Garbage’s Shirley Manson to curate Teenage Cancer Trust gigs for 2027
She takes on the role from The Cure's Robert Smith, who helmed the first series of Royal Albert Hall shows since Roger Daltrey stepped down
Garbage‘s Shirley Manson will curate the annual series of Teenage Cancer Trust gigs at the Royal Albert Hall in 2027.
She follows The Cure’s Robert Smith, who oversaw the TCT shows in 2026, after The Who‘s Roger Daltrey stepped back as curator in 2025 following 24 years of helming the shows.
At this year’s gigs, Manson and Garbage performed a cover of The Cure’s ‘Lovesong’, which has now been shared online.
You can watch the video below. Teenage Cancer Trust will come to the Royal Albert Hall from March 15-21, 2027.
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.”
Of his role in curating the 2026 gigs, Smith added: “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.”
2026’s gigs included shows from Wolf Alice, My Bloody Valentine, Elbow and more.