The Cure’s Robert Smith has officially been announced as the curator for the 2026 Teenage Cancer Trust concert series at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
The annual charity event, which returns this month with performances from The Who, The Corrs, The Sex Pistols (with Frank Carter), and Micky Flanagan, has long been spearheaded by Roger Daltrey. However, Daltrey recently stepped down as the series’ curator, making way for guest curators each year—with Smith now set to take the reins in 2026.
Jamie Johnson, head of music and entertainment at Teenage Cancer Trust, praised Smith’s involvement, saying: “We are deeply honoured that Robert Smith, one of the most influential artists of our time, has agreed to curate the 2026 concerts.”
He continued: “Robert has been a dedicated supporter of Teenage Cancer Trust for many years, and his involvement will bring extraordinary performances to this iconic week while helping us raise essential funds.”
Smith himself expressed his excitement, stating: “Teenage Cancer Trust does the most fantastic work, and it is a great honour—and a real thrill—to be asked to curate the 2026 shows at the Royal Albert Hall. I can promise it will be a very memorable week!”
Daltrey, who remains involved with the charity, welcomed Smith’s new role, saying: “With The Cure’s long and outstanding support for Teenage Cancer Trust, Robert appreciates the vital work this charity does.” He added, “It has been a challenge to find the right person to take them on—but Robert, a true musical great, is the perfect curator for the 2026 concerts.”
The Cure recently made a major return with their album Songs of a Lost World, their first full-length release since 2008.
