Back at the helm of Teenage Cancer Trust at the Royal Albert Hall, Roger Daltrey CBE, has announced this year’s stellar line up for shows taking place from 24 to 30 March 2014.
The line up for the 14th year of fundraising concerts include The Cure, Suede, Ed Sheeran, Paolo Nutini, Jason Manford, John Bishop, Micky Flanagan, Rob Beckett, Hal Cruttenden and OneRepublic.
Teenage Cancer Trust patron and The Who front man, Roger Daltrey has been the driving force behind the concerts which have raised over £17million for young people with cancer since they began in 2000. In 2013, music and comedy fans enjoyed seven magnificent SOLD OUT shows. Guest curated by Noel Gallagher, not only did the charity achieve record-breaking ticket sales, but it was also a year of unique “I was there” moments. 2014 is set to do the same. Noel is back on board and has helped Roger put together a fine week of shows with an eclectic mix of exceptional artists.
The Cure make a welcome return to the Royal Albert Hall following their acclaimed 2011 show and will play a full three hour show two nights running. This will be The Cure’s second time performing for Teenage Cancer Trust after closing the week of shows for the charity in 2006. They also raised money for the charity on Record Store Day 2012 by releasing ‘Friday I’m In Love’ on a limited edition 7". This year is the 35th anniversary of debut album ‘Three Imaginary Boys’, highlighting The Cure as one of the UK’s most influential and timeless bands. Bandleader Robert Smith said: “The Cure are once again delighted and honoured to be playing the Royal Albert Hall for Teenage Cancer Trust.”
Ending the week of shows on Sunday 30 March, Suede will perform their hugely acclaimed second album ‘Dog Man Star’ to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its release. The lauded album, which was also re-released in 2011, is often regarded as the band’s masterpiece, cementing their influence as the pioneers of Britpop. Suede credit their performance for Teenage Cancer Trust in 2010 with getting the band back together. Brett Anderson said, “It’s great being involved with Teenage Cancer Trust again. It’s a fantastic charity and we have a proud history of involvement with them. The gig we did for them at the Royal Albert Hall in 2010 was possibly my favourite ever show in 25 years of playing live.”
Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum selling, singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran will start the run of shows on Monday 24 March. A two-time BRIT Award winner and recipient of an Ivor Novello Award, the 22-year old’s debut album ‘+’ is now certified six-time platinum in the UK. His Teenage Cancer Trust show precedes a massive arena tour in October. Ed Sheeran said: “When Noel asked me to play last year I couldn’t as I was touring Australia. I promised him and Roger that if they wanted me another time I’d be there, so here I am! I’m the same age as some of the people the charity helps and it’s a real honour to be asked. I hope we raise lots of money and awareness for Teenage Cancer Trust.”
Also confirmed to headline on Wednesday 26 March is Paolo Nutini who recently announced he will release his new album ‘Caustic Love’ in April; the follow up to his 2009 celebrated album ‘Sunny Side Up’. This is the Scottish singer/songwriter’s first live show since his appearance for the ONE Campaign last June . Paolo said: “This is an important cause and should have the support of as many people as possible. Roger called and kindly invited me to be a part of this year’s Teenage Cancer Trust gigs. And when Roger calls, you simply say: Yes! When d’ya need me!”
As previously announced last year OneRepublic will headline on Thursday 27 March. OneRepublic took the world by storm in 2007 with their debut release ‘Dreaming Out Loud’. The album included the smash single ‘Apologize’, which shattered digital sales and airplay records worldwide and, along with second single ‘Stop And Stare’, propelled the album to platinum-plus sales and a GRAMMY nomination. Their recent single ‘Counting Stars’ was number one last autumn for numerous weeks and is taken from OneRepublic’s third studio album ‘Native’.
Teenage Cancer Trust at the Royal Albert Hall wouldn’t be complete without an evening of comedy. This year sees Jason Manford hosting, joined by the superstar talents of John Bishop, Micky Flanagan, Patrick Kielty, Rob Beckett and Hal Cruttenden. Jason Manford said: “I love these Teenage Cancer Trust gigs. They stand-out not just because the atmosphere is always amazing, but also because of the young people with cancer I’ve met through being part of these shows for a number of years and visiting several of the charity’s specialist wards. They totally inspire me every single time. It’s a great night with a stonking line-up. Buy your ticket now!”
Teenage Cancer Trust patron and The Who legend, Roger Daltrey, said "This is our fourteenth year at the Royal Albert Hall for Teenage Cancer Trust and I’m very happy to be back after handing the reins to Noel Gallagher for a year. The money raised is invaluable in helping young people with cancer, and in return for the public’s hard earned cash we put on some very special shows. This year The Cure and Suede return to play for us. How great to have Paolo Nutini, who was a teenager when we first started these shows. Even nearer to the age group that we serve is Ed Sheeran performing songs some of which were written when a teen himself.
“Over the years we’ve had so many memorable moments. These include Noel Gallagher and Damon Albarn appearing together for the first time, Paul Weller, Kelly Jones and Eddie Vedder flying half way round the world to sing one song, Matt Bellamy playing the Hall’s famous pipe organ and so many more. These moments are amplified by the wonderful young people I have met. They shouldn’t have to stop being teenagers just because they have cancer. They are young people first – cancer patients second. With their incredible vigour and positivity as inspiration, we aim to keep Teenage Cancer Trust leading the world in cancer care for this age group."
The music and comedy shows are Teenage Cancer Trust’s flagship annual fundraising event. The money raised makes a massive difference to the lives of thousands of young people with cancer across the UK. As the only charity in the UK dedicated to supporting teenagers and young adults with cancer, Teenage Cancer Trust relies on donations to fund a range of services that aim to improve their quality of life and chances of survival. All proceeds from the shows go towards providing this specialist care and support for young people with cancer.
This year’s shows are generously supported by headline sponsors The Body Shop and associate sponsors Ben Sherman, Derwent London and American Airlines. Further incredible support is provided by media partners Metro, Xfm and NME.
Monday 24 March Ed Sheeran
Tuesday 25 March An evening of comedy with Jason Manford, John Bishop, Micky Flanagan, Patrick Kielty, Rob Beckett and Hal Cruttenden
Wednesday 26 March Paolo Nutini
Thursday 27 March OneRepublic
Friday 28 March The Cure
Saturday 29 March The Cure
Sunday 30 March Suede: Dog Man Star 20th Anniversary
Tickets from £25 (plus booking fees).
For more information go to www.teenagecancertrust.org.
