Night 1:
Frank Carter and Paul Cook, Steve Jones, Glen Matlock of the Sex Pistols
plus special guests Kid Kapichi and The Molotovs
The incredible Sex Pistols, featuring Frank Carter made their Royal Albert Hall debut tonight, bringing the original punks to the country’s grandest stage.
The band’s journey was played out over the space of three days, with an intense warm-up show (under the name ‘The Spots’) on Friday at London’s legendary 100 Club, followed by an appearance at the Royal Albert Hall, with all its establishment heritage.
One of those nights that can only have been for Teenage Cancer Trust at the Royal Albert Hall, the band threatened to blow the building apart. With thousands of fans coming to celebrate some of the most influential music ever played in rock, the Pistols and their new frontman (and later generation punk legend) Frank Carter, blasted through the seminal album ‘Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols’ and more.
To the sound of a classical orchestra, a fully suited Frank Carter took to the stage alongside Paul Cook, Steve Jones and Glen Matlock of the Sex Pistols. Launching into ‘Holidays In the Sun,’ they blasted through the first three songs back to back before Carter addressed the crowd, “What a privilege and an honour it is to be at this amazing venue with so many incredible people. Thank you very much for coming out. Thank you to the Teenage Cancer Trust; what an amazing cause. Amazing people.”
From the start, there were circle pits, mass crowd surfing and Frank conducting it all from the stage, in the crowd, on the crowd…. provoking anarchy as ‘God Save The Queen’ finally made it to the Royal Albert Hall. They raged through the likes of ‘Pretty Vacant’, ‘Bodies’, ‘No Fun’ and ‘Satellite’. Carter instructed the crowd to make a circle pit that he wasn’t part of, just so he could see it, “Open the dance floor, you’ll never get to do it again… they don’t allow it at the ballet.”
‘No Feelings‚, ‘Problems’ and ‘EMI’ followed, before an encore of the Sid Vicious version of ‘My Way’ (“Dim the lights and get your phones out. Imagine this is a Coldplay gig, but it’s much better” – Carter).
The night ended with ‘Anarchy In The UK’, crowd surfing en masse and a deserved standing ovation.
Earlier in the evening, a new era of punks took to the stage, unleashing their own furious sound. The Molotovs kicked off the night with a razor-sharp set, tapping into a retro mod-rock energy. The three-piece is clearly riding the crest of a wave, with a CV that includes support slots for Blondie and The Libertines. Fronted by sibling duo Matthew and Issey Carts, the London band has even been tipped by Green Day to go all the way.
Following The Molotovs, Hastings’ Kid Kapichi. The band, who have been selling out shows across the UK over the past year, delivered a powerful set featuring tracks from their latest album, There Goes The Neighbourhood. The self-described Beat-Punk outfit also took a moment to express their appreciation for Teenage Cancer Trust during their performance. Frontman Jack Wilson said, “It’s an absolute pleasure [to be here today]… It’s such an honour to be here for such an amazing cause. Teenage Cancer Trust, what an amazing group of people.
“And last but not least, lets give it up for the f*cking Sex Pistols. And Frank Carter, what a good job he’s doing.”
Emphasising the poignancy of the evening, the headline act was preceded by a VT and an on-stage appearance from a number of young people who have survived cancer and received support from Teenage Cancer Trust. Among them was 24-year-old Grace, frontwoman of VENUS GRRRLS, who are set to support James Arthur at Wednesday’s concert. Sharing her story, Grace told the audience, “It’s often difficult to find the words to truly convey what having cancer as a young person is like; it’s nothing short of a darkness that shrouds your delicate perception of the world.”
“After 9 months of invasive chemotherapy, immunotherapy, 13 bone marrow biopsies, and countless blood transfusions, I can declare that as of February, I have been cancer free for two years!
“[Teenage Cancer Trust’s] support during and after my treatment has meant that I had a community.
“That is why I am here tonight, to ask you to donate so they can continue their life changing and virtuous work for other young people like myself, who are just starting their journey.”
This year’s series runs 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.
To mark the 25th anniversary of Teenage Cancer Trust at the Royal Albert Hall, the British artist and Gorillaz co-creator, Jamie Hewlett – a long-time supporter of Teenage Cancer Trust – has re-designed his iconic Teenage Cancer Trust logo for 2025. Inspired by Teenage Cancer Trust’s theme ‘TEEN SPIRIT’, Hewlett’s original design for the Teenage Cancer Trust live shows has been reimagined as a brand new, full colour artwork which celebrates the many young people who are supported by the important work of Teenage Cancer Trust, as well as the joyful energy of youth and music.
As ever, the Ultimate Backstage Experience will be run all this week for young people from across the country, who are being supported by Teenage Cancer Trust. Every day, these groups visit the Royal Albert Hall to enjoy an unforgettable experience. From the moment they arrive, they enjoy access and opportunities that money can’t buy, before taking their place in some of the best seats in the house to watch the shows in style.
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
Tickets:
For line-up and ticketing information please visit:
