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Alarm Archive

Alarm Archive

The Alarm Archive is a Facebook page dedicated to creating the ultimate “Timeline” of Alarm History.  This page displays an updated list of the latest content from the archive. [custom-facebook-feed]

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“Change” album is released.

“Change” album is released. Reached #13 in the UK, #75 In the USA. The album was too long for a single vinyl album so in the UK LP was packaged with a 7″ single that included “Scarlet” and “Black Sun”

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“Sold Me Down The River” single released.

“Sold Me Down The River” single released. This is arguably the bands biggest readio hit in the Usa. It reached #2 on Modern rock chart and #3 on the Mainstrram rock chart (although, this editor recalls that it actually hit #1, but I can’t find the evidence any where). It only reached #50 on the Hot 100 chart, which says more about the disparity of “alternative” music in 1989 and [read more]

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Change demo recording with full band

Kinmell hall demo sessions start in October/November 1988. The band attemt to record songs fro mthe ground-up as a unit. The team spirit of the band seems to be back in full force.

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Gig: 2/9/1988, The Alarm, Hammersmith Odeon, London

2/9/1988: The Alarm, Hammersmith Odeon, London Summary Broadcast on BBC Radio 1 “In Concert” March 5th 1988. Part of the show was shown on ITV’s “Get Fresh” May 21st 1988.Press Release Set List Band Comments Fan Comments

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Event: 10/27/1987, The Alarm, “The Hurricane Sessions”

10/27/1987: The Alarm, “The Hurricane Sessions” Summary Recording sessions for the “Eye Of The Hurricane” album, dubbed “The Hurricane Sessions” on the “Rescue Me” single, which featured two previously unreleased tracks taken from the sessions, “My Land Your Land” & “Pastures Of Plenty”.Press Release Set List Band Comments Fan Comments

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Event: 10/25/1987, The Alarm, “The Hurricane Sessions”

10/25/1987: The Alarm, “The Hurricane Sessions” Summary Recording sessions for the “Eye Of The Hurricane” album, dubbed “The Hurricane Sessions” on the “Rescue Me” single, which featured two previously unreleased tracks taken from the sessions, “My Land Your Land” & “Pastures Of Plenty”.Press Release Set List Band Comments Fan Comments

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Ian Wilson is fired as Manager of The Alarm

After the money disputes that led to the band breaking-up in 1986, the band agree to replace Ian wilson with Elliott Roberts as manager. The loss of Ian Wilson was not immediately felt, as Roberts was quick to use his influence to ge the Alarm on a support tour with Bob Dylan, and get them to meet some of their heroes like Neil Young. However, the effect of Wilson’s loss [read more]

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“Eye” remixed without the band’s knowledge.

Miles Copeland asks Tony Platt to remix ‘Eye Of The Hurricane’ without the band’s involvement. He remixes “Rain” and “Newtown Jericho’, but they are rejected. They songs are then sent to Hollywood to be remixed by David Leonard. When the band finally hears the mixes, they were not happy with tham at all. Dave and Mike personally travelled to Los Angeles on August 26th 1987 to play the originals for [read more]

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‘Eye’ recording starts at RAK studios in London.

Alan Shacklock started the production process to record the songs chosen from the demos (Newtown Jericho’, “Only Love Can Set Me Free”,”Lead Me Through The Darkness”.) but Nigel and Dave brstle at having to record caebon copies of the demos. Sessions are scrapped.

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IRS gets the band to reform.

IRS records calls a meeting, and gets the band to reform. Steve Tannett from IRS selects the best songs from both parties demos. Onlu Macdonald/Peters songs are chosen: ‘Newtown Jericho’, “Only Love Can Set Me Free”,”Lead Me Through The Darkness”.

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Gig: 11/22/1986, The Alarm, Radio Wales session (Mike , Eddie acoustic)

11/22/1986: The Alarm, Radio Wales session (Mike & Eddie acoustic) Summary Mike & Eddie acoustic in aid of “Children In Need”. A very early version of “A New South Wales” and a very rare late version of “Unsafe Building”.Press Release Set List Bells of Rhymney A New South Wales Unsafe Building Spirit of ’76 Blaze of Glory 68 Guns Marching On The StandBand Comments Fan Comments

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Dave and Nigel record demos.

After the band split-up for short time I the summer if 1986, Dave and Nigel stayed @ Ezee Hire studio to record several demos with members of Wire Train. The song “Save Your Cryin’” was recorded here for the second time. Nothing else was ever released.

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Mike and Eddie Record Demos

While Dave and Nigel stayed at Ezee Hire, Eddie and Mike at The Waterfront in London. They recorded many demos using a drum machine and synthesizer, plus guitars. From thesee demos the future “Eye” songs .’Newtown Jericho’, “Only Love Can Set Me Free”, and the Raw song “Lead Me Through The Darkness”. Eddie Macdonald has described this time his “happiest time in The Alarm’.

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Mike Peters writes songs for next album

For a 2 week period following the finmal Strength tour show on July 12, 196, Mike Peters tiured Wales writing various songs for the next album, few of which have eveer been heard.

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Gig: 4/12/1986, The Alarm, Spirit Of ’86 Show, UCLA campus, CA Broadcast live on MTV

4/12/1986: The Alarm, Spirit Of ’86 Show, UCLA campus, CA Broadcast live on MTV Summary Gig was broadcast live to USA, Canada, UK, Italy, Germany, Austria, France, Sweden, Malta, Netherlands, Belgium, Finland, Luxemburg Later that night the band were entertained at Miles Copeland’s Beverly Hills HomePress Release Set List Declaration Marching On Howling Wind Knife Edge Blaze Of Glory Absolute Reality Where Were You Hiding (When The Storm Broke)? Walk [read more]

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The Alarm play Spirit Of ’86 at UCLA.

The biggest Alarm gig ever. 25,000+ people witness one of the first live satellite worldwide broadcasts ever. Played live on MTV, but taped for some parts of the world. This show should have been the band’s big break. However, in-fighting would doom the band, and this would end-up their biggest ever highlight. Support gigs for Queen at Wembly stadium would also be great highlights, but in retrospect the Spirit Of [read more]

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Knife Edge released as a single.

Knife Edge released as a single in the UK. It reaches #43 in the UK. There was no USA release. Instead, IRS released Absolute Reality to radio, where it had already been played to death in 1984, so it didn’t make adent.

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Gig: 1/9/1986, The Alarm, Norwegian radio

1/9/1986: The Alarm, Norwegian radio Summary Mike talked about the making of the strength album, about constant touring. He said a year earlier they had wanted to fill stadiums, but decided that was dangerous for a band, so went into the studio to make an album “following their own instincts”. Talked about the band all wearing leather trousers because they are easy to keep clean. “How are you going to [read more]

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Strength single is released.

Strength single is released. Reaches #40 in the UK, #61 on the USA Hto 100 chart, #12 on the Mainstream rock chart. The Alarm finally havea bigger hit in the USA than in the UK.

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Strength Alan Shacklock Sessions

The Alarm bring alan Shacklock back to try to record some songs for Strength. Shacklock was already working with roger Daltry, but he asked Miek and Eddie to record a song for the Daltry album. They recorded “In The Cold Light Of Day”, which would one day become “Only Love Can Set Me Free”

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Strength album recording start with Mike Howlett

Mike Howlett replaces the absent Jimmy Iovine to produce “Strength”. Recording starts the Roundhouse in London. With the band recoding silly covers of a overa dozen songs. A few of the tracks appear on the “Abolsute Tour” flexi disc.

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Event: 3/16/1985, The Alarm, “Number 73” – ITV, UK

3/16/1985: The Alarm, “Number 73” – ITV, UK Summary Mike was interviewed and took part in a celebrity quiz against Scottish comedian Billy Connelly. Mike won! Howling Wind was played during the closing titles of the show, & the band were joined by Billy Connolly on guitar, while the presenters, including Sandy Toksvig danced around them.Press Release Set List Absolute Reality Howling WindBand Comments Fan Comments

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Event: 3/1/1985, The Alarm, San Diego, CA Backstage Pass

3/1/1985: The Alarm, San Diego, CA Backstage Pass Summary Alarm interview for syndicated radio show “Backstage Pass”(airdate was March ’85 – may have been recorded earlier)Press Release Set List Band Comments Fan Comments

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Event: 2/21/1985, The Alarm, Gary Crowley Session – Capitol Radio, London

2/21/1985: The Alarm, Gary Crowley Session – Capitol Radio, London Summary “Dawn Chorus” is an early version which has different lyrics than the recording made for the STRENGTH album. Also, it uses a piano rather than an organ in the background.Press Release Set List Absolute Reality Bells of Rhymney This Train Is Bound For Glory Dawn ChorusBand Comments Fan Comments

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Gig: 1/5/1985, The Alarm, “Europe a Go Go” TV show, UK Channel 4

1/5/1985: The Alarm, “Europe a Go Go” TV show, UK Channel 4 Summary Recorded at “The Tube” studio in Newcastle Upon Tyne. Click below to view this appearance in REAL Video: The Tube: Newcastle Upon Tyne (1985) Press Release Set List Majority Where Were You Hiding Absolute RealityBand Comments Fan Comments

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Gig: 11/9/1984, The Alarm, “The Tube”, Channel 4 TV, UK

11/9/1984: The Alarm, “The Tube”, Channel 4 TV, UK Summary The Tube was a prime time music show broadcast live at 6pm on Friday evenings, and at the time was the prime “alternative” music show in the UK. It’s winning formula was based on allowing bands the opportunity to play short sets fully live rather than miming as was common on other TV shows at the time.Press Release Set List [read more]

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Gig: 11/9/1984, The Alarm, UEA, Norwich

11/9/1984: The Alarm, UEA, Norwich Summary The Alarm appeared on Channel 4’s “The Tube” in Newcastle at 6pm that evening and then flew down to Norwich – they were on really late!Press Release Set List Band Comments Fan Comments

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First demos for “Abolsute Reality” album recorded

Demos for the “Abolsute Reality” aalbum recorded at Ezee Hire stusios in London. They were used to lure Jimmy Iovine to produce The alarm scheduledfor January 1985. Iovone renigs, and the “Absolute Reality” album becomes a single relesed in April 1984. the new album, retitle “Strength” is recorded ith Mike Howlett instead.

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“Absolute Reality” recorded.

Responding to the double chart failure of “The Deceiver” and “The Chant”, the Alarm attempt to quickly regain momentum by recording a new song at Good Earth with Alan Shacklock. “Absolute Reality” end-up sounding much like the best songs from Declaration. The song came from demos for their next album.

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“The Chant Has Just Begun” is released as a single.

“The Chant Has Just Begun” is released as a single. It reaches #48, only 3 places higher than “The Deceiver”. The Alarm’s attempt to model the sound of the times instead of their own true passions proves to be a failed experiment.

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The Alarm record “The Chant Has Just Begun”

Back at Good Earth Studios , The Alarm record a new single to capture the current sound at the time (i.e “Frankie Goes To Hollywood”). Alan Shacklock produced the track. All agree that it was a failed experiment.

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Event: 4/20/1984, The Alarm, “The Tube” Channel 4 TV, UK

4/20/1984: The Alarm, “The Tube” Channel 4 TV, UK Summary The Tube was a prime time music show broadcast live at 6pm on Friday evenings, and at the time was the prime “alternative” music show in the UK. It’s winning formula was based on allowing bands the opportunity to play short sets fully live rather than miming as was common on other TV shows at the time.Press Release Set List [read more]

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“The Deceiver” released as a single.

“The Deceiver” released as a single. Reaches #51 in the UK, #104 in the USA. This failure drovethe Alarm back into the studio to record “The Chant Has Just Begun”

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Event: 2/28/1984, The Alarm, BBC Radio 1 Kid Jensen Session (repeat)

2/28/1984: The Alarm, BBC Radio 1 Kid Jensen Session (repeat) Summary A re- broadcast of the session first broadcast on 15th October 1983Press Release Set List Howling Wind Unbreak the Promise Walk Forever By My Side Excerpts from One Step Closer To Home – this is how it was announced and is shown as such on the BBC contract.Band Comments Fan Comments

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Event: 1/20/1984, The Alarm, “The Tube” Channel 4 TV, UK

1/20/1984: The Alarm, “The Tube” Channel 4 TV, UK Summary The Tube was a prime time music show broadcast live at 6pm on Friday evenings, and at the time was the prime “alternative” music show in the UK. It’s winning formula was based on allowing bands the opportunity to play short sets fully live rather than miming as was common on other TV shows at the time.Press Release Set List [read more]

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Event: 1/19/1984, The Alarm, Top of the Pops, BBC TV, UK

1/19/1984: The Alarm, Top of the Pops, BBC TV, UK Summary The band’s third “Top Of The Pops” appearance, playing their second hit single. The single would spend 6 weeks on the UK chart, peaking at number 22.Press Release Set List Where Were You Hiding When the Storm Broke?Band Comments Fan Comments

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Event: 1/3/1984, The Alarm, “Where Were You Hiding?” single released in the UK

1/3/1984: The Alarm, “Where Were You Hiding?” single released in the UK Summary The single would be the The Alarm’s second hit single and would spend 6 weeks on the UK chart, peaking at number 22.Press Release A newspaper article at the time stated that the new single “The Sound And The Fury” would be released on January 3rd. “The Sound And The Fury” was in fact the name of [read more]

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Event: 11/6/1983, The Alarm, BBC Radio 1 Kid Jensen Session (repeat)

11/6/1983: The Alarm, BBC Radio 1 Kid Jensen Session (repeat) Summary A re- broadcast of the session first broadcast on 15th October 1983Press Release Set List Howling Wind Unbreak the Promise Walk Forever By My Side Excerpts from One Step Closer To Home – this is how it was announced and is shown as such on the BBC contract.Band Comments Fan Comments

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“Declaration” recording continues.

Recording continues with Alan Shacklock at Good Earth studios. Backing tracks, mostly for songs that would become b-sides, are recorded. Alan Shacklock introduced the band to the “sequqncer” that they used to created the backing track for “Howling Wind”.

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Event: 10/15/1983, The Alarm, Kid Jensen session, BBC Radio 1

10/15/1983: The Alarm, Kid Jensen session, BBC Radio 1 Summary “One Step Closer” features rapid 12-string guitar strumming from Dave Sharp and a different cadence to the lyrics than on any other version of this song – live or studio. Alan Shacklock joined the band on piano.Press Release Set List Howling Wind Unbreak the Promise Walk Forever By My Side Excerpts from One Step Closer To Home – this is [read more]

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Event: 10/6/1983, The Alarm, “Top of the Pops”, BBC 1 TV, UK

10/6/1983: The Alarm, “Top of the Pops”, BBC 1 TV, UK Summary The bands second appearance on the “Top Of The Pops” chart show with “68 Guns”. The single would spend 7 weeks in the UK chart, peaking at number 17.Press Release Set List Band Comments Fan Comments

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Event: 9/21/1983, The Alarm, “Top of the Pops” BBC TV, UK

9/21/1983: The Alarm, “Top of the Pops” BBC TV, UK Summary The bands first appearance on the BBC’s flagship “Top Of The Pops” chart show with their first hit single, “68 Guns”. Although the band played live in the studio, the BBC dubbed the recorded version over the broadcast pictures. The single would spend 7 weeks in the UK chart, peaking at number 17.Press Release Set List Band Comments Fan [read more]

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The Alarm record “Marching On”

The Alarm record “Marching On”. Recorded with Steve Tannett Matrix Studios, London. “Lie Of The Land” and “Across The Border” are also recorded.