This is my magnum opus on The Alarm, originally published in Goldmine Magazine, November 1995.
History Of The ALARM: 1973-1995
History Of The ALARM: 1973-1995
"Your revolution ain't no solution there's gotta be a better way out"
-The Toilets (Mike Peters) "Alarm Alarm" 1976
In 1973 the future members of the Alarm met in Wales as teenagers. Dave Sharp (real name: Dave Kitchingman) and Nigel Twist (real name: Nigel Buckle) both moved to the Rhyl, Wales from Manchester, England. Twist and Sharp had been playing music together for most of their early teens, Twist on his step-father's drums, and Sharp Strumming his mother's Spanish guitar. In Rhyl, the pair met Mike Peters and Eddie MacDonald, next-door neighbors since the age of 4. Rhyl is known as a beautiful vacation spot for British tourists, but in 1976 there was not much in the way of excitement for bored teenagers. The British punk explosion beckoned Mike Peters across the border to see The Sex Pistols in Chester,England. Peters was blown away by the Pistols energy and stage presence. However, after being shunned at the backstage door by Jonny Rotten, he decided two things. He would pitch in his career as a computer operator to start a punk band, and if successful, never treat his fans with contempt.
Mike Peters, and Nigel Twist soon formed a punk band named The Toilets. The Toilets were regulars at the famous Liverpool club "Upstairs At Eriks," a virtual breeding ground for 80's new wave artists (e.g. Echo And The Bunnymen, Flock Of Seagulls, Icicle Works). Dave Sharp took Eddie MacDonald to his first punk show to see The Toilets. His eyes were opened, inspiring him then and there to get into the punk scene. MacDonald was interested in joining the Toilets, but after support slots with The Clash and The Buzzcocks, the band broke up. Sensing a common musical purpose, Peters and Macdonald began writing songs together.
