The Royal Albert Hall bore witness to a historic milestone last night as the Manic Street Preachers took the stage for the 150th concert in the legendary Teenage Cancer Trust series. At the personal invitation of this year’s guest curator—or "Cureator"—Robert Smith, the Welsh icons delivered a barnstorming set that celebrated both their enduring legacy and the vital cause at the heart of the week-long residency.
Opening with a blistering rendition of "Motorcycle Emptiness," the band moved through a career-spanning setlist that delighted a capacity crowd. Highlights included fan favorites "Roses In The Hospital" and "You Stole The Sun From My Heart," alongside a melancholic performance of "This Is Yesterday" from their seminal album The Holy Bible. In a nod to their curator, the band performed a soaring cover of The Cure’s "Close To Me," sparking a massive audience singalong. The evening concluded with an emotive finale of their Number 1 hit, "If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next."
The night also marked a massive fundraising achievement. Jules Worrall, Interim Chief Executive of Teenage Cancer Trust, revealed that the concert series has raised an incredible £36 million to date. "The impact of these shows has been enormous," Worrall stated. "This 150th show is a milestone that allows us to provide specialist nursing care and age-appropriate environments for thousands of young people who too often fall through the cracks of the healthcare system."
Robert Smith, who began the week by expressing his determination to make the series "unforgettable," watched as fellow Welsh rockers The Joy Formidable opened the night with a powerful set featuring "Whirring." The concert was live-streamed via Player Plus, with all proceeds supporting the charity's mission to ensure no young person faces cancer alone.
As the series continues with upcoming performances from Garbage and Wolf Alice, the 150th show stands as a testament to the power of the "mosh pit" as a sanctuary of community—a theme currently explored in the charity's ‘Good Energy’ art exhibition at the venue.
Photo credit: John Stead
