The Alarm was a four piece band formed in 1981 in Wales and had a penchant for "anthems", resulting in common comparisons to U2. The Alarm's lyrics tended to be a bit corny and cliché, which would have proved tiresome if not for their absolute sincerity. If you can take them seriously, they can take you for quite the ride.
I've seen them live four times: twice at the Hammersmith Odeon in December 1985 (Strength tour), at the Alabamahalle in Munich in February 1986 (another Strength show), and at the Starry Night Club in Portland in March 1988 (for Eye of the Hurricane).
Before I saw them the first time, I thought I might have gone overboard buying tickets to see them two nights in a row , but halfway through the first song I knew I had made a great decision. The crowd of Eddie MacDonald lookalikes chanted along with every line. The second night included covers of Stairway To Heaven, Pinball Wizard, See Me Feel Me, This Train Is Bound For Glory and Slade's Merry Xmas Everybody!
When the Alarm came to Munich (where I was attending university for the year), I made sure I was at the front of the stage. After about four songs, lead singer Mike Peters came to the front of the stage and asked if anyone spoke English and German. I shouted that I did, and Mike pulled me up onstage to translate for him. After translating, Mike insisted that I get my spot back front and center and the band broke into a rousing version of "Absolute Reality". The concert was also memorable for celebrating guitarist Dave Sharp's birthday ("Happy Birthday" in German?).
The Portland show was also fantastic (especially since it was my first introduction to opening band House of Freaks), and ended with a roadie walking right up to me and handing me Twist's autographed drumsticks. All in all, Alarm shows have to be some of my most memorable concert experiences.