Night 5
The Corrs
Dea Matrona
The Corrs thanked the Royal Albert Hall for a “pivotal” moment that sent their career soaring, as they performed in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust.
This year’s Teenage Cancer Trust at the Royal Albert Hall series runs from March 24-30, including The Who; 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.
The excitement of the packed venue was palpable as the sound of drums kicked in and the band appeared, arms aloft, for an impassioned ‘Only When I Sleep’, followed by the smouldering ‘Give Me A Reason’.
Andrea told the audience that the band had the Royal Albert Hall to thank for a stratospheric career.
“This place is very dear to our hearts. It was a completely pivotal moment in our career. We were a little bit younger than we are now. Our music was being put generally in the folk section in the archives of record stores. They didn’t really know where to put us, the combination of the traditional Irish and pop rock, the ‘prock’, if we’re going to go full ‘Spinal Tap’. That all changed because we capitalised on our Irishness…because it was St Patrick’s Day and it was broadcast on the BBC – that changed our trajectory. This place is where it happened so it’s really special to play here.
“The charity, Teenage Cancer Trust – it’s incredible what they do, supporting these teenagers that are even more vulnerable than teenagers are already. Let’s blow the roof off tonight.”
Caroline led off on violin for a haunting ‘Lough Erin Shore’, while the first massive hit of the night was the radio classic ‘What Can I Do’ – every bit as upbeat as it should be.
The crowd was on its feet and clapping along for ‘Joy of Life’, and then the showstopping ‘Ellis Island’, piano led and beautiful – a paean to America as a land of hope, as inspiring a tune as you will find.
‘Lagan Love’ and the upbeat pop classic ‘Radio’ followed. The crowd’s vocal chords were well and truly warmed up by the time the unbeatable run of their famous cover of Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Dreams’, ‘I Never Loved You Anyway’, ‘So Young’ and ‘Runaway’.
The encore featured ‘Breathless’, with the entire Royal Albert Hall audience on its feet and ready to jig for finale ‘Toss the Feathers’.
Special guests Dea Matrona, school friends Mollie McGinn and Orlaith Forsythe, spent their early years busking on the streets of Belfast and have earned their path to the Royal Albert Hall. Armed with perfect harmonies and outstanding tunes, a highlight came as the other members of the band took a step back (“Let the lads take a break”) leaving Mollie and Orlaith on acoustic guitars for a gorgeous ‘Glory Glory’ (“I heard the angel calling me. And my heart, it starts to bleed. Glory glory we are free”). The band returned for the rocking, pretentious epic finale, Red Button.
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:
