Eddie Macdonald presents The Alarm’s ‘Strength’!

As one of Wales’ most successful rock exports of the 80s, The Alarm’s legacy has endured throughout the decades, most notably with the hit single 68 Guns. Gaining huge success in the USA with the support of U2, the band went on to travel, tour and perform with the likes of Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen and Queen who both influenced and shaped their musical direction and lyrical perspectives. Significantly, on July 11 & 12 1986, The Alarm supported Queen at Wembley Stadium on their ‘Magic’ tour, along with Status Quo and INXS, in what turned out to be Freddie Mercury’s last tour, while the band achieved cult status as a headline band in the USA, Europe, the UK and all around the world.

Eddie Macdonald and Paul (right) Image courtesy Mark Heybourne @markheybo

Following on from last year’s highly successful 40th Anniversary presentation of their debut album ‘Declaration’ at Pizza Express Live in London’s Holborn, original co-founder and songwriting partner of the late Mike Peters, Eddie Macdonald, reassembled a band to recreate the album ‘Strength’ on its 40th Anniversary, with two sold-out shows on the 18 and 19 October.

With Eddie on guitars and lead vocals, renowned guitarist James Stevenson (Chelsea/Generation X/The Cult/The Alarm), Spandau Ballet’s Steve Norman on saxophone (Sunday), Dave Blackman on keys and Ivan Izikowitz on drums, Paul reassumed bass and BV duties for what turned out to be two incredible shows. After co-writing and recording with Eddie on Smalltown Glory’s 2016 EP, The Tenement Commandments’, and as a friend of Eddie for close to 30 years, Paul was on bass and BVs for last year’s ‘Declaration’ show and this year’s ‘Strength’ shows.

With a dedicated fanbase, the audience was treated to an opening set with songs from Smalltown Glory, a Q&A facilitated by The Alarm’s former manager Ian Wilson and the full Strength album featuring the powerful Knife Edge, the evocative Strength and iconic Spirit of ‘76. The set finale saw other classics including Blaze of Glory, 68 Guns and Rain In The Summertime. The evening was compared by Rock Radio UK’s highly regarded Griff Griffiths.

James Stevenson (left), Eddie Macdonald and Paul (right) Image courtesy Mark Heybourne @markheybo

L-R: Ivan Izikowitz (drums), James Stevenson (guitars), Eddie Macdonald (guitars/vocals), Paul Evans (bass/bvs), Dave Blackman (keys) Image courtesy Mark Heybourne @markheybo

Steve Norman (Spandau Ballet (left)) and Eddie Macdonald and Paul (right) Image courtesy Michele Pearson @mickieandbeanie