Sir Roger Daltrey presented Robert Smith with a special trophy celebrating The Cure frontman’s work as the guest curator of this year’s Teenage Concert Trust concert series.
Reflecting on the Just Like Heaven hitmaker’s contribution, Roger praised the musician’s commitment to the cause.
He said: “Robert’s done a fantastic job — absolutely fantastic — and he’s played concerts before for us in the past.
“Bands give up an awful lot to do this. When we started this 26 years ago, touring was just a small part of their income. That has changed. We’re so grateful.” Smith is the first in a new line of guest curators who will help drive future fundraising efforts.”
Robert spoke candidly about why the charity’s mission resonates with him.
He said: “I was 17 when I started the band that turned into The Cure. There was so much I wanted to do. It is hard to imagine the impact it would have had on my life if at that age I had heard the words ‘you have cancer’.”
The 66-year-old musician added that the money raised ensures Teenage Cancer Trust can support young people “from that first devastating moment of diagnosis, through every step of their treatment and beyond.”
He also emphasised that the concerts at London’s Royal Albert Hall are not only about raising funds but about celebrating youth itself — and the determination of young people not to let cancer define their lives.
Praising the artists he chose for the lineup, he added: “I wanted to make this a truly unforgettable week.
“Each of them is either legendary or at the top of their game — indeed, in most cases, they are both. I am sure it is going to be a fabulous week.”
The headliners include Elbow, Manic Street Preachers, My Bloody Valentine, Garbage and Wolf Alice, as well as a night of Robert Smith’s Comedy Favourites.
Mogwai blew the roof off the Royal Albert Hall on Wednesday night (25.03.26).
They even dedicated a song to Robert.
Before performing Killing All The Flies, frontman Stuart Braithwaite said: “We want to dedicate this song to Robert (Smith) for inviting us to play. Thanks so much.”
The Manic Street Preachers’ headline set on Thursday (26.03.26) will mark the 150th show.
Jane Ashton, Head of Music and Entertainment at Teenage Cancer Trust, said: “Once again, the music and entertainment industry has come together for a fantastic cause. Money raised from the Royal Albert Hall shows changes lives by funding specialist care and support for young people with cancer. We can’t thank the legend that is Robert Smith enough for all the time and energy he has given to curating this epic line-up.
“The 2025 series raised a wonderful record-breaking £2.05 million, but we’d love to beat it! The urgent need to support young people when they hear the devastating words ‘its cancer’ remains. Thanks to the unwavering support of artists, managers, agents, promoters, crew, and our generous audiences, Teenage Cancer Trust can help them get through cancer, rebuild their life and shape their own future.”
