Robert Smith has announced the full line-up for Teenage Cancer Trust 2026, a week of concerts at London’s Royal Albert Hall featuring performances from Garbage, Placebo, Mogwai, My Bloody Valentine, Wolf Alice, and more. The reveal arrives as The Cure prepare for an extensive UK and European tour in 2026, including festival appearances and major outdoor shows across the continent. The announcement also coincides with the rollout of Songs of a Lost World, the upcoming Show of a Lost World concert film — set to premiere in cinemas on December 11, with DVD and Blu-ray editions arriving on December 13 — and confirmation that the band have recorded 13 new songs for a potential follow-up album.
The Cure previously supported Teenage Cancer Trust with fundraising concerts in 2006 and 2014. For 2026, Smith has curated a week-long program that brings together long-time collaborators, artists connected to earlier chapters of his work, and acts whose presence reflects the breadth of the charity series.
“Teenage Cancer Trust does absolutely amazing work, and I am very proud they asked me to be ‘Cureator’ of their March 2026 concerts at the RAH,” Smith said. “I wanted to make it a truly unforgettable, unmissable week — a run of shows to dream about — and I am so grateful to all the artists who accepted my invitation to perform.” He added: “These will be very special events; every band, both headliners and special guests, and every comedian too, is either legendary or at the top of their game… indeed in most cases, they are both! It is going to be a fabulous seven nights, and I can hardly wait to experience it all. See you there!”
The curated week begins March 23 with Elbow, making their Royal Albert Hall debut with support from MRCY. On March 24, Smith presents Robert Smith’s Comedy Favourites, featuring Maisie Adam, Bridget Christie, Jack Dee, Andy Hamilton, Dom Joly, Miles Jupp, Athena Kugblenu, Stewart Lee, and Dara Ó Briain.
March 25 features Mogwai with Craven Faults and Annika Kilkenny. On March 26, Manic Street Preachers take the stage with The Joy Formidable.
On being included in this year’s TCT Line, James Dean Bradfield of the Manic Street Preachers has said, “Thank you to Robert Smith for inviting us to play TCT for the very first time. We’re thrilled to be making a return to one of our favourite London venues — and yes, there will be a couple of surprises up our sleeves for the night.”
March 27 pairs My Bloody Valentine with Chvrches, who will deliver a stripped-back performance — their first live appearance since 2023. Their inclusion follows their 2022 collaboration with Smith on How Not to Drown.
On March 28, Garbage performs alongside Placebo, who will also offer a rare stripped-down performance as part of their 30th anniversary. “When Robert Smith reached out to us about the possibility of performing for Teenage Cancer Trus,t we were all utterly thrilled as he is a highly revered figure in our world,” said Shirley Manson. “We are honoured to serve at his behest and look forward to helping raise funds for Teenage Cancer Trust, a cause very close to our own hearts. I hope our people will choose to come out in support. Should be a great night… in the Royal Albert Hall no less.”
The series concludes March 29 with Wolf Alice on their The Clearing tour, supported by Nilüfer Yanya.
Teenage Cancer Trust: Why These Shows Matter
Teenage Cancer Trust is the only UK charity providing specialised nursing care and tailored emotional support for young people aged 13–24 diagnosed with cancer. Their work funds specialist nurses, youth support workers, and dedicated NHS units designed specifically for the needs of teenagers and young adults.
Full List of Shows (Royal Albert Hall – March 2026)
- Monday, March 23: Elbow and MRCY
- Tuesda,y March 24: Robert Smith’s Comedy Favourites — Maisie Adam, Bridget Christie, Jack Dee, Andy Hamilton, Dom Joly, Miles Jupp, Athena Kugblenu, Stewart Lee, Dara Ó Briain
- Wednesda,y March 25: Mogwai, Craven Faults and Annika Kilkenny
- Thursday, March 26: Manic Street Preachers and The Joy Formidable
- Frida,y March 27: My Bloody Valentine and Chvrches (stripped-back performance)
- Saturda,y March 28: Garbage and Placebo (rare, stripped-back performance)
- Sund,ay March 29: Wolf Alice and Nilüfer Yanya
Tickets go on sale Friday, December 12, at 9 am. Order Here
