The Who close Teenage Cancer Trust concerts with Bill Murray and Tracy-Ann Oberman in the audience – night 7

Teenage Cancer Trust at the Royal Albert Hall closed in spectacular fashion for another year with another unmissable performance by The Who.

Bill Murray was among the lucky audience in the packed venue along with Sadie Frost, Paul McKennan and Tracy-Ann Oberman. Hollywood 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, and it has gone on to be an essential part of the UK’s music calendar, while 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 24-30, 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 and 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 windmilling, while the unmistakable voice of Roger Daltrey fills the auditorium. Roger has been the driving force behind Teenage Cancer Trust at the Royal Albert Hall since its inception in 2000, next year handing over to guest curator Robert Smith (The Cure).   

The hits kept coming, with the likes of ‘The Kids Are Alright’ and the gorgeous ‘Behind Blue Eyes’ followed by a soaring ‘Real Me’. 

Pete’s unique guitar style plays a starring role in ‘5:15’ before his vocals took the lead on a beautiful ‘I’m One’ (“loneliness starts sinking in”). Fan favourite ‘Love, Reign O’er Me’ received a rapturous reception before ‘My Generation’ spun out into an audience spanning the generations, before segueing into ‘See Me, Feel Me/Listening To You’,

The 1982 track ‘Eminence Front’ follows before ‘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 was as huge as you could want. The ‘Song Is Over’ was a rare treat for fans.

Earlier in the evening, Level 42 kicked things off with the clarion call of ‘Heaven In My Hands’ for a set packed with hits. ‘To Be With You Again’ follows, and the undeniable tune of ‘Running In The Family’. ‘The Sun Goes Down (Livin’ It Up) is pure funk, and ‘Lessons in Love’ a pop classic. 

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. I don’t stand here very often, as you can imagine!” 

Kate Collins, Chief Executive of Teenage Cancer Trust, said: “We are delighted that some of the biggest names from across the music, and entertainment industry are performing at this year’s Teenage Cancer Trust gigs at the Royal Albert Hall. We couldn’t be more grateful for their commitment to raising vital funds for young people with cancer.

“These concerts, brainchild of – and driven by – the legendary Roger Daltrey since 2000, have raised a phenomenal £34 million to fund Teenage Cancer Trust’s work across the UK – making our specialist support possible across the UK so that young people with cancer get the expert, individual care and support they need at this unique and critical stage of their lives. 

“These gigs would not exist without Roger, who remains a tireless Honorary Patron for the charity and is unstoppable in his support for young people with cancer.  

“Teenage Cancer Trust exists because cancer care wasn’t made for young people. Without us, a young person diagnosed with cancer today would find themselves lumped together with small children or much older adults. It’s only thanks to our supporters that we can continue to be there for every young person who needs us. 

“We’re deeply thankful to everyone who is involved in making these concerts possible—from the artists and the teams to the people who buy tickets to the shows.”

Jamie Johnson, Head of Music and Entertainment at Teenage Cancer Trust, said: “I see firsthand the incredible impact the music and entertainment industry can make when it rallies behind a cause. The Royal Albert Hall shows are a cornerstone of our charity’s work, and their success is only possible thanks to the unwavering support of artists, managers, agents, promoters, crew, and our generous audiences.

“To date, these concerts have raised millions to funding specialist care and transform the experience of cancer for young people at a critical time in their lives. But the need has never been greater. The support of the music and entertainment industry remains vital to ensuring we can continue this life-changing work.

The shows are also proudly supported by American Airlines, Metro, Absolute Radio, S.J.M. Concerts, Twickets, and the Royal Albert Hall.

Aldi, which has partnered with Teenage Cancer Trust since 2017, and raised over £11 million for the charity to date is the headline sponsor for this year’s Royal Albert Hall series. Domino’s,which has partnered with Teenage Cancer Trust for ten years and has raised £8 million for the charity, is the official sponsor of the Ultimate Backstage Experience.

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