This song came in in 2011 when I was drafting my suicide letter. All I needed was just that bit of encouragement to keep going and decided to change my mind. Flash forward to '17 and I met Mike Peters at a show by total accident (my son and I were talking to the owner during sound check) and got to thank him in person for ostensibly saving my life. He and Jules were almost comically nice to this star stuck fan. This man changed his own destiny.
In 1985 I was at a guitar lesson and I asked my teacher to teach me Sunday Bloody Sunday, so being the arse (good) he was he taught me the opening to it. The next week I walked in and was all proud of myself, showing off my u2 chops. My teacher smiled, nodded, proceeded to show me his new guitar (he was a true guitar snob) and then proceeded to teach me this song note for note. At the time I was not happy about this..you see I was pretty stubborn and wanted to learn what I wanted to learn. I had no clue how much this song would affect my creativity. Its mind blowing to me that I can hear bits of this song in much of the music I create. I had never listened to the alarm in the 80's. I had to learn this one song. I never listened to this song until I was in my 30's. I appreciate this song and that guitar lesson so much. This is genius.
this song still gives me goose bumps. It is all about growing older and reflecting on your past friends and dreams. Losing touch with the people we knew and loved. Now that Im older, I can relate to this more than ever. "Mersey lights shine in the distance Same as they did for us then Mersey lights shine bright in the distance Where are you now my friend?"
I saw "The Stand" video on MTV when it was first popular and bought Declaration...they became my personal favorites...this song makes me want to SHOUT.....I miss the 80's!
Saw the Alarm supporting U2 at Cardiff Arms Park in 87... stole the show...amazing live band. A while later i went to Mikes house in dyserth. He was mowing the lawn and quite happy to pose for photos and autograph...top bloke...I have also seen him singing for big country too.. another great performance
Me too, I was right there at the front at Cardiff Arms Park in 87 and you are correct. The alarm stole the show that day and I followed them throughout the the coming years throughout the UK for a few years after :-) Although U2 went onto amazing things there after and I saw many time also. Pearless !!!!
Yes you are correct. Bono 'Bigged' The Edge up that one day his Dad had dreamed of seeing him play at CAP ..... at Rugby ! Only for him to then slice his drop kick somewhere at a 45 degree angle right of stage. Good job he is a L 'Edge' nd at playing his guitar !!
Prior to the release of Strength, in May '85, we saw them, in a tiny club in Chippenham, Wiltshire. They showcased the upcoming album. Hearing those tracks live, for the first time, sung with such passion, simply blew me away. Absolute reality indeed...
One of the best small venue bands I have ever seen. Had the pleasure of seeing them at the Paladium in LA and in San Francisco as well. Their show was amazing...more energy than 99% of the bands out there. We need more music like this now!
Saw them last night in Islington. Shed a little tear when they played this one. Brought back the best of memories, and it's one of the greatest 80's songs, in my opinion. Wish I could see them again, but, as usual, work gets in the way of the good life!
I a have reached the grand old age of 45.Was music better in the 80's? always been told music was better in different decades. still love the kinks all decades), this song always has, and alway will remind me of friends - some long gone, the rest still here. I have the poppy tattoed on my leg with spirit of 76 written above it. Brilliant song brilliant band thanks for posting the vid
I stil lstn 2 ths song regularly,takes me bak 2 my 1st yr aftr leavin school,truly magical times.u can argue,if u choose 2,that ther r better Alarm songs,but ther can’t be any arguments as 2 another that’s as evocative,with as much meaning 2 so many ppl as 'Spirit of 76' We can all relate 2 it,even if we weren't around in 76,and it conjures up memories of our dreams, hopes & aspirations growing up,& of dear friends and loved ones lost or parted along the way, & some truly memorable times :-).
Just love this song....... Seen the alarm many many times, including the gathering a few times. What a great band. Mike and Jules; continued good health and best wishes for the future xxx.
Easily one of my favorite songs ever. Great lyrics and the piano and harmonica are brilliant. Love the way it changes tempo...just great! love the Alarm!
I remember seeing these guys in college. This was the best time of my life and the music is freaking TIMELESS!!! Fantasic writing and musical arrangement.
I saw The Alarm at "Larry's Hideaway" in Toronto on their first trip from Wales to North America. I was overwhelmed by their presence. Amazing and Passionate Band!!!!
i was fortunate to see the alarm live at guildford civic hall in 83 ....there was a group called the faith brothers played too...what a night and still play the alarm in the car
im 45 now and have seen many bands live,but nothing compares to the raw power of an alarm gig,was at the concert where the live footage was shot for this video,still remains one of the best gigs ive been to,also went to wembley 86 just to see them support queen,happy days
was there on the night the live bits were recorded,hammersmith odeon,what a night,best concert ive been to,seen them at least ten times,best live band ive seen
i saw the alarm many moons ago in dublins tv club the lead singer took me of a fans shoulders and put me on his i was a kid at the time they played to a small crowd about 500 people it didn,t matter they gave it there all later a few months later they backed u2 in croke park the unforgettable fire tour and trust me they played out of there skins great great band and very nice people i have a photo of me on the shoulders of a true legend mike peters thank you for the best gig ever the tv club
Me too buddy! Saw them At Liverpool Uni in '86 and it was my first concert, saw then 4 times after that, never bothered seeing many bands after that. That first concert rocked my world and nothing since has ever come close! I'll never forget it!
Had this song on a U2 live tape from a concert in october/november 1984. Never seen a clip till I found it here 23 years later. Amazing song. I think it's a crime to play this song on a lesser then maximum volume, the louder you play it, they greater the sound. BRILLIANT
first band I ever saw live. Was in Hannover 1986. They flew in straight from miming to this on Top Of The Pops :) We met Gaz Top there, and he took us down to meet the band after the gig, woohoo. Still got my autographed programme :)
I am 41, and yes music in the 80's was so diverse. Everything coming out now, sounds like canned tuna. This is one of the first songs I learned on guitar, thanks to an intelligent instructor.
My friend, what wonderful words and thoughts the ALARM gave us all. What sublime memories did they evoke. What words of strange wisdom did they leave? Bands like this are not made, they fall together due to the cosmic belongings of all. Some reap great rewards and some reap the love of knowing that they brought many together for the sake of love. the ALARM did both. They realized how to love and we learned how to do it hrough there songs. God bless the ALARM!
I will always kick myself for not taking the opportunity to see The Alarm at a free show at UCLA (I believe it was there, anyway). This song always sent chills down my spine!
Never managed to catch The Alarm live but they were then and remain one of my favourite acts. The emotion and raw power is as fresh today as it ever was and they are still seriously under-rated. How many so-called music fans know anything more of their repertoire than "68 Guns"?
Someone else already said it best... soundtrack to my youth! God, what a great song... I used to play this tape in my car until it finally died. Now I'm gonna have to hunt it down on CD. I've always thought this song sounded a lot like Bruce Springsteen. Thanks so much for this upload... hearing it just took me back twenty years!
There are so many good memories and feelings from this song. Going from teen angst to adulthood, seeing dreams come true for some and others fade into normal for others, friendships get stronger or stay where they are, such a brilliant piece. The boys from Wales rock on today like then and I'd love to see it, but I doubt they ever get to the States these days. I'd go, though. I had the Strength picture disk back then.
I am 43 and I first saw the Alarm in Cleveland Ohio on May 15th, 1986 and it was one of the best concerts I have ever been to and they still absolutely rock even all this time later! Music is just not what it used to be! The songs used to mean something. These days most music just seems to be a bunch of drivel with girls shaking their butts! What a shame!
The live parts to this were filmed at The Royal Court Liverpool. This was the closest venue to North Wales so there were a load of Welsh fans on coaches that went to this gig. I was there and rememeber the standing area being a flood of welsh flags
This feels like the perfect song for New Years Eve. Remembering years gone by,when my friends and I truly believed we were going to be able to accomplish anything. Anything. It was indeed a spirit that was within us, partially born of the music we listened to and partially born from the optimism of youth, though life was hard, cynicsm had not set in. This song meant the world to us then. Now that I am grown I fully understand it from the narrators viewpoint, too.I had a wistful cry.
I'm also 42, I remeber this track well certainly one of their best, I'm also from NWales and can remember myslf and then band following Mike around the downtown in rhyl like a pack lost puppys lol He was graitous enough not to tell us too p***s off, these days if I bump into him it's just a nod and handshake, deep respect for Mike and much love still for his music. They truly have never gotten the recognition they deserve...yet!
marcus-your talking tosh - alarm came out early 80's , still going, songs are thought provoking as well as demi-rock, I remember buying 12" vinyl's seemed like every other week when they came out -wish I still had them !!
Love this song. One of the first tracks I ever taped off the radio. Never dawned on me till I heard the full version how much this sounds like Springsteen, especially the lyrics.
i saw this band in 77 in a club in rhyl north wales at that time they were called the toilets,,one song i remember was called "news at 10" it lasted about 35 seconds ha ha ha wicked......anyone else remember that??
Aww memories...My first job I had in summer 1986, just 16 and in the summer. I had an older co-worker buy me beer so me and my buddy could get "hammered" before we went surfing...Usually Corona
Funny you should say that ... I was just listening to it, and thinking about how, before, I loved the song ... but now, I truly understand it. That's *exactly* what it's like - you lose friends, have to move because of work, have to fight & struggle for every little thing ... The Best. Band. Ever. as far as I'm concerned.
the last 10 seconds of this video are the imagine of the Alarm in my mind and in my memory. Great band and good friends...It's really a pity that this guys are not still together on the road.
This song came in in 2011 when I was drafting my suicide letter. All I needed was just that bit of encouragement to keep going and decided to change my mind. Flash forward to '17 and I met Mike Peters at a show by total accident (my son and I were talking to the owner during sound check) and got to thank him in person for ostensibly saving my life. He and Jules were almost comically nice to this star stuck fan. This man changed his own destiny.
Dave Rindone Glad you’re still with us and that is a good story! Cheers!
God bless!! He was watching over you.
I'm sure Mike heard that story more than once. Great songs do that for artists.
Stay strong! 💙💙
In 1985 I was at a guitar lesson and I asked my teacher to teach me Sunday Bloody Sunday, so being the arse (good) he was he taught me the opening to it. The next week I walked in and was all proud of myself, showing off my u2 chops. My teacher smiled, nodded, proceeded to show me his new guitar (he was a true guitar snob) and then proceeded to teach me this song note for note. At the time I was not happy about this..you see I was pretty stubborn and wanted to learn what I wanted to learn. I had no clue how much this song would affect my creativity. Its mind blowing to me that I can hear bits of this song in much of the music I create. I had never listened to the alarm in the 80's. I had to learn this one song. I never listened to this song until I was in my 30's. I appreciate this song and that guitar lesson so much. This is genius.
I don't care about anything at all from that point in time but The coconuts from Red light including The Alarms totally masterful Strength album!!
The guitar player is pretty darn good, this song has a Springsteen vibe about it.
this song still gives me goose bumps. It is all about growing older and reflecting on your past friends and dreams. Losing touch with the people we knew and loved. Now that Im older, I can relate to this more than ever.
"Mersey lights shine in the distance
Same as they did for us then
Mersey lights shine bright in the distance
Where are you now my friend?"
Gets better with age
That's always what I thought of The Alarm..Wales most benevolent and prolific responsorial Psalms to Led Zeppelin!!
One of my favorites. To me it's the British "Born to Run."
The best Welsh band ever.
I saw "The Stand" video on MTV when it was first popular and bought Declaration...they became my personal favorites...this song makes me want to SHOUT.....I miss the 80's!
Saw the Alarm supporting U2 at Cardiff Arms Park in 87... stole the show...amazing live band. A while later i went to Mikes house in dyserth. He was mowing the lawn and quite happy to pose for photos and autograph...top bloke...I have also seen him singing for big country too.. another great performance
Me too, I was right there at the front at Cardiff Arms Park in 87 and you are correct. The alarm stole the show that day and I followed them throughout the the coming years throughout the UK for a few years after :-) Although U2 went onto amazing things there after and I saw many time also. Pearless !!!!
Saw them too at CAP. The Edge edged a rugby ball if memory serves
Yes you are correct. Bono 'Bigged' The Edge up that one day his Dad had dreamed of seeing him play at CAP ..... at Rugby ! Only for him to then slice his drop kick somewhere at a 45 degree angle right of stage. Good job he is a L 'Edge' nd at playing his guitar !!
Me too!
Wad there aswell better than u2.piss flying everywhere in bottles.the pyramids loved it.
Prior to the release of Strength, in May '85, we saw them, in a tiny club in Chippenham, Wiltshire. They showcased the upcoming album. Hearing those tracks live, for the first time, sung with such passion, simply blew me away. Absolute reality indeed...
Ridiculously good song. So much of the 80's just fades into the woodwork, but this has aged nicely.
I'm 16 and i promise that all great songs like this will not die with the older generation i will make sure they live on!!!
One of the best small venue bands I have ever seen. Had the pleasure of seeing them at the Paladium in LA and in San Francisco as well. Their show was amazing...more energy than 99% of the bands out there. We need more music like this now!
Agree, saw them in venues with
November 2018 and those lights are still shining bright!
Saw them last night in Islington. Shed a little tear when they played this one. Brought back the best of memories, and it's one of the greatest 80's songs, in my opinion. Wish I could see them again, but, as usual, work gets in the way of the good life!
Maybe one of the greatest song ever. And so important for me. :) Words cannot express.
Has been my favorite band for years. Love these guys.
I seen The Alarm 4 times in the 80's. This was always great live. What a great live band
im 21 years old, this is the 1st song i ever heard that i fell in love with. i love it even to this day. i first heard it probably about 15 years ago.
This is their best song. Still loving it all these years later.
I a have reached the grand old age of 45.Was music better in the 80's? always been told music was better in different decades. still love the kinks all decades), this song always has, and alway will remind me of friends - some long gone, the rest still here. I have the poppy tattoed on my leg with spirit of 76 written above it. Brilliant song brilliant band thanks for posting the vid
I stil lstn 2 ths song regularly,takes me bak 2 my 1st yr aftr leavin school,truly magical times.u can argue,if u choose 2,that ther r better Alarm songs,but ther can’t be any arguments as 2 another that’s as evocative,with as much meaning 2 so many ppl as 'Spirit of 76' We can all relate 2 it,even if we weren't around in 76,and it conjures up memories of our dreams, hopes & aspirations growing up,& of dear friends and loved ones lost or parted along the way, & some truly memorable times :-).
Just love this song.......
Seen the alarm many many times, including the gathering a few times.
What a great band.
Mike and Jules; continued good health and best wishes for the future xxx.
wow i never listened to the alarm before.Fantastic.This guy Mike Peters coes from around were i live. xxxx
Easily one of my favorite songs ever. Great lyrics and the piano and harmonica are brilliant. Love the way it changes tempo...just great! love the Alarm!
‘I still believe the man can change his own destiny’
Best lyrics I ever seen before
pure class song and am just a big fan off the alarm ,,Happy days sleeping on the street on tour back in the day
Noice one!
I remember seeing these guys in college. This was the best time of my life and the music is freaking TIMELESS!!! Fantasic writing and musical arrangement.
The song that describes my life. In fact, The Alarm catalog is my soundtrack. Thanks for posting!
Great band.Loved these guys growing up.
I saw The Alarm at "Larry's Hideaway" in Toronto on their first trip from Wales to North America. I was overwhelmed by their presence. Amazing and Passionate Band!!!!
Did _anyone_ record that show?
i was fortunate to see the alarm live at guildford civic hall in 83 ....there was a group called the faith brothers played too...what a night and still play the alarm in the car
i still remember right infront of the stage at the ritz in roseville michigan . the music just came alive that night .
i used to drive around with this cranked on my stereo. never saw the video before. Great!
Beautiful piece by The Alarm
im 45 now and have seen many bands live,but nothing compares to the raw power of an alarm gig,was at the concert where the live footage was shot for this video,still remains one of the best gigs ive been to,also went to wembley 86 just to see them support queen,happy days
was there on the night the live bits were recorded,hammersmith odeon,what a night,best concert ive been to,seen them at least ten times,best live band ive seen
i saw the alarm many moons ago in dublins tv club the lead singer took me of a fans shoulders and put me on his i was a kid at the time they played to a small crowd about 500 people it didn,t matter they gave it there all later a few months later they backed u2 in croke park the unforgettable fire tour and trust me they played out of there skins great great band and very nice people i have a photo of me on the shoulders of a true legend mike peters thank you for the best gig ever the tv club
truly classic, no more words are needed
Brilliant song... so many memories. Sitting in tears.
I first saw this video in 85 on MuchMusic.. It changed my life.
Me too buddy! Saw them At Liverpool Uni in '86 and it was my first concert, saw then 4 times after that, never bothered seeing many bands after that. That first concert rocked my world and nothing since has ever come close! I'll never forget it!
Saw these guys in oxford 85 this song turned my life around, Mike Peters i owe you.
one of my all time favorite songs.... this is an anthem.... ty 4 posting
So many musical textures matched with brilliant lyrics. This band was so hungry. 110% like!
Had this song on a U2 live tape from a concert in october/november 1984. Never seen a clip till I found it here 23 years later. Amazing song. I think it's a crime to play this song on a lesser then maximum volume, the louder you play it, they greater the sound. BRILLIANT
first band I ever saw live. Was in Hannover 1986. They flew in straight from miming to this on Top Of The Pops :) We met Gaz Top there, and he took us down to meet the band after the gig, woohoo. Still got my autographed programme :)
I am 41, and yes music in the 80's was so diverse. Everything coming out now, sounds like canned tuna. This is one of the first songs I learned on guitar, thanks to an intelligent instructor.
My friend, what wonderful words and thoughts the ALARM gave us all. What sublime memories did they evoke. What words of strange wisdom did they leave? Bands like this are not made, they fall together due to the cosmic belongings of all. Some reap great rewards and some reap the love of knowing that they brought many together for the sake of love. the ALARM did both. They realized how to love and we learned how to do it hrough there songs. God bless the ALARM!
I will always kick myself for not taking the opportunity to see The Alarm at a free show at UCLA (I believe it was there, anyway). This song always sent chills down my spine!
yeah ... know what ya mean xoxo
Never managed to catch The Alarm live but they were then and remain one of my favourite acts. The emotion and raw power is as fresh today as it ever was and they are still seriously under-rated. How many so-called music fans know anything more of their repertoire than "68 Guns"?
I was 22 and finishing up college and wondering about life. I still remember exactly where i was the first time I heard this song.
Someone else already said it best... soundtrack to my youth! God, what a great song... I used to play this tape in my car until it finally died. Now I'm gonna have to hunt it down on CD.
I've always thought this song sounded a lot like Bruce Springsteen. Thanks so much for this upload... hearing it just took me back twenty years!
Thank you so much for posting this video here. My youth is coming back! I loved them so so so much!
There are so many good memories and feelings from this song. Going from teen angst to adulthood, seeing dreams come true for some and others fade into normal for others, friendships get stronger or stay where they are, such a brilliant piece. The boys from Wales rock on today like then and I'd love to see it, but I doubt they ever get to the States these days. I'd go, though. I had the Strength picture disk back then.
how did I miss this concert? All my favorite bands from growing up!
Brilliant song and band!!!
brought back a lot of memories, great song!
A true salute to the People of L'pool, Scoursers - what a great song about the best people in the world - SCOURSERS..
one word .................class
Saw these guys while in college in San Diego in the late 80's, Good Times!!Good Times!! ; )
Much better than the manufactured gunk about today. Top band - thanks for posting!
this takes me way back to my teenage years. They still do it for me music wise. Their first two albums are stunning.
It was so good to sing along to this at last nights Alarm (Mike Peters) acoustic gig in Liverpool. Ive got no voice left - superb.
I am 43 and I first saw the Alarm in Cleveland Ohio on May 15th, 1986 and it was one of the best concerts I have ever been to and they still absolutely rock even all this time later! Music is just not what it used to be! The songs used to mean something. These days most music just seems to be a bunch of drivel with girls shaking their butts! What a shame!
The live parts to this were filmed at The Royal Court Liverpool. This was the closest venue to North Wales so there were a load of Welsh fans on coaches that went to this gig. I was there and rememeber the standing area being a flood of welsh flags
i was at the concert where the live bits were shot.hammersmith odeon,one of the best nights of my life.seen them about ten times
Takes me back 24 years - still very moving to hear Declaration tracks...
This feels like the perfect song for New Years Eve. Remembering years gone by,when my friends and I truly believed we were going to be able to accomplish anything. Anything. It was indeed a spirit that was within us, partially born of the music we listened to and partially born from the optimism of youth, though life was hard, cynicsm had not set in. This song meant the world to us then. Now that I am grown I fully understand it from the narrators viewpoint, too.I had a wistful cry.
Thanks. Yeah, a different time all around. We were young once and bold with dreams.
Saw them in Glasgow in 1985. Brilliant!
one of my all time favorite songs!
Still love it - I lived in Merseyside in the 80's and it brings back so many memories of the great city that is Liverpool
Nothing to say other than this takes me back and makes me cry. Beautiful f***ing song
One of the greatest songs ever by one of the best bands ever.
I'm also 42, I remeber this track well certainly one of their best, I'm also from NWales and can remember myslf and then band following Mike around the downtown in rhyl like a pack lost puppys lol
He was graitous enough not to tell us too p***s off, these days if I bump into him it's just a nod and handshake, deep respect for Mike and much love still for his music.
They truly have never gotten the recognition they deserve...yet!
great video, I'm feeling young again !!
Awesome band live, so glad i saw them live back in the day (aka) (80`s)!!!
bloody awesome , thanks for the full version, mike peters legend
my bestest band from my yoof. loved these guys 2 bits, still do. good memories.
The song that started my Alarm addiction...phenomenal.
a great song and video
what a wonderfull song!
Great Band, Have been a big fan for, uh... many years, damn I'm old ! I would love to see them live again if they made close to my area.
marcus-your talking tosh - alarm came out early 80's , still going, songs are thought provoking as well as demi-rock, I remember buying 12" vinyl's seemed like every other week when they came out -wish I still had them !!
reminds me the 80´s.. my youth ... amazing song, amazing band from a amazing time !
Marvellous!
Wow I saw them back in 1985 at the University of New Mexico Sub Ballroom. Great Great Show!
Love this song. One of the first tracks I ever taped off the radio. Never dawned on me till I heard the full version how much this sounds like Springsteen, especially the lyrics.
One of my favourite songs ALL TIME !!!
i saw this band in 77 in a club in rhyl north wales at that time they were called the toilets,,one song i remember was called "news at 10" it lasted about 35 seconds ha ha ha wicked......anyone else remember that??
I'll get myself some independence ... carve out a future with my two bare hands .... SO TRUE
Aww memories...My first job I had in summer 1986, just 16 and in the summer. I had an older co-worker buy me beer so me and my buddy could get "hammered" before we went surfing...Usually Corona
@Knuckle95 I too am 41. This is great music.I can't imagine music this good being made today. After the 90s music lost its' soul.
Funny you should say that ... I was just listening to it, and thinking about how, before, I loved the song ... but now, I truly understand it. That's *exactly* what it's like - you lose friends, have to move because of work, have to fight & struggle for every little thing ...
The Best. Band. Ever. as far as I'm concerned.
INCREDIBLE
the last 10 seconds of this video are the imagine of the Alarm in my mind and in my memory.
Great band and good friends...It's really a pity that this guys are not still together on the road.
In my eyes still their best song the alarm ever made 👍👊💥💯
love this !
Loved this group in the 80's.
That was awesome, Floyd :-)
amazing band and i love this song!!!! :)