The Cure’s Robert Smith has been announced as the curator for the 2025 edition of the Teenage Cancer Trust (TCT) gig series.
The iconic frontman has been a long supporter of the charity series, which is held at Royal Albert Hall, having previously performed two classic shows in 2014 and in 2006. He was also heavily involved in the TCT’s UNSEEN campaign during lockdown – helping the charity raise funds for those struggling during that period.
He will personally curate the concerts in 2026, following the series founder and The Who icon Roger Daltrey stepping back. It was last year that the musician confirmed that he would be ending his time as the curator for the Teenager Cancer Trust concert, after running the series for 24 years. He will remain as the charity’s patron.
Speaking about the new role, Smith stated: “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!”
Daltrey continued, explaining what it was about The Cure frontman that made him the right choice. “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,” he added. “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.”
As for the 2025 instalment, this year’s series runs from March 24 to March 30, with headliners including The Who, The Corrs, James Arthur, a comedy night hosted by Micky Flanagan, as well as the Sex Pistols, who will be performing with Frank Carter.
Today (March 19), another update has been shared to the line-up, with confirmation that Erased Tapes will be hosting a special bill on Saturday March 29.
Their curated night will include performances from Penguin Cafe, English contemporary songsmith Douglas Dare, German composer, drummer and filmmaker Daniel Brandt – who will be sharing an exclusive preview of his multimedia spectacle ‘Without Us’ – and Japanese voice artist Hatis Noit.
Speaking about helping curate the 2025 event, 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.”
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Reflecting on both of this morning’s announcements, 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,” Johnson added. “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.”
Speaking about their upcoming slot, Sex Pistols’ Steve Jones recently told NME: “It’s a good cause. Selfishly, I wanna do it because I’ve never even been to the Royal Albert Hall. Not even to see any other bands, which is bizarre. So I’m excited about that.”
Previous years have seen Kasabian, Wet Leg, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, The Chemical Brothers, Courteeners and more take over the iconic venue for the charity.
As for The Cure, the band last year shared their 14th studio LP, ‘Songs Of A Lost World’. It saw them bag their first Number One album in the UK in 32 years, with NME awarding it five stars.
It was also included in NME’s list of Best Albums Of The Year, while lead single ‘Alone’ starred in NME’s Best Songs Of 2024. “‘Alone’ ended a 16-year drought and proved The Cure haven’t lost any of their magic. Through swirling synths and cinematic instrumentation, paired with Robert Smith’s poignant lyricism and melodies, this epic is a masterwork of ethereal beauty and raw emotional depth,” the latter read. “One of their most captivating songs to date.”
