The Gathering 25 2nd February to 5th February 2017
Held at Venue Cymru, Llandudno, Wales
Over three days, friends came from all corners of the globe to celebrate the music of Mike Peters & The Alarm and to celebrate 25 years of this long standing event.
Thursday 2nd February 2017
Smiley’s Pre Gathering Party – held at 3rd Space the Llandudno Brewery, Llandudno, Wales
Performances by Steve “Smiley” Barnard, James Stevenson, Matt Peach, Steve Webster and Alan Thompson.
Photos courtesy of the MPO taken by Stuart Ling.
A full set of pictures taken on the evening can be viewed at the MPO Flickr page – click here
Friday 3rd February 2017
The bits many will not always see the setting up preparation and soundcheck/stage tech run through for the event.
Doors open and some of the the other bits that make the event : the Merch, Ask Simon and the Father of the MPO Peter Jones.
Friday saw the return of Dave Sharp to the gathering who opened the show and thrilled the audience with cuts from his extensive catalogue of songs.
The Friday show saw a surprise change to the usual acoustic set with Mike being joined on stage by Smiley, James Stevenson and Jules Peters to premiere songs from the forthcoming BLOOD RED / VIRAL BLACK albums, and a selection of Mike Peters and The Alarm standards.
Set List : Brighter Than The Sun, Knife Edge, Coming Backwards, High On The Hill, There Must Be A Way, Breathe, Time, 21st Century, Peace Now, Howling Wind, Tear Apart, Strength Tomorrow. Encore 1 : Rain In the Summertime, Love and Understanding. Encore 2 : Unsafe Building (acoustic), Two Rivers
Saturday 4th February 2017
Saturday daytime activities saw the premiere of the concert film from the 2016 Gathering, shot and edited by local students. This was followed by the annual Mastermind, suitably tough for a 25th Anniversary. Mike Peters then had one hour to answer questions from those present.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/mikepetersorganisation/albums/72157680140898665
Saturday evening was kicked off by the next generation when OCD, which included Dylan Peters in the lineup, who took to the stage followed by special guest Ian McNabb …. a great start to what was to be a memorable night which left everyone in no doubt that The Gathering 25 was the best yet!
Band line up : Mike Peters, James Stevenson, Steve “Smiley” Barnard, Craig Adams, Mark Taylor
For the encore set joined the band.
Support Ian McNabb
https://www.flickr.com/photos/mikepetersorganisation/albums/72157678340866371/with/32763710206
Sunday 5th February 2017 – Love Hope Strength Foundation Walkathon
Sunday was the official launch of Love Hope Strength 10th Anniversary year and the official launch of BY YOUR SIDE WALK. The day started with an emotionally charged talk from Mike’s lifelong friend Kevin Davies, who recently became a life saving donor through LHS followed by a version of Walk Forever that left not a dry eye in the room. Mike Peters then led the crowds on the annual walk to the end of the pier for a resounding rendition of Love Hope Strength.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/mikepetersorganisation/albums/72157680148535155/with/32805525075
Photos courtesy of the MPO taken by Stuart Ling, Andy Labrow and Dr Ian
