Robert Smith has been chosen as the curator for the 2026 Teenage Cancer Trust concerts scheduled for March 23 and 29 of 2026.
Personally selected by the charity’s founder, Roger Daltrey of The Who, The Cure frontman will oversee the fundraising series that takes place annually at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
While The Cure have performed twice in 2006 and 2014, Robert backed the Teenage Cancer Trust UNSEEN campaign during the COVID-19 lockdown, in support of those hit hard financially during the pandemic.
In a statement about the cause, the now 65-yera old 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!”
Stepping back as the face of of the charity concerts in 2024, Daltrey remains an Honorary Patron and the 81-year old musician 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.”
After social media star GK Barry’s live show had to be cancelled, a new headliner’s been announced for the 2025 series, with a special event curated by independent record label Erased Tapes set for March 29.
About the change in plans, Daltery stated:
“Due to unforeseen circumstances the planned Teenage Cancer Trust event on the Saturday 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.”
Penguin Cafe, Daniel Brandt, Douglas Dare and Hatis Noit, Frank Carter and the Sex Pistols, James Arthur, The Who, and The Corrs are all scheduled to perform.
For more information and event tickets please visit to www.teenagecancertrust.org/gigs.
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
Keep up with the latest trending music news by following us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
Author: Al Denté
Photo: Chris Cardi