Night 7: THE WHO
Plus special guests Level 42.
A Spectacular Finale with The Who
Sunday, March 30, 2025, marked the conclusion of another remarkable Teenage Cancer Trust series at the Royal Albert Hall, closing with an unforgettable performance by The Who.
Among the captivated audience was Hollywood icon Bill Murray, alongside Sadie Frost, Paul McKenna, and Tracy-Ann Oberman. Murray, who first saw The Who perform 50 years ago, later reunited with Roger Daltrey backstage.
Founded by Roger Daltrey CBE in 2000, the Teenage Cancer Trust concert series has become a cornerstone of the UK’s music calendar, raising over £34 million for young people with cancer. Looking ahead, The Cure’s Robert Smith will take over as guest curator for 2026.
2025 Concert Series Highlights
The 2025 series ran from March 24-30 and featured a diverse line up, including The Who, The Corrs, James Arthur, a comedy night hosted by Micky Flanagan, a special performance by Erased Tapes featuring Penguin Cafe, and a show with Frank Carter alongside members of The Sex Pistols.
The Who Bring the House Down
After delivering a powerhouse performance earlier in the week, The Who returned on Sunday to electrify the crowd. They kicked off with their ‘60s classics ‘I Can’t Explain’ and ‘Substitute’, followed by a high-energy rendition of ‘Who Are You’, with Pete Townshend’s signature windmill guitar moves in full force.
Roger Daltrey’s unmistakable voice filled the hall, reminding everyone of his unwavering dedication to Teenage Cancer Trust. As he prepares to pass the curatorship to Robert Smith in 2026, his legacy remains firmly intact.
The night continued with timeless hits like ‘The Kids Are Alright’, ‘Behind Blue Eyes’, and a soaring ‘Real Me’. Townshend took center stage on ‘5:15’ and the poignant ‘I’m One’, before a powerful ‘Love, Reign O’er Me’ stirred the audience. ‘My Generation’ had fans of all ages on their feet, seamlessly transitioning into ‘See Me, Feel Me/Listening To You’.
Later, ‘Eminence Front’ and ‘You Better You Bet’ brought a nostalgic touch, while ‘Baba O’Riley’ earned a thunderous standing ovation. The evening reached its climax with ‘Won’t Get Fooled Again’, complete with Daltrey’s legendary scream. A rare live performance of ‘Song Is Over’ provided a memorable closer.
Throughout the set, Daltrey and Townshend’s humor shone through. At one point, Townshend quipped,
Many of you will know this is not my chosen career – I would have preferred to be a dustman, to be honest. But it’s glorious to be here with people like you tonight. Thank you so much.
Level 42 Kick Off the Night
Opening the evening, Level 42 set the tone with the anthemic ‘Heaven In My Hands’, followed by fan favorites ‘To Be With You Again’, ‘Running In The Family’, and the funky ‘The Sun Goes Down (Livin’ It Up)’. Their performance wrapped up with the pop classic ‘Lessons in Love’.
Frontman Mark King expressed his gratitude,
Thank you for coming along and supporting this incredible charity, Teenage Cancer Trust. We’re here having some fun… and you’re going to have to put up with it! But look at the money you’re raising for these guys—thank you so much. They do an incredible job.
Words from Teenage Cancer Trust
Kate Collins, Chief Executive of Teenage Cancer Trust, emphasized the importance of the concert series:
“These gigs, spearheaded by Roger Daltrey since 2000, have raised an astonishing £34 million, funding specialist care and support for young people with cancer across the UK.”
Jamie Johnson, Head of Music and Entertainment, added;
“The music and entertainment industry has an incredible impact when it unites for a cause. The Royal Albert Hall concerts are vital to our work, and their success is only possible due to the unwavering support of artists, crews, promoters, and audiences.”
Teenage Cancer Trust at the Royal Albert Hall 2025 Line up
- Monday, March 24: Frank Carter + Paul Cook, Steve Jones, Glen Matlock (Sex Pistols) + guests Kid Kapichi & The Molotovs
- Tuesday, March 25: Comedy night hosted by Micky Flanagan, featuring Romesh Ranganathan, Katherine Ryan, Josh Widdicombe, and more
- Wednesday, March 26: James Arthur + guests Venus Grrrls
- Thursday, March 27: The Who + guests Level 42
- Friday, March 28: The Corrs + guests Dea Matrona
- Saturday, March 29: Erased Tapes featuring Penguin Cafe, Daniel Brandt, Douglas Dare & Hatis Noit
- Sunday, March 30: The Who + guests Level 42
Looking Ahead: Robert Smith Takes the Helm
Teenage Cancer Trust is thrilled to announce that The Cure’s Robert Smith will curate the 2026 series. Having supported the charity for years—including The Cure’s legendary performances in 2006 and 2014—Smith will oversee an exceptional lineup from March 23-29, 2026.
Smith, who helped drive the Teenage Cancer Trust UNSEEN campaign during lockdown, shared his excitement:
“Teenage Cancer Trust does the most fantastic work. It’s an honor—and a real thrill—to curate the 2026 shows. I promise it will be a very memorable week!”
Support Teenage Cancer Trust
Teenage Cancer Trust is the UK’s only charity dedicated to providing specialized nursing care and support for young people with cancer. With cancer rates rising and NHS resources stretched, these concerts play a vital role in funding expert support when young lives are turned upside down.
Since 2000, these gigs have raised over £34 million, funding hospital units, specialist nurses, and life-changing support services.
🔗 teenagecancertrust.org
📢 @teenagecancer #teenagecancergigs
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