Teenage Cancer Trust at the Royal Albert Hall in London closed in spectacular fashion for another year last night – Sunday 30th March 2025 – with another unmissable performance by The Who.
Hollywood legend Bill Murray was among the audience in the packed venue along with Sadie Frost, Paul McKenna and Tracy-Ann Oberman. US film star Murray recalled seeing The Who play 50 years ago and caught up with Roger Daltrey backstage after the gig.
Singer Roger Daltrey CBE, launched the Teenage Cancer Trust concert series in 2000, raising more than £34 million for the charity. In 2026, The Cure’s Robert Smith will step in as guest curator.
The 2025 series ran from March 24th to 30th, including The Who; The Corrs; James Arthur; a night of comedy hosted by Micky Flanagan; a special night by Erased Tapes featuring Penguin Cafe; and Frank Carter with Paul Cook, Steve Jones, Glen Matlock of the Sex Pistols.
After bringing the house down on Thursday, The Who roared into action on Sunday with the ’60s hits “I Can’t Explain” and “Substitute”. “Who Are You” rocks with intent, Pete Townsend wind-milling, while the unmistakable voice of Roger Daltrey fills the auditorium. The hits kept coming, including “The Kids Are Alright” and “Behind Blue Eyes”.
Pete’s unique guitar style plays a starring role in “5:15′” before his vocals took the lead on “I’m One”. Fan favourite “Love, Reign O’er Me” received a rapturous reception before “My Generation” segued into “See Me, Feel Me” / “Listening To You”. “You Better You Bet” truly peels back the years.
Roger and Pete enjoy a close bond with the band’s fans and crack jokes throughout their shows. At one point, Pete said: “Many of you will know this is not my chosen career – I would have preferred to have been a dustman, to be honest. But it’s glorious to be here with people like you tonight. Thank you so much.”
There was a standing ovation for “Baba O’Riley”, while “Won’t Get Fooled Again” received a clap-along intro, and the famous Daltrey scream. The “Song Is Over” was a rare treat.
Earlier in the evening, Level 42 kicked things off with a set packed with hits including “Running In The Family”, “The Sun Goes Down (Livin’ It Up)” and “Lessons in Love”.
Singer and bassist Mark King said: “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 so thank you so much. They do an incredible job. And in this incredible venue too. What an incredible treat. It always blows my mind when I come and stand here…”
Royal Albert Hall 2025 Show Dates:
Monday, March 24: Frank Carter and Paul Cook, Steve Jones, Glen Matlock of the Sex Pistols plus special guests Kid Kapichi and The Molotovs
Tuesday, March 25: A night of comedy hosted by Micky Flanagan with Scott Bennett, Finlay Christie, Romesh Ranganathan, Katherine Ryan, Jack Skipper + Josh Widdicombe
Wednesday, March 26: James Arthur plus special guests Venus Grrrls
Thursday, March 27: The Who plus special guests Level 42
Friday, March 28: The Corrs plus special guests Dea Matrona
Saturday, March 29: Erased Tapes featuring Penguin Cafe, Daniel Brandt, Douglas Dare and Hatis Noit
Sunday, March 30: The Who plus special guests Level 42
Photos by Patrick Gunning
