The incredible Sex Pistols, featuring Frank Carter made their Royal Albert Hall debut tonight, bringing the original punks to the country’s grandest stage.
The band’s journey was played out over the space of three days, with an intense warm-up show (under the name ‘The Spots’) on Friday at London’s legendary 100 Club, followed by an appearance at the Royal Albert Hall, with all its establishment heritage.
One of those nights that can only have been for Teenage Cancer Trust at the Royal Albert Hall, the band threatened to blow the building apart. With thousands of fans coming to celebrate some of the most influential music ever played in rock, the Pistols and their new frontman (and later generation punk legend) Frank Carter, blasted through the seminal album ‘Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols’ and more.
To the sound of a classical orchestra, a fully suited Frank Carter took to the stage alongside Paul Cook, Steve Jones and Glen Matlock of the Sex Pistols. Launching into ‘Holidays In the Sun,’ they blasted through the first three songs back to back before Carter addressed the crowd, “What a privilege and an honour it is to be at this amazing venue with so many incredible people. Thank you very much for coming out. Thank you to the Teenage Cancer Trust; what an amazing cause. Amazing people.”
From the start, there were circle pits, mass crowd surfing and Frank conducting it all from the stage, in the crowd, on the crowd…. provoking anarchy as ‘God Save The Queen’ finally made it to the Royal Albert Hall. They raged through the likes of ‘Pretty Vacant’, ‘Bodies’, ‘No Fun’ and ‘Satellite’. Carter instructed the crowd to make a circle pit that he wasn’t part of, just so he could see it, “Open the dance floor, you’ll never get to do it again… they don’t allow it at the ballet.”
‘No Feelings‘, ‘Problems’ and ‘EMI’ followed, before an encore of the Sid Vicious version of ‘My Way’ (“Dim the lights and get your phones out. Imagine this is a Coldplay gig, but it’s much better” – Carter).
The night ended with ‘Anarchy In The UK’, crowd surfing en masse and a deserved standing ovation.
Earlier in the evening, a new era of punks took to the stage, unleashing their own furious sound. The Molotovs kicked off the night with a razor-sharp set, tapping into a retro mod-rock energy. The three-piece is clearly riding the crest of a wave, with a CV that includes support slots for Blondie and The Libertines. Fronted by sibling duo Matthew and Issey Carts, the London band has even been tipped by Green Day to go all the way.
Following The Molotovs, Hastings’ Kid Kapichi. The band, who have been selling out shows across the UK over the past year, delivered a powerful set featuring tracks from their latest album, There Goes The Neighbourhood. The self-described Beat-Punk outfit also took a moment to express their appreciation for Teenage Cancer Trust during their performance. Frontman Jack Wilson said, “It’s an absolute pleasure [to be here today]… It’s such an honour to be here for such an amazing cause. Teenage Cancer Trust, what an amazing group of people.
“And last but not least, lets give it up for the f*cking Sex Pistols. And Frank Carter, what a good job he’s doing.”
Emphasising the poignancy of the evening, the headline act was preceded by a VT and an on-stage appearance from a number of young people who have survived cancer and received support from Teenage Cancer Trust. Among them was 24-year-old Grace, frontwoman of VENUS GRRRLS, who are set to support James Arthur at Wednesday’s concert. Sharing her story, Grace told the audience, “It’s often difficult to find the words to truly convey what having cancer as a young person is like; it’s nothing short of a darkness that shrouds your delicate perception of the world.”
“After 9 months of invasive chemotherapy, immunotherapy, 13 bone marrow biopsies, and countless blood transfusions, I can declare that as of February, I have been cancer free for two years!
“[Teenage Cancer Trust’s] support during and after my treatment has meant that I had a community.
“That is why I am here tonight, to ask you to donate so they can continue their life changing and virtuous work for other young people like myself, who are just starting their journey.”
This year’s series runs from March 24-30, including The Who; The Corrs; James Arthur; a night of comedy hosted by Micky Flanagan; a special night by Erased Tapes featuring Penguin Cafe; and Frank Carter and Paul Cook, Steve Jones, Glen Matlock of the Sex Pistols.
To mark the 25th anniversary of Teenage Cancer Trust at the Royal Albert Hall, the British artist and Gorillaz co-creator, Jamie Hewlett – a long-time supporter of Teenage Cancer Trust – has re-designed his iconic Teenage Cancer Trust logo for 2025. Inspired by Teenage Cancer Trust’s theme ‘TEEN SPIRIT’, Hewlett’s original design for the Teenage Cancer Trust live shows has been reimagined as a brand new, full colour artwork which celebrates the many young people who are supported by the important work of Teenage Cancer Trust, as well as the joyful energy of youth and music.
As ever, the Ultimate Backstage Experience will be run all this week for young people from across the country, who are being supported by Teenage Cancer Trust. Every day, these groups visit the Royal Albert Hall to enjoy an unforgettable experience. From the moment they arrive, they enjoy access and opportunities that money can’t buy, before taking their place in some of the best seats in the house to watch the shows in style.
Kate Collins, Chief Executive of Teenage Cancer Trust, said: “We are delighted that some of the biggest names from across the music, and entertainment industry are performing at this year’s Teenage Cancer Trust gigs at the Royal Albert Hall. We couldn’t be more grateful for their commitment to raising vital funds for young people with cancer.
“These concerts, brainchild of – and driven by – the legendary Roger Daltrey since 2000, have raised a phenomenal £34 million to fund Teenage Cancer Trust’s work across the UK – making our specialist support possible across the UK so that young people with cancer get the expert, individual care and support they need at this unique and critical stage of their lives.
“These gigs would not exist without Roger, who remains a tireless Honorary Patron for the charity and is unstoppable in his support for young people with cancer.
“Teenage Cancer Trust exists because cancer care wasn’t made for young people. Without us, a young person diagnosed with cancer today would find themselves lumped together with small children or much older adults. It’s only thanks to our supporters that we can continue to be there for every young person who needs us.
“We’re deeply thankful to everyone who is involved in making these concerts possible—from the artists and the teams to the people who buy tickets to the shows.”
Jamie Johnson, Head of Music and Entertainment at Teenage Cancer Trust, said: “I see firsthand the incredible impact the music and entertainment industry can make when it rallies behind a cause. The Royal Albert Hall shows are a cornerstone of our charity’s work, and their success is only possible thanks to the unwavering support of artists, managers, agents, promoters, crew, and our generous audiences.
“To date, these concerts have raised millions to funding specialist care and transform the experience of cancer for young people at a critical time in their lives. But the need has never been greater. The support of the music and entertainment industry remains vital to ensuring we can continue this life-changing work.
The shows are also proudly supported by American Airlines, Metro, Absolute Radio, S.J.M. Concerts, Twickets, and the Royal Albert Hall.
Aldi, which has partnered with Teenage Cancer Trust since 2017, and raised over £11 million for the charity to date is the headline sponsor for this year’s Royal Albert Hall series. Domino’s, which has partnered with Teenage Cancer Trust for ten years and has raised £8 million for the charity, is the official sponsor of the Ultimate Backstage Experience.
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:
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
The charity is delighted that The Cure’s Robert Smith will curate Teenage Cancer Trust at the Royal Albert Hall in 2026.
One of the most celebrated artists in modern music, Robert has long been a supporter of the charity, 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.
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.
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About Teenage Cancer Trust at The Royal Albert Hall
2025 marks the 23nd year of Teenage Cancer Trust’s phenomenally successful flagship events at the Royal Albert Hall, which were started by the charity’s Honorary Patron and lead-singer of The Who, Roger Daltrey CBE.
Some of the biggest names in entertainment have now raised more than £34 million for Teenage Cancer Trust which helps to fund specialist nurses, hospital units and support services right across the UK that help get young people through some unimaginably hard times.
Since 2000 audiences at Teenage Cancer Trust’s annual gigs have witnessed some extraordinary, once in a lifetime shows, from Noel Gallagher and Damon Albarn performing together for the first time ever in 2013, Sir Paul McCartney in 2012, plus the likes of Oasis, Muse, Nile Rodgers & CHIC, Ed Sheeran, Florence + The Machine, Rudimental and many more.
There have been many legendary moments. Sir Paul McCartney was joined on stage in 2012 for the Beatles’ ‘Get Back’ by Roger Daltrey, Ronnie Wood and Paul Weller – marking a Beatle, Rolling Stone and The Who joining forces.
Muse played in 2008, their only show in the UK that year apart from two sold out Wembley Stadiums. They called it, “one of the best gigs of our lives.” The Cure played a three-hour set on two consecutive nights in 2014, bringing the house down with 45 songs.
Some of the brightest lights in comedy have lit up the stage too, with an annual evening featuring the likes of Mo Gilligan, Kevin Bridges, Miranda Hart, Kerry Godliman, John Bishop, Frankie Boyle, Noel Fielding, Jon Richardson, Russell Howard, James Corden, Joel Dommett and many more.
In 2024 a special show was staged as an ovation for Roger Daltrey’s years of service, with turns by the likes of Paul Weller, Kelly Jones, Eddie Vedder and Robert Plant.
About Teenage Cancer Trust
Teenage Cancer Trust is the only UK charity providing specialised nursing care and support for young people with cancer. The charity funds specialist nurses, youth workers and hospital units within the NHS, and is there for anyone diagnosed with cancer aged 13-24, and their loved ones too.
Find out how your support can make a difference to the lives of young people facing cancer by signing up to email updates.
Teenage Cancer Trust is a registered charity: 1062559 (England & Wales), SC039757 (Scotland).
Domino’s:
Domino’s, which has partnered with Teenage Cancer Trust for ten years and has raised £8 million for the charity, is the official sponsor of the Ultimate Backstage Experience.
Aldi
Aldi is the headline sponsor for this year’s Royal Albert Hall series. The supermarket giant has partnered with Teenage Cancer Trust since 2017 and has raised over £11 million for the charity to date.
American Airlines
Our brilliant flight partner American Airlines have generously donated many millions of air miles to support our event series at the Royal Albert Hall.
