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wolf alice and Elbow are among the bands confirmed to headline a series of benefit concerts “curated” by Robert Smith. Royal Albert Hall To 2026, in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust.
The Cure frontman Blacksmithwho organized the London concerts, praised the line-up, saying that each artist was “either great or at the top of their game”.
The charitable performances will begin on Monday 23 March with Greater Manchester elbow Headlining, supported by soul and R&B band MRCY.
The series also includes a dedicated comedy night on Tuesday 24 March, featuring Jack Dee, Maisie Adam, Bridget Christie, Andy Hamilton, Dom Jolley, Miles Jupp, Stewart Lee and Dara O’Brien.
Scottish post-rock band mogwai Will headline on Wednesday 25 March, following sets from electronic artist Craven Faults and Irish singer Annika Kilkenny.
The 150th show of the concert series will be celebrated on Thursday 26 March with a headlining act from the Welsh rock band. Manic Street Preacherwhich will be supported by fellow Welsh organization The Joy Formidable.
The next day, the Irish-English band my Bloody Valentine will be headlined by Glasgow synth-pop duo Churches.
This will be followed by a performance American rock band Garbage on Saturday March 28, who will welcome special guests, alternative rockers Placebo.
The series of concerts will conclude on Sunday March 29 with Mercury Prize-winning band Wolf Alice, featuring eclectic singer-songwriter Nilufar Yanya.
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Smith, 66, said: “The Teenage Cancer Trust does absolutely amazing work, and I’m very proud that they asked me to be ‘curator’ of the March 2026 concerts at the RAH.
“I wanted to make this a truly unforgettable, unforgettable week – a round of shows worth dreaming about – and I am very grateful to all the artists who accepted my invitation to perform.
“These will be very special shows; each band, both the headliners and special guests, and each comedian too, are either famous or at the top of their game… in fact in most cases, they are both!”
“It’s going to be an amazing seven nights, and I can’t wait to experience it all. See you there!”
Guy Garvey, lead singer of Elbow, said: “We’ve never played the Royal Albert Hall before and we’ve been long-time supporters of the Teenage Cancer Trust.
“It’s also an honor to share the stage with MRCY. It’s going to be an amazing night.”
The benefit concerts were conducted by The Who frontman Sir Roger Daltrey until 2025, when he resigned from the role after more than 20 years.
The concerts were founded in 2000 by Sir Roger, 81, who remains an honorary patron of the charity.
Kate Collins, Chief Executive of the Teenage Cancer Trust, said: “Royal Albert Hall programs are vital in helping the Teenage Cancer Trust transform the lives of young people affected by cancer.
“For over 20 years, our Honorary Patron Sir Roger Daltrey has prepared star-studded line-ups year after year. For 2026, that baton has been passed to Robert Smith, and wow, what a job he has done.
“Once again, some of the biggest names in the music and entertainment industry will make us sing, dance and laugh – but more importantly, they will raise much-needed funds and shine the brightest light on the needs of young people affected by cancer.”
Tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday 12th December.