There’s something unique about a Teenage Cancer Trust show at the Royal Albert Hall — a combination of the venue’s grandeur, the passion of the audience, and the commitment of the artists means there’s never a lull.
Opening the night, accordionist Nihad Hrustanbegovic brought something genuinely different to the bill. A rare sight at these shows, his solo performance added a classical, atmospheric dimension before support act MRCY and headliners Elbow took the stage. This year’s series, curated by Robert Smith of The Cure — who first performed these shows 20 years ago — already felt distinct in tone.
MRCY, the duo of producer Barney Lister and vocalist Kojo Degraft-Johnson, delivered a set rich in texture and groove. Backed by a powerful brass section, their sound blended dreamy jazz, soul, and urban beats with ease. The inclusion of Yasmin Macy on ‘Better Days’ — a Teenage Cancer Trust exclusive — added a warm Motown glow, with echoes of The Supremes woven through the performance.
With a catalogue spanning decades, multiple Mercury Prize nominations, and a win in 2008, Elbow arrived with quiet authority — though this marked their first time playing the Royal Albert Hall. Frontman Guy Garvey, despite the band’s long history, radiated genuine excitement, like someone still discovering new ground. That sense of joy carried through the entire set.
They opened with ‘Things I’ve Been Telling Myself for Years’ from 2024’s Audio Vertigo, immediately shifting expectations. Known for their subtle, leftfield sensitivity, Elbow instead leaned into a fuller, more expansive sound, with soaring guitar work that gave the night an unexpected rock edge. ‘Lovers’ Leap’, also from the new record, followed with a heart-rending brass arrangement that drifted into something almost psychedelic.
While Audio Vertigo featured heavily, the setlist drew from across eight albums, striking a balance between new material and fan favourites. When Garvey joked, “we have to play this one,” it hinted at indulgence — but the band never tipped into it. Tracks like ‘Mirrorball’ and ‘The Seldom Seen Kid’ resonated deeply, the latter carrying added emotional weight in its dedication to Garvey’s late friend Brian Clancy.
Garvey remains one of the great storytellers in British music, knowing exactly when to speak and when to let the songs do the work. His introduction to ‘Fly Boy Blue / Lunette’ — recalling it being written in “a terrible Irish pub at JFK airport” — added humour and context, making lines like “I still like a bottle of good Irish whiskey” land with even more charm.
Throughout the night, he was generous in his praise — of MRCY, of the crowd, and of the work of Teenage Cancer Trust. ‘Lippy Kids’ was dedicated to young people he’d met through the charity, with Garvey admitting they had completely outwitted him with their humour — a moment that grounded the night in its true purpose.
The biggest moments were saved for the close. By the time ‘One Day Like This’ arrived, the crowd had already been drawn fully into Elbow’s world. Garvey led the audience in a cathedral-like chant, holding back the band until the room swelled into a unified voice. When the song finally began, it felt less like a performance and more like a shared release — a perfect ending to a night that balanced celebration, emotion, and meaning.
Teenage Cancer Trust remains the only UK charity providing specialised nursing care and expert support for young people aged 13–24 facing cancer. If you can, consider supporting their work: https://donate.teenagecancertrust.org/
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