The Cure's Robert Smith to curate Teenage Cancer Trust at the Royal Albert Hall 2026 19 Mar 2025
The essential concert series
New 2025 Saturday headliner
A special Erased Tapes event:
Penguin Cafe
Daniel Brandt
Douglas Dare
Hatis Noit
Announcing Our 2026 guest curator - Robert Smith (The Cure)
www.teenagecancertrust.org/gigs
Teenage Cancer Trust is pleased to announce a special bill for Saturday 29th March 2025 at the Royal Albert Hall, curated by Erased Tapes and featuring Penguin Cafe, Daniel Brandt, Douglas Dare and Hatis Noit.
The charity is also delighted to reveal that The Cure’s Robert Smith will curate Teenage Cancer Trust at the Royal Albert Hall in 2026.
This year’s series runs from March 24-30, with other headliners including The Who; The Corrs; James Arthur; a night of comedy hosted by Micky Flanagan; and Frank Carter and Paul Cook, Steve Jones, Glen Matlock of the Sex Pistols.
Jamie Johnson, Head of Music & Entertainment at Teenage Cancer Trust, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Erased Tapes to the Saturday slot at the Royal Albert Hall. Their unique sound and artistry will create an unforgettable experience that music fans won’t want to miss.
“We are also deeply honoured that Robert Smith, one of the most influential artists of our time, has agreed to curate the Teenage Cancer Trust’s 2026 concerts at the Royal Albert Hall.
“Robert has been a dedicated supporter of Teenage Cancer Trust for many years, and his involvement will bring extraordinary performances to this iconic week while helping us raise essential funds. These funds ensure we can continue to provide vital specialist services for young people facing cancer within the NHS.
“You only get one chance at being young, and cancer threatens to turn lives upside down. Without the right support, the impact can be devastating. We cannot thank Robert enough for helping us make sure that no young person faces cancer alone.”
Erased Tapes
After selling out the Royal Albert Hall at the Proms 2015, ten years on Erased Tapes returns with an all-star lineup in support of Teenage Cancer Trust. Tickets go on sale at 9am on Wednesday 19th March.
Headlined by legendary ensemble Penguin Cafe, the line-up also features English contemporary songsmith Douglas Dare, London-based German composer, drummer and filmmaker Daniel Brandt with an exclusive preview of his brand new multimedia spectacle Without Us, which will premiere in full at the Barbican Hall next month, and the exceptional Japanese voice artist Hatis Noit who "has been moving audiences to tears” (The Guardian).
Erased Tapes is a truly independent record label that has disrupted the industry and rejuvenated the musical landscape since 2007. The London-based label has consistently nurtured genre-defying artists from all around the world without losing its avant-garde ethos.
In 2015, BBC 6 Music radio presenter Mary Anne Hobbs staged an Erased Tapes evening featuring Nils Frahm and A Winged Victory For The Sullen at the Royal Albert Hall as part of the prestigious BBC Prom. It was the fastest selling ticket of the entire season.
Robert Raths, founder of Erased Tapes, said: “It's not every day that you get asked to take over a space like the Royal Albert Hall. To return within a decade feels more than an honour, especially for such a great cause.”
Teenage Cancer Trust patron Roger Daltrey CBE said: "Due to unforeseen circumstances the planned Teenage Cancer Trust event on the Sat 29th had to be postponed. So I can't thank Penguin Cafe enough for stepping up for the charity at such short notice. Erased Tapes will be curating the rest of the line up for the evening so this is going to be a very special night of independent music at the Royal Albert Hall. Don't miss it!"
Robert Smith
One of the most celebrated artists in modern music, Robert Smith has long been a supporter of Teenage Cancer Trust at the Royal Albert Hall, with The Cure performing two classic shows in 2014, as well as in 2006. Robert was very active in his support of the Teenage Cancer Trust UNSEEN campaign during lockdown, helping the charity to continue to raise significant income during those tough times.
After being asked by the concerts’ founder, Roger Daltrey, Robert will personally oversee a world-class bill from 23-29 March 2026.
The news follows The Cure’s return to the top of the charts in 2024 with the critically lauded Songs Of A Lost World. In a career spanning more than 45 years, the band have produced some of the most influential albums in modern music, including Seventeen Seconds, Pornography, Kiss Me Kiss Me Kiss Me, Disintegration and Wish, and classic pop songs such as ‘Boys Don’t Cry’, ‘A Forest’, ‘Just Like Heaven’, ‘Lullaby’ and ‘Friday I’m In Love’.
Robert Smith said: “Teenage Cancer Trust does the most fantastic work, and it is a great honour - and a real thrill - to be asked to curate the 2026 shows at the Royal Albert Hall. I can promise it will be a very memorable week!”
The concerts were founded in 2000 by The Who’s Roger Daltrey. Throughout that time, Daltrey put together lineups of internationally renowned artists. While he stepped back from figurehead duties in 2024, Daltrey remains a proud Honorary Patron of the charity.
Roger Daltrey said: “It has not been easy to find the right curator for the week of concerts in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust at the Royal Albert Hall, but it's with great excitement that I can announce that Robert Smith has signed up for 2026.
“With The Cure’s long and outstanding support for Teenage Cancer Trust, Robert appreciates the vital work this charity does.
“The concerts have become an essential fixture in the music calendar, featuring some of the world’s greatest artists. It has been a challenge to find the right person to take them on - but Robert, a true musical great, is the perfect curator for the 2026 concerts.”
Teenage Cancer Trust
Teenage Cancer Trust is the only UK charity dedicated to providing specialised nursing care and support for young people with cancer.
Cancer kills more teenagers and young adults in the UK than any other disease. And for those who survive, going through it without the right support can be devastating – physically and emotionally.
Every day, more than seven young people aged 13-24 hear the words “you have cancer”. By 2030 that number will be closer to 10.
There’s never been a worse time to receive that news, with healthcare services under enormous pressure.
Money from these iconic gigs at the Royal Albert Hall means Teenage Cancer Trust can fund specialist nurses and youth workers to be there for a young person when cancer has turned their world upside down.
Cancer rates in young people in the UK have gone up by a quarter since the early 1990s. And by 2030, it’s projected that the number of young people living with a cancer diagnosis will be 65% higher.
Since 2000, over £34 million has been raised by Teenage Cancer Trust concerts at the Royal Albert Hall, and that money has helped fund specialist nurses, hospital units and support services right across the UK that help get young people through some unimaginably hard times.
Royal Albert Hall 2025 Show Dates:
Monday, March 24: Frank Carter and Paul Cook, Steve Jones, Glen Matlock of the Sex Pistols plus special guests Kid Kapichi and The Molotovs
Tuesday, March 25: A night of comedy hosted by Micky Flanagan with Scott Bennett,
Finlay Christie, Romesh Ranganathan, Katherine Ryan, Jack Skipper + Josh Widdicombe
Wednesday, March 26: James Arthur plus special guests Venus Grrrls
Thursday, March 27: The Who plus special guests Level 42
Friday, March 28: The Corrs plus special guests Dea Matrona
Saturday, March 29: Erased Tapes featuring Penguin Cafe, Daniel Brandt, Douglas Dare and Hatis Noit
Sunday, March 30: The Who plus special guests Level 42
Tickets:
For line-up and ticketing information please visit:
@teenagecancer
#teenagecancergigs
Exclusive Resale Partner:
TEENAGECANCERTRUST.TWICKETS.LIVE
Your ticket is not valid if offered for sale or resold unless it's through our official face value resale partner Twickets.
Please note that Viagogo are not official ticket partners and are in no way connected with these shows. Tickets purchased from Viagogo or any other seller not listed above will be cancelled and will not be valid for the shows. Teenage Cancer Trust supports the FanFair Alliance.
NEWS & PRESS
Inaugural Folk Album Of The Year Award Shortlist Revealed
146 album submissions received Nine albums selected by jury of performers, music and media professionals Winner revealed and nominees to perform at live finale hosted in Rochdale, Greater Manchester on 17 March 2026 The Folk Album of the Year Award has revealed its...more
International music conference FFWD (FastForward) returns to London in February 2026 for FFWD>>LDN 26
International music conference FFWD (FastForward) returns to London in February 2026 for FFWD>>LDN 26 - celebrating its community in a special 10th anniversary edition, at a brand new location. Taking over Hackney Church for the first time on Tuesday 10 February...more
MMF reveals first cohort of certified music managers
The Music Managers Forum (MMF) has announced the first cohort of managers to pass the organisation’s new Manager Certification Programme - including MMF Chair, Niamh Byrne, co-founder of Eleven Management, MMF Vice-Chair, Jill Hollywood, founder of Echo Beach Management, and...more
Major labels’ licensing deals with AI companies: ECSA calls for transparent licensing agreements that truly value the works of composers and songwriters
In light of the recent licensing deals announced by the three major labels – Universal Music Group (UMG), Warner Music Group (WMG) and Sony Music Group (SMG) – with AI companies Udio, Suno, and KLAY, the European Composer and Songwriter...more
New Leger Survey Shows Quebecers Value Choice and Affordability Over New Streaming Rules
61% of Québecers say French-language music is already easy to find on streaming services, while only 4% say regulating streaming should be a government priority. A new province-wide survey conducted by Leger – Québec’s leading independent research firm – shows that...more
Impala revamps Outstanding Contribution award, honours women who have accelerated Impala's work on EDI and sustainability
This November, IMPALA announces the expansion of its Outstanding Contribution Award as part of a revamped awards programme co-funded by the European Union. The first announcement under the new scheme recognises women who have made a significant contribution to IMPALA's work in the...more
Atlantic Screen Group Names Rupert Hollier as COO, Elevates Rosie Hill to President of Nightjar, it’s creative services and frontline publishing division
Company also unveils exclusive creative publishing partnership with 5DB Studios Leading independent multi-disciplined music and media organisation Atlantic Screen Group (ASG) today announces a significant expansion of its music publishing and sync operations, supported by a series of strategic appointments and new...more
Notting Hill Music Signs Scottish Songwriter Declan Welsh
Notting Hill Music is proud to announce the signing of acclaimed Scottish songwriter Declan Welsh (Declan Welsh and The Decadent West). Emerging from East Kilbride, Scotland, Welsh has established himself as one of the nation’s most compelling contemporary voices, earning...more
Universal Music Group UK launches art and video studio ‘Pause’
PAUSE PRODUCES PREMIUM, LIMITED-EDITION PRINTS THAT ALLOW FANS TO OWN UNIQUE MOMENTS OF VISUAL MUSIC HISTORY ANNOUNCEMENT OF PAUSE STUDIO ACCOMPANIED BY LAUNCH OF AMY WINEHOUSEYOU KNOW I’M NO GOOD COLLECTION Fans can own a single frame from Amy Winehouse’s iconic music video,...more
2025 Budget statement from AIF CEO John Rostron
"The UK's independent festival sector is one built by entrepreneurs and so we welcome The Chancellor's announcement of a consultation on how the tax system can better back business founders and investors. We look forward to seeing how this government...more
Autumn Budget: Comment from Association of Independent Music
Gee Davy, CEO at AIM, said: “We welcome the Chancellor’s clear commitment to improving conditions for workers, especially young people. But SMEs – the talent engines of the UK - including those in the hugely diverse independent music sector, risk...more
Budget Hammerblow: Chancellor Dismisses Night-Time Economy Asks Says NTIA
Statement from Michael Kill, CEO, Night Time Industries Association"This Budget is a hammer blow to an already fragile night-time economy. Its impact will be felt across every high street and town centre in the UK. With inflation now higher than...more
Oasis Live ‘25 end of tour stores to open in London & Dublin
London store will feature a visual content room showcasing highlights from the Oasis Live ‘25 global tour Product personalisation offered in-store on select days New and exclusive merchandise, a restocked adidas Originals range, gifting, vinyl and much more ...more
UK Budget - A Statement from Mark Davyd, CEO of Music Venue Trust
"This Budget is yet another episode in the long running saga of failures to seize opportunities to support Grassroots Music Venues. The Government's rhetoric on their support for this vital sector is completely undone by the reality of their business...more
Record Store Day Black Friday: Exclusive releases land in independent shops
Record Store Day’s annual Black Friday celebration returns this Friday, bringing a brand-new selection of exclusive, limited-edition vinyl titles to independent record stores across the UK. Available from 8am on Friday 28th November, this year’s collection features standout releases from Sam...more
LALAL.AI Launches Andromeda, a New Benchmark in Stem Separation & Vocal Isolation
AI-powered stem splitter’s Andromeda model interprets audio tracks with near-human precision LALAL.AI has officially launched Andromeda, its most advanced audio separation model to date. The new neural network builds upon six generations of LALAL.AI's audio source separation technology. The result is...more
Impala launches new storytelling campaign, Faces of the Independent Sector, to celebrate its 25th anniversary
To celebrate 25 years championing the independent sector in Europe, IMPALA launches a new project to put the spotlight on individuals working across the industry. The Faces of the Independent Sector campaign will offer monthly insights into the inner workings...more
Realize Music: Sing Launches on Meta Quest With Broad Catalog From Universal, Warner, Sony and Beggars, Delivered by Tuned Global’s Music Technology
Groundbreaking singing game for wellness and creativity expands beyond VR with a PC Gaming release planned for 2026, with the support of Tuned Global’s backend music platform enabling scalable catalogue delivery and lyric integration. Realize Music, in collaboration with leading music...more
UK nightlife isn’t dead, it’s thriving underground - One in three Gen Z say the best DJ sets happen at house parties
New research highlights the enduring role of house parties, with over a quarter of Gen Z and Millennials playing their first DJ set at one One in three Gen Z say they have been inspired to learn to DJ after experiencing a house...more
Alex Black named Vice President, A&R, Peermusic
Peermusic, the world’s largest global independent music publishing and neighbouring rights company with 39 offices in 32 countries, has appointed Alex Black to Vice President, A&R as announced today by Jamie Cerreta, President U.S. and Canada, Peermusic. In this role, Alex Black will work...more
PPL appoints Anne-Marie Pearce as Chief Financial Officer
PPL has appointed Anne-Marie Pearce as its new Chief Financial Officer. She succeeds Chris Barton, who announced earlier this year he would be leaving the collective management organisation at the end of 2025. As CFO, Anne-Marie will join the Executive Leadership...more
Reservoir announces joint venture with Jamaican star Skatta Burrell & Abood Music
Reservoir Media, Inc. (NASDAQ: RSVR, the “Company”), an award-winning independent music company, today announced a new joint venture with multi-hyphenate Jamaican star Cordell “Skatta” Burrell and reggae and dancehall publisher Abood Music. Together, they will look to both acquire catalogs...more
Help Musicians Partner with Tiffany Calver to Launch UK Rap Award Career Accelerator
Help Musicians launches new Career Accelerator for rap artists. Charity joins forces with Tiffany Calver to highlight the contributions of UK rap. Addressing barriers facing Black and underrepresented artists in the music industry. Help Musicians today announces the launch of the UK Rap Award, a...more
Warner Music Group and Suno forge groundbreaking partnership
Companies will collaborate on next-generation licensed AI music that empowers the creative community and opens new revenue opportunities for artists and songwriters Warner Music Group (Nasdaq: WMG), one of the world's largest music companies, and Suno, the leader in AI music,...more
UK’s leading Choir for Refugees and Allies releases debut album Echo of Your Voice
Echo of Your Voice - a 10-track album bursting with hope and joy - is available for pre-save from Wednesday 26th November, 2025 Celebrating the rich diversity and wonderful community of this never more relevant choir, the Citizens of the World...more
The Snuts launch new label Happy Artist Records for the band's next record and partner with Virgin Music Group for global distribution
HAPPY ARTIST RECORDS - LED BY THE SNUTS’ FRONTMAN, JACK COCHRANE - WILL SUPPORT AND CHAMPION EMERGING SCOTTISH AND REGIONAL UK TALENT The Snuts have announced the launch of Happy Artist Records, a new label created to release the band’s next record...more
Impala welcomes the EC’s findings so far that UMG’s proposed acquisition of Downtown has risks for Europe’s digital market – issues reminder that concerns go beyond data
In response to today’s press release from the European Commission, IMPALA has issued the following statement: “IMPALA welcomes the European Commission’s statement today confirming to UMG that the proposed acquisition of Downtown raises concerns about restricting competition in the wholesale distribution of recorded music market, in...more
European Commission sends Statement of Objections over proposed acquisition of Downtown by UMG
The European Commission has informed Universal Music Group ('UMG') of its preliminary view that its proposed acquisition of Downtown may restrict competition in the market for the wholesale distribution of recorded music. UMG is globally active in music recording, music publishing, merchandising, and audiovisual content. Downtown is a...more
Propaganda Independent Venues Acquires TEG's UK Venue Estate
The Bristol-based independent reacquires Tramshed in Cardiff together with XOYO London, XOYO Birmingham, Camden Assembly, and The Globe in Cardiff... Propaganda's Dan Ickowitz-Seidler, along with Richard Buck, have together launched Propaganda Independent Venues and announced the acquisition of TEG's UK venue...more
Warner Music India Inks Exclusive Global Distribution Deal with Ultra Music India
Warner Music India has announced a strategic partnership with Ultra Music, one of India's most prominent music labels, establishing an exclusive worldwide distribution alliance. As a part of the deal, Warner Music India will take over the distribution of Ultra Music's...more
THE HEADLINES
AI slop: Spotify, Tunecore, and credibility (see Comment)
Warner Music signs deal with Suno, settles lawsuit (see News)
EC sends UMG its statement of objections to Downtown acquisition (see News)
20 years of Spotify — who’s winning, losing and making money? (see Features)
The future of labels: Shifting sands (see Comment)
Robert Kyncl on Udio deal: Growing the value of music for artists and songwriters (see News)
Ticket touts’ worst nightmare has finally come true (see Comment)
Universal's bid for Downtown is set to be hit by a formal warning from European Union watchdogs (see Business)
Reselling tickets for profit to be outlawed in UK government crackdown (see News)
Some answers to Haven's 'I Run' chart-excluded track (see News)
"Without competition, the free market becomes a monopoly" (see Opinion)
What are pop-up shows teaching us about building fandom in 2025? (see Analysis)