Mike Peters of the Alarm Dies from CLL and Richter’s

“The fight against cancer is the same as standing up to injustice… it’s about not backing down.” Mike Peters

Mike Peters was a rockstar. lead singer for The Alarm, who didn’t try to hide his CLL or Richter’s Transformation, but rather proudly and boldly used his fame to raise money and awareness to fight cancer. He was recognized as a Member of the Order of The British Empire (MBE) for his charity work though his Love Hope Strength Foundation founded with his wife of 39 years, Jules.

He was also the most optimistic person I ever met. Kind, generous, funny and with a smile that could put the sun to shame. And rock and roll music was, well his rock and salvation.

Patty and I were lucky to visit with Mike and Jules in their small hometown in northern Wales when Mike was considering options for his relapsing Richter’s Transformation. We became fast friends because of our shared journey (CAR-T and later epcoritamab) and our passion to fight for our own lives and that of others facing cancer.

If you want to know more about Mike, The Alarm, his music, his wonderful family, his cancer  journey, and his charity work, watch the documentary: The Man in the Camo Jacket. 

There you’ll learn some of his musical history, including his sharing the stage with Bono, Springsteen and singing with Dylan ironically Knocking on Heaven’s Doors.

He was planning a fun raising and fundraising American tour to the last minute to replace the one canceled when he discovered an enlarged nodes when shaving that turned out to be Richter’s Transformation. His last email to me a few days before he passed was about meeting in California.

So what does this rockstar do when facing Richter’s? Write the first punk anthem dedicated to CAR-T therapy. I urge you to crank up the volume and listen to CHIMERA. The Mohawk was his answer to the chemo induced hair loss.

Mike and Jules, Brian and Patty in Dyserth, Wales, 2024.

Mike was actively touring in the UK during his harsh chemo treatments for his RT. He recorded a  new album, Transformation, including songs like OUTLIER that will be released in June. How many record covers feature diagnostic imaging of a CLL/ Richter’s patient? He sure embraced the battle, knew his enemy and with rock and roll gusto chose his battle weapons of LOVE, HOPE and STRENGTH. And music and family.

I will sure miss him. I feel lucky to have known him and have learned from him. His passing reminds me, us as if we needed reminding, that CLL is not a solved problem.

It also teaches lessons about how to live our lives and face our deaths.

I leave you with this final song from my friend Mike Peters: TOTALLY FREE

Rest in peace.