TWENTY years after the birth of The Alarm, frontman and founder member Mike Peters retains the enthusiasm and energy of a man on a mission.

During a 10 year period, between 1981-91, his band notched up 14 top 50 singles, toured the world and sold over five million copies of their seven albums.

They developed a fanatical fanbase that's remained fiercely loyal to the singer and his ideals.

His new Acoustic Storyteller show, which is heading this way, is a multi-media event. Mixing music and narrative, he creates a compelling journey back through many of the highlights of his career.

Sharing stories, like the night he taught Bono and U2 Dylan's classic Knocking on Heaven's door during the mega group's War tour. Anthemic Alarm classics provide the musical backdrop for his recollections of the mighty Neil Young, Freddie Mercury and the legendary Bob Dylan.

American critics were so impressed with the show, their rave reviews led to Mike being inundated with emails from his British fans wanting to see the performance here.

But it hasn't always been plain sailing for Peters, who was diagnosed with cancer soon after The Alarm split.

Visiting a faithhealer she advised him that green was his healing colour, so he vowed to wear the colour everyday until he was given the all clear.

Now in full remission he still wears a special green ring bought in the States and is more positive than ever about his music.

He said: "The Alarm's still got a massive army of fans. I think people have grown up with me, they've had struggles like me and perhaps going out to gigs were among things that got relegated when times were hard. But now they've brought up their families and they're coming back to the shows."

This week his efforts as a musician and songwriter were recognised when he was presented with a prestigious lifetime achievement award in Wales.

So 20 years down the road, the spirit of The Alarm's music is still in good hands. A new original album is completed -- but for the last overdubs -- and due for release early next year with Mike showing no signs of slowing down.

He said: "It's great to celebrate the past, as long as the past has a part to play in the future." You can catch Mike Peters at Manchester University on Thursday December 13 and Hebden Bridge Trades Club on Friday 14.