Mike is survived by his wife Jules and two sons - Dylan and Evan.
Just a month before Mike's death, Rhys received one last message from Mike asking him to create a Welsh version of his song St David’s Day.
The original track was composed by Mike, who lived in Dyserth, for the musical Flesh and Blood, which was performed at the Sherman Theatre in 1999.
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At 8.30pm on St David’s Day (March 1), viewers can follow Rhys’s journey to realise Mike’s dream in a special programme on S4C, Neges Olaf Mike Peters (Mike Peters’s Last Message). The programme will also be available on S4C Clic and BBC iPlayer with Welsh and English subtitles, and the song will be released in full on S4C’s YouTube.
The track was recorded at Sain Studio, with Mike’s sons, Dylan and Evan, taking on key roles in the recording.
Rhys, who lives in the village of Pwllglas near Ruthin, is joined by Osian from Candelas, Aled, bassist of Cowbois Rhos Botwnnog, and the Trelawnyd Male Voice Choir.
Reflecting on the challenge ahead, Rhys described Mike as “quite the hero” for him.
He said: “Over the years, Mike and I had become friends, after our paths crossed on many occasions, which is possibly unusual for a classical singer like me, and a rock singer like Mike.
“Mike had been battling cancer for over 30 years, and despite that, he always had a smile on his face, and that was a great inspiration to me when I had my own cancer diagnosis.”
Jules said: “I’m sure it’s going to be emotional. I’m not quite sure what to expect, but I’m looking forward to it.
"St David’s Day is an emotional song at the best of times and whenever I hear it, it would always move me to tears, there’s something in the cord changes.
"I hope there’s some tissues at hand when I hear it back.”
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