Phantom

I'm remaining optimistic. He was due to play in Minneapolis next Wednesday. The venue decided to postpone the show rather than cancel it.

I knew there was a thread somewhere, Was trying to search for it while I was on my phone, so just chose one that was closely related.

A Personal Message from Mike Peters Hello Everyone, I’m never usually lost for words but right now I’m struggling to express how grateful I am for all the messages of love and support that have come my way from all corners of the world since I posted the news of my latest cancer challenge on Monday. Last week, there was still a 25% chance that all of this was viral-related but on Thursday night April 25th the severity of the situation was revealed to Jules and I by Dr. Heartin (North Wales Cancer Treatment Centre), who confirmed to us that my 29 year old Leukaemia (CLL), had undergone an overnight transformation into a rare and aggressive form of Lymphoma known as Richter’s Syndrome. I am now engaged in the biggest challenge of my life and have the highest mountain to climb in order to stay alive. Jules (my wife of 35 years). has been incredible this last week and despite the shocks has remained solid as a rock throughout, especially as the magnitude and scale of the challenge that lies ahead has been laid out before us. With your support and Jules by my side, I know I can defy the odds and survive the intensive treatments the doctors at The Christie Institute, Manchester have mapped out for me. I’m up against a formidable opponent and it won’t be easy to come through the Chemo, Stem Cell and possible Car-T transplants that are some of the options and medical weaponry at my disposal. First phase is to begin with the Chemotherapy sessions which will involve an 18 week cycle of RCHOP therapy which will probably be administered at the North Wales Cancer Treatment Centre or (if I decide to take a new clinical trial version of RCHOP+), at The Christie. Dr. Adam Gibb at The Christie has been amazing with me since we first met. He’s been very direct, very specific and also very rock and roll in his delivery. Pulling no punches about my prospects of survival but also vowing to hit me with the proverbial Kitchen Sink in order to achieve the aim of full recovery. Although, I will be somewhat immuno-suppressed, I should be able to live a fairly normal life throughout this first phase of the treatment cycle. As long as I avoid aeroplanes and don’t rush to hug and kiss everyone I meet, then I should still be able to perform at some of the shows already planned for the UK this Summer and Autumn, especially the ones with Status Quo and Big Country. It might also be possible to add in one or two additional impromptu events and DJ sessions at The Red in between the chemo cycles just like I did with The Saturday Gigs back in 2006. I believe that having some performances to focus on will be imperative for my mental health and body conditioning as I gather my strength for the ordeal I am going to face both mentally and physically once the transplant phase begins. I am determined to remain calm and take everything in a passive manner. Don’t get too down by the lows or too excited by the highs and there shall be many of both along the way I am sure. I have walked the hillsides of my neighbourhood every day since encountering the Lymphoma and have taken immense strength and encouragement from the in depth conversations I have had with Jules who yesterday in her message, described herself as being like a black widow and fearful of death. I told her on our walk today that I want us both to live entirely in the moment and focus on the here and now. Why cry over something that may never happen when you can be happy in the present. So keep the messages of support coming and lighting up the dark web with offerings of light and hope. I’ve already been contacted by eminent leaders in the fields of Leukaemia and Lymphoma (Alarm fans both), to offer advice and guidance which I am taking on with both hands. These new developments have come about because of caring fans sharing and spreading the news and helping it reach people who can offer hope against this rare and dangerous Richter’s transformation. I am also fortunate to have the writing of my autobiography LOVE, HOPE and STRENGTH to focus on and so now is probably as good a time as any to share the news that I have already handed in a self written 158,234 word first draft of Volume One - LOVE to the publisher A Way With Media and editor Andrew Richardson. I was excited about the book before the discovery of Richter’s Syndrome but now that time is of the essence, I will be dedicating myself to writing, and finishing Volumes 2 and 3 over the coming months as I square up to my new adversary. I have lived to tell the tale before and shall do so again. Love Hope and Strength Mike Peters May 3rd 2024

I've worked for Los Straitjackets a few dozen times over the past 15 years. This was the 2nd show in their 30th anniversary tour. Senor Gregorio (Greg Townson) was unable, so Eddie Angel's son, Simon aka Senor Taco stood in. Simon is the one on the far right. Joining them for the first 4 shows, was Daddy O-Grande (Danny Amis) who is 2nd from the right. Approximately 14 years ago, Danny was diagnosed with stage 4 multiple myeloma. By some miracle, he's still with us. He's been through a lot health wise having suffered a stroke, couple of heart attacks and at one point was in a coma for a month. Danny had been mostly doing studio recordings and was included on the album "What's So Funny About Peace, Love and Los Straitjackets" which is an album comprising of instrumental covers of Nick Lowe compositions.

The King of Twang and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Duane Eddy has died at the age of 86

I worked for Madeleine Peyroux and Jill Sobule last night. Show was sold out. The venue only holds about 360. Personally, I had never heard of Madeleine Peyroux but had heard of Jill. I was surprised that she was the support act. I don't know if it's because Madeleine's new album was only available on a USB card, and she didn't have much else in the way of merchandise. But, Jill sold 3 times more. That's probably the first time I've had the support act sell more than the headliner. Both sounded great. I have to admit, I enjoyed Jill's set more

I'm glad he's no longer suffering. A prolonged illness like that definitely is no fun.

I was working for The Weight Band feature members that played in The Band and The Levon Helm Band. Sadly, Jim Weider who replaced Robbie Robertson in The Band had to rush home mid tour as his wife was taken ill. They still managed to put on a really good show. It was an older audience, so the show was over by about 9:45. They opened with "Don't Do It" and then closed with "The Weight" It just occurred to me that today marks 12 years since Levon Helm passed away.

discharged from hospital It was initially feared that he had broken his neck in the collision

19 yr old George Earthy suffers serious injury 3 minutes into his debut with West Ham

Worked for Paula Cole tonight She's probably best known for her song "Where Have All The Cowboys Gone?"

If the coffin fits, you must obit

I miss the Half Moon. I went to many a gig there. I should make it back there some day.

Not a gig, but last night I took part in the video shoot for the music video for the new single "Speedway" by The Scarlet Goodbye. Here's a quick photo I took of Jeff Arundel (left) and Dan Murphy (right). Dan Murphy was the original lead guitarist for Soul Asylum.