Night 6
A special Erased Tapes event:
Penguin Cafe
Daniel Brandt
Douglas Dare
Hatis Noit
A rapt audience enjoyed “a night of music like the Royal Albert Hall has never seen before” as Erased Tapes took over for the night in support of Teenage Cancer Trust.
It was a bill of experimental – and truly inspiring – music featuring Penguin Cafe, Douglas Dare, Daniel Brandt and Hatis Noit.
Jamie Johnson, head of music and entertainment at Teenage Cancer Trust, said: “This was a night of music like the Royal Albert Hall has never seen before – from otherworldly vocal soundscapes to rich beats to a joyous orchestral celebration. This venue has heard so much but there is always more music to explore and we’re delighted to be pushing the boundaries in this year’s concerts.
“Each year it is inspiring to see Teenage Cancer Trust receiving support from every corner of the music world – and that support is vital. I see firsthand the impact this charity has on the lives of young people, and the Royal Albert Hall shows are the foundation for everything we do. Its success is only possible thanks to the support of artists, managers, agents, promoters, crew, and our generous audiences.”
This year’s Teenage Cancer Trust at the Royal Albert Hall series runs from March 24-30, including The Who; The Corrs; James Arthur; a night of comedy hosted by Micky Flanagan;and Frank Carter and Paul Cook, Steve Jones, Glen Matlock of the Sex Pistols.
Saturday opened with a striking figure in red taking to the famous stage, weaving a tapestry of sound, both alien and all too human. Hatis Noit uses her voice to build loops that create the sounds of words and the natural world, rather than singing in any specific language. It is operatic and evocative, wrapped in a thunder that echoes around the famous hall. To end her set she stepped away from the microphone and projected out into the hall, drawing an ovation from the crowd.
Next up was London-based German composer, drummer and filmmaker Daniel Brandt, who treated music fans to an exclusive preview of his brand new multimedia spectacle Without Us, which will premiere in full at the Barbican Hall on April 24.
It is immersive stuff, Brandt pausing only to greet the crowd: “This is actually the first time we’re doing this new project – we only booked it two weeks ago. We’ll keep playing. Thanks for the invite. Enjoy.”
The pummelling soundtrack came from Brandt and another drummer, punctured by the roar of trombone, synths and bass. At times the atmosphere is industrial but the live rhythm section means the music and visuals remain organic.
Douglas Dare was back behind the piano after a recent sojourn into dance music. It is virtuoso playing and songwriting, the Royal Albert Hall silent but for his pure voice and fingers on the keys.
He said: “This next song is called ‘Heavenly Bodies’ and I would like to dedicate it to Teenage Cancer Trust. Thank you so much for inviting us all here tonight. This song is for them.”
The song is a sorrowful nursery rhyme that wanders far beyond the confines of a bedtime tune.
“I would like to play a song that I haven’t played for anyone yet apart from my boyfriend. He’s the only one that’s heard it. It’s called ‘Nightclub’.”
The title may hint at the disco but it is rather a beautiful piano ballad. Douglas took a moment to take in the surroundings, say ‘hi’ to his mum and get the audience to produce notes to sample and drone behind stunning closing song ‘Red Arrows’.
A nine-piece Penguin Cafe kicked straight into their headline set with the unmistakable ‘Perpetuum Mobile’, a couple of penguin masks on show.
The band is led by Arthur Jeffes and is a continuation and development of the work of his father Simon’s Penguin Cafe Orchestra for 25 years from 1972. The music is uplifting and accessible, and the audience was hooked with infectious melodies like ‘Telephone and Rubber Band’ and the bluesy bluegrass of ‘Dirt’.
There is no act quite like Penguin Cafe. Who, for example, would tell a story about how Greek mathematician Pythagoras hated beans to explain their instrumental track ‘Bean Fields’?’
Arthur took a moment to thank Erased Tapes for its support and for rereleasing Penguin Cafe’s debut record, A Matter of Life… before playing album track ‘Landau’.
Each piece has a story: “The next is also from two albums ago when we were into writing about penguins, and we began writing about individual penguins, and there was one in particular that we decided sounded like the theme tune to a 1970s TV detective show and it’s called ‘Chapter’.”
Next up was Penguin Cafe’s take on Simeon Mobile Disco’s ‘Wheels Within Wheels’ and then the imposing weight of ‘Rescue’.
With irresistible songs like ‘Music For a Found Harmonium’ in their arsenal, there wasn’t a soul in the building who wasn’t fully in the Penguin Cafe world come the end of the night.
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.”
As ever, the Ultimate Backstage Experience has been running 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.
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:
