On 24th September 2025 the official formation of The Alarm2.0 occurred. 2 shows were announced for 18th and 19th December 2025 in London with a line up of Eddie MacDonald, James Stevenson, Steve “Smiley” Barnard with special guest Matt Peach on lead vocals for these two shows.



Official website launched on www.thealarm2.com
Eddie Macdonald, co-founder, co-songwriter and longtime bassist, returns as a driving creative force. From the early days in the seaside town of Rhyl through The Alarm’s rise to international acclaim, Eddie’s bass lines and songwriting helped define anthems like “Sixty Eight Guns”. After decades away from the spotlight pursuing solo projects, Eddie now rejoins the fold, bringing his seasoned voice and vision to the band.
James Stevenson, renowned guitarist with a rich musical history spanning punk, pop, and gothic rock. With decades of experience playing with Generation X, Gene Loves Jezebel, The Cult, and The Alarm’s previous incarnations, James’s expressive guitar work and production skills shape the band’s powerful sonic identity.
Steve “Smiley” Barnard, the energetic drummer whose rhythmic pulse has powered acts from Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros, The Boomtown Rats to Robbie Williams, returns once again as the heartbeat of the group. Smiley’s infectious enthusiasm and vast musical experience make him a vital presence both on stage and off.
Taking the lead vocal for these first 2 shows is Matt Peach, a rising star and lifelong fan of The Alarm. Having collaborated and performed live with members of the band on various solo singles and charitable projects he has gone onto forge his own successful career as the lead guitarist for the transatlantic Kelsy Karter and The Heroines.

The band will make their live debut as The Alarm2.0 at The Lexington, London on Friday, 19th December 2025, a milestone event for fans old and new to experience the band’s iconic sound reimagined for a new era.

Gigs(v) 18th December 2025 : The Lexington, Islington, London N1, England
Support from Billy Liberator
Band line up : Matt Peach, Eddie Macdonald, James Stevenson, Steve ‘Smiley” Barnard, Dave Blackman
Set list : Declaration, Marching On, Absolute Reality, Where Were You Hiding When The Storm Broke?, The Stand, Rain In The Summertime, Strength, No Frontiers, We Are The Light, Deeside, Sixty Eight Guns, Sold Me Down The River, Knife Edge, Rescue Me, Spirit Of ’76, Blaze Of Glory
(Set list provided by Barry Gray)



(Photos by Michelle Burton, Cathi Simpson, Glenn Fuller, Nigel Williamson)

(v) 19th December 2026 : The Lexington, Islington, London N1, England
Support from Billy Liberator
Band line up : Matt Peach, Eddie Macdonald, James Stevenson, Steve ‘Smiley” Barnard, Dave Blackman
Set list : Declaration, Marching On, Absolute Reality, Where Were You Hiding When The Storm Broke?, The Stand, Rain In The Summertime, Strength, Third Light, We Are The Light, Deeside, Sixty Eight Guns, Sold Me Down The River, Knife Edge, Rescue Me, Spirit Of ’76, Blaze Of Glory
(Set list provided by Chris Dowell)

Review
I went to see the resurrection of The Alarm last night, or should I say The Alarm 2.0, at The Lexington at the invitation of co-founder Eddie Macdonald. Never mind the band, who were excellent, I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed such passion in a crowd before, who sang along loudly to EVERY song. I don’t often get goosebumps at gigs – Shakey at the first Vive Le Rock Awards stands out (also Welsh, note) – and ’68 Guns’ last night was another. Although my condition was mild compared to the bloke next to me who had tears streaming down his face throughout. Well done all!! – Gerry Ranson – MuleFreedom PR

New dates were announced for March 2025 with a revised lineup, with Eddie Macdonald taking over on lead vocals for the Awakening Spring Tour ’26, with James Stevenson and Steve ‘Smiley’ Barnard continuing their roles and keyboardist Dave Blackman officially being added to the lineup. Bass guitar saw the guest appearance of Craig Adams for this tour, returning after playing with The Alarm for the last time in 2017, after which he had concentrated on his role in The Mission and Spear of Destiny.


Awakening Spring Tour ’26
5th March 2026 The Flapper Birmingham England
6th March 2026 The Bungalow Paisley Scotland
7th March 2026 P J Molloys Dunfermline Scotland
8th March 2026 The New Adelphi Club Hull England
12th March 2026 The Jacaranda  Liverpool England
13th March 2026 Lowther Pavilion Lytham England
14th March 2026 The Adrian Flux Waterfront Studio, Norwich England
19th March 2026 Finns Weymouth England
20th March 2026 The Lexington London England

Future dates – Full line up to be confirmed
14th August 2026 Cwrw, Carmarthen, Wales
15th August 2026 The Tivoli, Buckley, Wales
16th August 2026 Lending Room, Leeds, England
21st August 2026 Network, Sheffield, England
22nd August 2026 Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff, Wales
27th August 2026 Heebie Jeebies (EBGB’s), Liverpool, England
28th August 2026 Lakeside Stage, Camper Calling Ffestival, Ragley Hall, Warwickshire, England
29th August 2026 “Reunion” Eddie Macdonald, Dave Sharp, Nigel Twist, the Garage, Islington, London, England
30th August 2026 “Reunion” Eddie Macdonald, Dave Sharp, Nigel Twist, the Garage, Islington, London, England

(Page updated 20/03/2026)