Shirley Manson has been named curator of Teenage Cancer Trust’s 2027 Royal Albert Hall shows
Garbage frontwoman takes over curatorial reins from Robert Smith for March series.
The Teenage Cancer Trust have revealed that Garbage's Shirley Manson will serve as guest curator for their annual Royal Albert Hall concert series next year, with the week of shows scheduled for 15th-21st March 2027.
Manson becomes only the second guest curator of the long-running fundraising event, which Sir Roger Daltrey founded and oversaw from 2000 through to 2025. Robert Smith took on curatorial duties for 2026, assembling a lineup that included Wolf Alice, Elbow, Manic Street Preachers, My Bloody Valentine, Mogwai and Garbage, alongside a Night Of Comedy.
That series has so far raised £1.4 million for the charity, which provides specialist nursing care and support for young people with cancer. A video of Garbage performing The Cure's 'Lovesong' during their 2026 set has been released alongside the announcement.
Speaking about taking on the role, Manson said: "To follow in the footsteps of the great Sir Roger Daltrey and most beloved Robert Smith by being invited to curate next year's run of shows is one of the greatest honours that has ever been bestowed upon me. I consider it an immense privilege to continue helping raise funds and awareness for our all too often forgotten teenagers in the UK who are living with cancer and the struggle that this entails. I hope to curate a fine week of entertainment, calling upon some of my favourite artists to join the cause. I am so looking forward to seeing it all come together at the Royal Albert Hall next year and I hope to see you there."
Smith offered his endorsement, stating: "Having played a few Teenage Cancer Trust at the Royal Albert Hall shows with The Cure, it was a real honour to curate the series in 2026, bringing together so many of my favourite artists to perform for such a great cause. The response and support from the audience, in the hall itself and all around the world, was really incredible. Garbage were one of the highlights of a stellar week, and I am very sure Shirley, with her great energy, commitment and values, will do a fantastic job in 2027."
Daltrey added: "To have a female musician with a great reputation for quality work is something that's been at the top of my wishlist going forward. I will always be there for her if she needs any help with anything."
Since its inception in 2000, the Teenage Cancer Trust concert series at the Royal Albert Hall has generated over £36 million in funds.
Manson becomes only the second guest curator of the long-running fundraising event, which Sir Roger Daltrey founded and oversaw from 2000 through to 2025. Robert Smith took on curatorial duties for 2026, assembling a lineup that included Wolf Alice, Elbow, Manic Street Preachers, My Bloody Valentine, Mogwai and Garbage, alongside a Night Of Comedy.
That series has so far raised £1.4 million for the charity, which provides specialist nursing care and support for young people with cancer. A video of Garbage performing The Cure's 'Lovesong' during their 2026 set has been released alongside the announcement.
Speaking about taking on the role, Manson said: "To follow in the footsteps of the great Sir Roger Daltrey and most beloved Robert Smith by being invited to curate next year's run of shows is one of the greatest honours that has ever been bestowed upon me. I consider it an immense privilege to continue helping raise funds and awareness for our all too often forgotten teenagers in the UK who are living with cancer and the struggle that this entails. I hope to curate a fine week of entertainment, calling upon some of my favourite artists to join the cause. I am so looking forward to seeing it all come together at the Royal Albert Hall next year and I hope to see you there."
Smith offered his endorsement, stating: "Having played a few Teenage Cancer Trust at the Royal Albert Hall shows with The Cure, it was a real honour to curate the series in 2026, bringing together so many of my favourite artists to perform for such a great cause. The response and support from the audience, in the hall itself and all around the world, was really incredible. Garbage were one of the highlights of a stellar week, and I am very sure Shirley, with her great energy, commitment and values, will do a fantastic job in 2027."
Daltrey added: "To have a female musician with a great reputation for quality work is something that's been at the top of my wishlist going forward. I will always be there for her if she needs any help with anything."
Since its inception in 2000, the Teenage Cancer Trust concert series at the Royal Albert Hall has generated over £36 million in funds.
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