The Who’s Roger Daltrey stepping down as curator of Teenage Cancer Trust gigs

Curator of the Teenage Cancer Trust gigs, Roger Daltrey, has revealed he will be stepping down after this year’s set of concerts at the Royal Albert Hall.

It comes as this year’s line-up is announced, with bands including Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds and The Chemical Brothers billed to perform.

The Who star Daltrey has driven every show since his band kickstarted the Teenage Cancer Trust concert series back in 2000.

This year the charity’s annual event, taking place from March 18 to 24, will celebrate the work of its founder and curator, who will continue as an honorary patron of the charity.

Teenage Cancer Trust (TCT) says that from 2025 it will be working with a series of guest curators to take the music shows forward.

Daltrey said: “The £32 million raised from these concerts has been the foundation for the 28 specialised units within the NHS, as well as specialist nurses and youth workers to be there for a young person when cancer has turned their world upside down.”

This year’s events will kickstart on March 18 with music from Daltrey and The Who, who will perform alongside an orchestra and special guests, new wave rock band Squeeze.

An evening of comedy will follow on Tuesday March 19, with a line-up that is yet to be announced, before The Who return for another performance alongside Squeeze on Wednesday March 20.

Then, on Thursday March 21, former Oasis star Noel Gallagher will perform with his band and special guests, rock outfit Blossoms.

Gallagher, 56, said: “The TCT continue to make a real difference to teenagers in what undoubtedly must be the most challenging years of their lives.

“Having performed at the very first event back in 2000, it is a charity very close to my heart.

“Twenty-four years and counting is a triumph in itself. NGHFB will be there en masse.

“Together we will make the night unique. I’d buy a ticket if I were you.”

On Friday March 22, Scottish group Young Fathers will perform alongside some special guests who have not yet been announced.

Then, on Saturday March 23 electronic duo The Chemical Brothers will take to the stage before the celebrations culminate in one final concert called Ovation, taking place on Sunday March 24.

It will be a commemoration of more than 20 years of gigs, with Daltrey, Stereophonics singer Kelly Jones, Robert Plant with Saving Grace, The Who’s Pete Townshend, Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder and The Jam’s Paul Weller.

Kate Collins, chief executive of Teenage Cancer Trust, said: “For the 22nd year Roger has put together a remarkable season of shows.

“Roger’s impact on the lives of young people with cancer in the UK is immeasurable.

“The very first show for Teenage Cancer Trust at the Royal Albert Hall in 2000, The Who & Friends, was the catalyst for what has become over 20 years of flagship weeks of fundraising, awareness raising and magical moments at this exceptional venue.

“After that first gig, Roger became the driving force behind changing the lives of young people with cancer in the UK.

“Working day and night, year-round, Roger has enabled these gigs to form the bedrock of Teenage Cancer Trust’s growth to be the leading charity for young people with cancer in the UK.

“Quite simply, we would not be the charity we are without Roger and these shows and – more importantly than that – thousands of young people with cancer in the UK would not have had the specialist support and care they urgently need.

“These concerts have raised over £32 million for specialist hospital wards, nurses and youth workers – ensuring young people in the UK do not face cancer alone – however we urgently need to continue to raise funds to continue our work.

“Roger’s tireless drive has helped Teenage Cancer Trust change the lives of young people with cancer on a scale that was unimaginable at the first show in 2000.

“It is time to celebrate his unstoppable drive, determination, commitment and leadership and what better way to do it than with this amazing line-up for the 22nd year of shows.

“We’re all looking forward to this stellar week and are proud to have Roger’s continued support as Teenage Cancer Trust’s honorary patron as we continue to strive to support all young people with cancer in the UK.”

The annual music and comedy event, Teenage Cancer Trust At The Royal Albert Hall, raises funds for the charity, which provides care and support for young people who have been diagnosed with cancer.

The event was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic.

Tickets for the event go on sale at 9am on Friday January 12.