This song takes me back almost 40 years, when I was in my early teens. Listening to this song at the age of 53 is a reminder to me of another time, in which there was far less surveillance and I listened to music largely with cassette tapes.
So true - saw them perform at the Paradise in Boston ('83). I was 16 (under age) - but my buddies got me in. They rocked it that night (the crowd completely stoked). Saw them again a few years later (at the Orpheum). So many great memories ...
May 15th 1984 ... The Decloration Tour.. I'd just turned 15... I skipped of school with a mate and we jumped on a bus to Birmingham so that we could watch them playing at the Birmingham Odeon... My first ever concert and it literally changed my life, They were our local-ish heroes from up the road and they lived up to and outdone every dream and expectation I had building up to that gig and so started a love of live music that has stayed with me for life... I've met Mike a couple of times and remember telling him the story I've just shared... He walked closer, gave me the most genuinely sincere hug imaginable then unbelievably thanked me for being a fan and giving up my time to go and watch them as their career started to take off... A true gentleman from a band that deserved immense success, status and popularity... A band who never traded in their passion for playing for the money they might get for conforming to the androgyny of selling out 🖤🖤
I saw them for the first time the very next day, May 16th at the Lyceum Ballroom London, the 1st of a 2 night stint at that venue. I don’t have the words to describe the impact that event had on me !! To this day I regret not going back for the 2nd night…….I was so high on the emotions of seeing them for the first time I’m not sure I could have handled it again so soon lol 😂
Magnificent. Wonderful lyric. The line ' now when I see him we still talk, but there's no light shining in his eyes', hits me like a ton of bricks. My mate, Dave, everything about him screamed 'rockstar'. Our band was gonna take on the world. Heroin got him first. Then Strangeways, then finally f*ckin cancer. 50 years old. I still recall our delicate, at-odds last conversation, the light had gone. Thank you Mike Peters for this cathartic song and RIP my old mate. We COULD have made it.❤
@@eightiesmusic1984 Thank you. The band that Dave and I were in was called 'The Syko Mafia.' No records released, as just at the time we were getting interest, the Heroin started and Dave went another way in life. I carried on with the band, evolving into new bands a few times and had recordings and minor successes over the years, but I often think that my path to proper stardom and riches left alongside my best mate. I ain't bitter though, I'm grateful for the great times we had, however brief and I'll always be missing him. Incidentally, it's ironic that the writer of this great song is also experiencing the same horrible disease that took my friend. I wish Mike Peters all the very best of luck with his struggle and I hope that all the good vibes from his followers will give him much needed strength. Thanks Mike. ❤️
This song belongs with all the great ballads...just perfect. One of the greatesr rock voices of all time. I graduated in '76 and have heard them all, but Mr. Peters is right there with Paul Rodgers, Freddy, Joplin and Bowie. Feed the kids this wonderful music.
If this song had been released by Weller, Springsteen or Bono it would be rightly acknowledged as a classic. Congratulations to Mike Peters for just going for it . Their best moment it deserves to be better known
I love this song and its message. I keep coming back to listen again. I love where Mike Peters is pictured with the young boys at the end. It says A lot about him and what he thinks is important.
I was just thinking the other day how this song is just as good as Sprinsteen’s The River, Thunder Road, Born to Run, etc. It’s simply amazing and so underrated
Saw this band so many times in the mid 80's. Kiburn empire, electric ballroom and town and country club. Glorious nights and so many memories of being young and unstopable.
My brother and I saw them in the Beacon Theater in NYC on the Strength tour and it was an amazing experience. To this day the best show I've ever seen, with the most energy between the band and the crowd, and excitement pulsing through the building. We walked out into the night dripping with sweat and so high from the incredible night.
"I will never give in, until the day that I die" - such a great anthem! Brilliant song! Sending Love Hope and Strength to Mike Peters for a speedy and complete recovery!
This song takes me back to the summer of 1986 at Troy's place having a camp fire and hanging out with buddies all night. Where ever you are out there Troy I hope you are happy & healthy.
The Alarm held a concert at my college in 1984. I was surprised at the quality and intensity of the band. I loved this song then and I still do today. So underrated!
Happy 62nd Birthday Michael Leslie Peters 25/02/59 Prestatyn, Wales Your folksy / raspy voice is one of a kind. And so is The Alarm. Born same day as George Harrison too..
Better than most of the U2 'hits', I can tell you that. Island vs IRS was no match some how. How THAT band is one of the biggest in the world and the Alarm are relegated to us super fans is unconscionable.
I feel your pain, but I think it comes down to songwriting. If the Alarm had stayed together and continued to write good songs, they could've been as big or bigger than U2😅😊
I introduced this band to my ex needless to say she loved them! Even though things didn’t work out between us I still love the Alarm & yes I still love you Erin too! Even though we broke each other’s heart
Such brilliant memories, Manchester Apollo, saw them many many times, the atmosphere was always electric & so so happy.A wesome band, incomparable to any other band Live.
Vividly remember buying the 12 inch single double pack of Spirit of '76 in January 1986 from Max Records in Grove Road Eastbourne as a 16 year old. Happy days! It should have been a massive hit.
Few acts compare live. Got my playing cards I picked up off the floor that Mike Peters threw out at 3ten in Austin. Look forward to seeing them for a third time. Long live rock.
I agree. I had seats in the gallery level with the stage in Bradford St Georges Hall and was looking down directly on Dave Sharp, he put absolutely everything into playing. Watching him play this song was fantastic, the way he used the pedals and whammy bar. Note perfect as well. Superb!
1986 , Senior Week , right about now 37 year ago. My Born To Run. My God Save the Queen. My In My Life My Dream On My Baba O'Reilly My Free Bird My Space Oddity My Good Times Bad Times My Wild Horses My f..... life The F..... Alarm :) 😀
I was fortunate enough to see them in Dallas, TX, at Deep Elum Live, in the early 90's. Great band! Rain In The Summertime, was the first song of their's I heard. But being a 1976 high school graduate, this song is kind of special for me. Even though it was released in the early 80's.
9-55pm on the 29th of June during the covid 29 lockdown of 20/20 and I'm on my ninth beer trying to remember who I saw live more times back in the day The Alarm or Stiff Little Fingers then I remembered it doesn't matter they were both fucken awesome
Spirit Of ’76 Well, I find myself in reverie About what we might have had and what might have been We had something going once that was such a long, long time ago It was way back in ’76 our friendship formed of pure innocence We first met on Mathew Street and we heard something that would set us free A sign stands over a door, it says “Four lads who shook the world” In the depths of those heady nights,we would dream of those bright lights Oh my friend, Oh my friend, Oh my friend My friend John, he went away, he made some mistakes spent time in Walton jail Now when I see him we still talk but there’s no light shining in his eyes Susie, she was 17 and more beauty in this world I swear you’ll never see I was gonna be king, she was gonna be queen, now all she does is hide behind her tears If there was more sense in this world and work wasn’t so hard to find You would not be going your way, I would not be going mine Oh my friend, Oh my friend, Oh my friend Somewhere tonight out on the street, somewhere beneath this city’s heat In the eyes of strangers who pass me by, life is cruel and so unkind Oh, Oh, The SPIRIT OF 76 And now me, I’ve seen his dreams come true But that don’t make me no hero, I’m just one of the lucky few If a man can’t change the world these days I still believe a man can change his own destiny But the price is high and it’s got to be paid For everyone who survives there are many who fail I’ve seen my friends caught out in the crossfire All their dreams and hopes smashed on the funeral pyre I will never give in until the day that I die I’ll get myself some independence, carve out a future with my two bare hands Oh my friend, Oh my friend, Oh my friend Somewhere tonight out on the street, Somewhere beneath this city’s heat In the eyes of strangers who pass me by, Life is cruel and so unkind Oh, Oh, The SPIRIT OF 76 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? You see, some nights when I can’t sleep, I still think of you Of all the promises, all the dreams we shared I know those lights still call to you, I can hear them now… Somewhere tonight out on the street, Somewhere beneath this city’s heat In the eyes of strangers who pass me by, Life is cruel and so unkind Oh, Oh, The SPIRIT OF 76
68 Guns is the best single ever by anyone. The full length version is even better. Spirit both versions are very nearly as good. Best live band ever. Seen them so many times. Going to see them again in March 2022!
217th like...my lucky # Oh my friend ... RIP Greg ... so glad we got to see Mike Peters together in Salt Lake ... all the dreams we shared ... love you my brother in arms ~;^\
For once can we go one thread lol where the whole dislike thing isn't mentioned there's dislikes on every video there is. Hey I love the song I can't control what others think of it 😁
Thank you TV club Dublin Peter we shared a moment I was kid you had me on your shoulders.. Just beautiful I have the gig still on tape Whole gig every song 🎵 And clean and clear
![The Alarm - Strength (Official Music Video) [2019 Remaster]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/i4TMXRRh4Hg/mqdefault.jpg)
![The Alarm - Strength (Official Music Video) [2019 Remaster]](/img/tr.png)
Still listening in June 2024 Great song 🎵🎶🇮🇪
I'd never stop listening to it.... because it means I stop dreaming
Winter 2024 I'm here
Winter 2024 I'm here
This song takes me back almost 40 years, when I was in my early teens. Listening to this song at the age of 53 is a reminder to me of another time, in which there was far less surveillance and I listened to music largely with cassette tapes.
I still say after all these years, The Alarm is vastly underrated.
Rich, u are so right
So true - saw them perform at the Paradise in Boston ('83). I was 16 (under age) - but my buddies got me in. They rocked it that night (the crowd completely stoked). Saw them again a few years later (at the Orpheum). So many great memories ...
I know this is one one of my desert island takes and can't understand why everyone isn't going
Amen bra
Do you not understand that some bands don’t want fame, they do it for the music not the money
May 15th 1984 ...
The Decloration Tour..
I'd just turned 15...
I skipped of school with a mate and we jumped on a bus to Birmingham so that we could watch them playing at the
Birmingham Odeon...
My first ever concert and it literally changed my life,
They were our local-ish heroes from up the road and they lived up to and outdone every dream and expectation I had building up to that gig and so started a love of live music that has stayed with me for life...
I've met Mike a couple of times and remember telling him the story I've just shared... He walked closer, gave me the most genuinely sincere hug imaginable then unbelievably thanked me for being a fan and giving up my time to go and watch them as their career started to take off...
A true gentleman from a band that deserved immense success, status and popularity... A band who never traded in their passion for playing for the money they might get for conforming to the androgyny of selling out 🖤🖤
I saw them for the first time the very next day, May 16th at the Lyceum Ballroom London, the 1st of a 2 night stint at that venue. I don’t have the words to describe the impact that event had on me !! To this day I regret not going back for the 2nd night…….I was so high on the emotions of seeing them for the first time I’m not sure I could have handled it again so soon lol 😂
Magnificent. Wonderful lyric. The line ' now when I see him we still talk, but there's no light shining in his eyes', hits me like a ton of bricks. My mate, Dave, everything about him screamed 'rockstar'. Our band was gonna take on the world. Heroin got him first. Then Strangeways, then finally f*ckin cancer. 50 years old. I still recall our delicate, at-odds last conversation, the light had gone. Thank you Mike Peters for this cathartic song and RIP my old mate. We COULD have made it.❤
He will be remembered....it's good to dream....
Beats reality here
@@eightiesmusic1984 Thank you. The band that Dave and I were in was called 'The Syko Mafia.' No records released, as just at the time we were getting interest, the Heroin started and Dave went another way in life. I carried on with the band, evolving into new bands a few times and had recordings and minor successes over the years, but I often think that my path to proper stardom and riches left alongside my best mate. I ain't bitter though, I'm grateful for the great times we had, however brief and I'll always be missing him. Incidentally, it's ironic that the writer of this great song is also experiencing the same horrible disease that took my friend. I wish Mike Peters all the very best of luck with his struggle and I hope that all the good vibes from his followers will give him much needed strength. Thanks Mike. ❤️
@@eightiesmusic1984 You have a good heart sir, thank you. I shall check 'Ships' out. ❤️
This song belongs with all the great ballads...just perfect. One of the greatesr rock voices of all time. I graduated in '76 and have heard them all, but Mr. Peters is right there with Paul Rodgers, Freddy, Joplin and Bowie. Feed the kids this wonderful music.
This song is a masterpiece
His mullet Is a masterpiece
@@robertward4785 he stole it from Bono
Totally agree
If this song had been released by Weller, Springsteen or Bono it would be rightly acknowledged as a classic. Congratulations to Mike Peters for just going for it . Their best moment it deserves to be better known
And the rest of the band!
I love this song and its message. I keep coming back to listen again. I love where Mike Peters is pictured with the young boys at the end. It says A lot about him and what he thinks is important.
I was just thinking the other day how this song is just as good as Sprinsteen’s The River, Thunder Road, Born to Run, etc. It’s simply amazing and so underrated
I agree it sounds like a Springsteen song, especially at the start with the harmonica playing.
One of the best songs of the 1980s in my opinion and probably there after.
Peter, yes. Too underrated and so great.
"I still believe a man can change his own destiny"
This song should have been a huge hit. The single was an edited mess. The full version is spectacular!
it is in my book!
@@jerrodvillarreal1111 Me too :)
I agree!!!
Oh me too!! Adore this band
The live version lives in our car, loudly, as it should be 🙂
Saw this band so many times in the mid 80's. Kiburn empire, electric ballroom and town and country club. Glorious nights and so many memories of being young and unstopable.
My brother and I saw them in the Beacon Theater in NYC on the Strength tour and it was an amazing experience. To this day the best show I've ever seen, with the most energy between the band and the crowd, and excitement pulsing through the building. We walked out into the night dripping with sweat and so high from the incredible night.
This is one of the greatest songs ever written. It is just something that captures something we all want to return.
Saw Mike peters supporting big country in walsall recently.. still bloody awesome
"I will never give in, until the day that I die" - such a great anthem! Brilliant song! Sending Love Hope and Strength to Mike Peters for a speedy and complete recovery!
My way of life, gyda Cariad fawr.
One of the most underrated bands ever, glad to have seen them at UCLA back in the 80s!
Saturday, April 12, 1986. I was there too!
4 Lad's who shook the world....certainly did.....excellent live back in the 80's
"A sign stands over the door" of a club in Matthew Street. Any idea what the club was or even which Matthew St it is?
@@thefoxhat6163 I think they are referring to Matthew Street Liverpool, England and the sign over the Cavern club. The Beatles museum is there.
It`s been a while since I`ve looked up these guys, almost forgotten how Damn Good they are/were.
On a scale of one to ten, this is best listened to at 111! Captured a generation in this song.
Believe!
Mike Peters is a Saint and this song is indeed a masterpiece as has been already said
This song takes me back to the summer of 1986 at Troy's place having a camp fire and hanging out with buddies all night. Where ever you are out there Troy I hope you are happy & healthy.
One of the greatest songs ever written
Went to see U2 at Leicester de Montfort Hall early 80’s Alarm blew them away as support band!!
After about 40 years, Still great music, and fresh. Incredible band ❤
The Alarm held a concert at my college in 1984. I was surprised at the quality and intensity of the band. I loved this song then and I still do today. So underrated!
Norwich
It was at Rutgers University in New Jersey. They were so awesome!
cool i 1st saw them in 83 was blown away been huge fan ever since including all the different line ups
1986 at UCLA for me. The lyrics still hit hard nearly 40 years later!
Happy 62nd Birthday Michael Leslie Peters
25/02/59 Prestatyn, Wales
Your folksy / raspy voice is one of a kind. And so is The Alarm.
Born same day as George Harrison too..
Better than most of the U2 'hits', I can tell you that. Island vs IRS was no match some how. How THAT band is one of the biggest in the world and the Alarm are relegated to us super fans is unconscionable.
I feel your pain, but I think it comes down to songwriting. If the Alarm had stayed together and continued to write good songs, they could've been as big or bigger than U2😅😊
The Alarm was the opening band for u2 sometimes.
I introduced this band to my ex needless to say she loved them! Even though things didn’t work out between us I still love the Alarm & yes I still love you Erin too! Even though we broke each other’s heart
When I fondly remember of Brit rock in the 80's, this is the music I remember the most. Cheers from Brazil.
Such brilliant memories, Manchester Apollo, saw them many many times, the atmosphere was always electric & so so happy.A wesome band, incomparable to any other band Live.
Thanks Mike for doing a great vocals when fronting Big Country
I’m actually laughing out loud
I somehow didn’t discover The Alarm until recently! Awesome!
Such an underrated band!
Vividly remember buying the 12 inch single double pack of Spirit of '76 in January 1986 from Max Records in Grove Road Eastbourne as a 16 year old. Happy days! It should have been a massive hit.
It was as I recall?
@@pbamcp I thought it should have been a top ten hit rather than the No 22 it got to.
Fair play, I thought it was top 10, then again my memory is shot to pieces lol
I used to record shopping in Eastbourne in the mid to late 80s
Superb song & band,deserved a lot more recognition for their music....class!
Few acts compare live. Got my playing cards I picked up off the floor that Mike Peters threw out at 3ten in Austin. Look forward to seeing them for a third time. Long live rock.
I agree. I had seats in the gallery level with the stage in Bradford St Georges Hall and was looking down directly on Dave Sharp, he put absolutely everything into playing. Watching him play this song was fantastic, the way he used the pedals and whammy bar. Note perfect as well. Superb!
Been going to see them since 1983
#👵
Absolutely one of the most honest bands ever. Always Deliver
1986 , Senior Week , right about now 37 year ago. My Born To Run.
My God Save the Queen.
My In My Life
My Dream On
My Baba O'Reilly
My Free Bird
My Space Oddity
My Good Times Bad Times
My Wild Horses
My f..... life
The F..... Alarm :) 😀
Best song ever!
Brilliant
Scott u are soooooooo right!
I was fortunate enough to see them in Dallas, TX, at Deep Elum Live, in the early 90's. Great band! Rain In The Summertime, was the first song of their's I heard. But being a 1976 high school graduate, this song is kind of special for me. Even though it was released in the early 80's.
Mike is still the best live act going...pure class.
9-55pm on the 29th of June during the covid 29 lockdown of 20/20 and I'm on my ninth beer trying to remember who I saw live more times back in the day The Alarm or Stiff Little Fingers then I remembered it doesn't matter they were both fucken awesome
Always a back of the bus song after a night out with a good friend who is sadly no longer here but we rocked this every time keep singing it Mr Bailey
If there was more sense in this world, and work wasn't so hard to find...
You would not be going your way; I would not be going mine.
I've heard Mike Peters hasn't been very well. We wish a speedy recovery and to get back on stage.
Spirit Of ’76
Well, I find myself in reverie
About what we might have had and what might have been
We had something going once that was such a long, long time ago
It was way back in ’76 our friendship formed of pure innocence
We first met on Mathew Street and we heard something that would set us free
A sign stands over a door, it says “Four lads who shook the world”
In the depths of those heady nights,we would dream of those bright lights
Oh my friend, Oh my friend, Oh my friend
My friend John, he went away, he made some mistakes spent time in Walton jail
Now when I see him we still talk but there’s no light shining in his eyes
Susie, she was 17 and more beauty in this world I swear you’ll never see
I was gonna be king, she was gonna be queen, now all she does is hide behind her tears
If there was more sense in this world and work wasn’t so hard to find
You would not be going your way, I would not be going mine
Oh my friend, Oh my friend, Oh my friend
Somewhere tonight out on the street, somewhere beneath this city’s heat
In the eyes of strangers who pass me by, life is cruel and so unkind
Oh, Oh, The SPIRIT OF 76
And now me, I’ve seen his dreams come true
But that don’t make me no hero, I’m just one of the lucky few
If a man can’t change the world these days
I still believe a man can change his own destiny
But the price is high and it’s got to be paid
For everyone who survives there are many who fail
I’ve seen my friends caught out in the crossfire
All their dreams and hopes smashed on the funeral pyre
I will never give in until the day that I die
I’ll get myself some independence, carve out a future with my two bare hands
Oh my friend, Oh my friend, Oh my friend
Somewhere tonight out on the street, Somewhere beneath this city’s heat
In the eyes of strangers who pass me by, Life is cruel and so unkind
Oh, Oh, The SPIRIT OF 76
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?
You see, some nights when I can’t sleep, I still think of you
Of all the promises, all the dreams we shared
I know those lights still call to you, I can hear them now…
Somewhere tonight out on the street, Somewhere beneath this city’s heat
In the eyes of strangers who pass me by, Life is cruel and so unkind
Oh, Oh, The SPIRIT OF 76
68 Guns is the best single ever by anyone. The full length version is even better. Spirit both versions are very nearly as good. Best live band ever. Seen them so many times. Going to see them again in March 2022!
217th like...my lucky #
Oh my friend ... RIP Greg ... so glad we got to see Mike Peters together in Salt Lake ... all the dreams we shared ... love you my brother in arms ~;^\
TOP TUUUNE :) I'm needing a daily dose of this just to get me through the day in 2020!
When did you first hear it
It's 2022 now.
Greatest Song Ever Written!!!!!!
Don't get any better ❤
Most underrated british band ever
Amazing song 🏆🏆🏆
Indeed.
Springsteen meets U2, and one of my all-time favorite songs.
Springsteen and U2 wish they could do something this good. They might be more successful, but fuck em.
The person who downvoted this is a fool like no other.
Saw Mike play last month he and Jules and the band are amazing such an inspiring band
Stay strong and fight the fight Mike.
I give you STRENGTH.❤️❤️
Nostalgia is an amazing feel good drug!!!
Still my favorite song of all times
I love this song I love this band like I really love this song its touches me were most music can't
Absolutely love this
The person who disliked this obviously has there ears painted on.
Ha ha thats soooo funny! You are correct my friend. This is a foooookin classic, Top Tuuuune! Rock on :)
I love most of Alarms music, but i do get tired of that damn harmonica- its ok to use it on a few songs but mike goes overboard with it...
For once can we go one thread lol where the whole dislike thing isn't mentioned there's dislikes on every video there is. Hey I love the song I can't control what others think of it 😁
Beautiful song
Video is absolutely beautiful
Thank you
TV club Dublin
Peter we shared a moment
I was kid you had me on your shoulders..
Just beautiful
I have the gig still on tape
Whole gig every song 🎵
And clean and clear
Best song ever!!!!!!!
Love their early stuff
get well soon, Mike
I think this is even more the Spirt of '75 in line with Bruce Springsteen's "Born To Run" album
Rock on Ryhl!!! Yeah I am from Cali so Glory Glory Man United!!!!!! 20 times 20/times!!!!!
Rhyl 😎
The DAM Music Show Loves The Alarm
Great song
Song makes me cry 😥 very emotional
Wistfully looking for that lost spirit of '76. And '86?
Me too
Mike Peters legend
"Carve Out a Future with My Two Bare Hands!!!"
Going to see Mike tonight in Perth 🎶🎸🎶
Absolutely brilliant, lots of chat in between songs too
Glasgow gig 12/12/20 now been postponed til April 2022 😒
The Alarm❤️
4:55 I still love you Jen.
Mike Peters should be sir I being serious for all charity work he has done and what he has gone through
UCONN . 1985. THE ALARM. Ahhh the 80s.
brilliant , excpt damn harmonica
Mike maybe United but us scousers still love him .
Leeds fan here and forgive him also he is a hero
Grandissimi!
Heck here we go again..😁😁😎😎
What a tune... 👍 😉 💙
@ ▷ The Alarm
🎶▷ Spirit Of '76
💿▷ Strength
📅▷ 1986
🎬︎▷ Nick Morris
💓
💯
Mix
❤
Uk
Fontana
Long live the Mullet!
Better than the rubbish of today 😂
HMP WALTON...
No thanks. Too long with no good international & domestic results for California.
Mawkish sentimental crap, Peters trying to be the Welsh Bono, pass the sickbag boyo!!!!