GARBAGE and PLACEBO deliver alt rock classics for Teenage Cancer Trust at the Royal Albert Hall

 

Saturday 28th March 2026: Garbage and Placebo put in astounding performances for the legendary Teenage Cancer Trust at the Royal Albert Hall series - at the invitation of guest curator Robert Smith.




From March 23-29, other headliners selected by The Cure legend include elbow, Mogwai, Manic Street Preachers, my bloody valentine and Wolf Alice, as well as a night of Robert Smith’s Comedy Favourites.




Last One Laughing star Maisie Adam was at the show on Saturday, as was Yungblud, a photo of whom features in Teenage Cancer Trust’s Good Energy exhibition.




Legends of alternative rock Garbage - Shirley Manson, Duke Erikson, Steve Marker and Butch Vig - stormed the stage, bursting out with ‘There’s No Future In Optimism’ and ‘Hold’, as well as an explosive ‘Fix Me Now’.




Manson said: “I want to thank Teenage Cancer Trust for the incredible work they do for the teenagers of this country, the future of this country, and the greatest musical community in this country. So, first of all, thanks to Teenage Cancer Trust. Thank you to each and every one of you who has supported this whole week of concerts.
I mean, it's been a dirty job, but someone has to do it, right? We are so thrilled and honoured to be part of this incredible week of curation by the great Robert Smith.”




Manson covered every inch of the stage, catching every eye in the jumping audience during the likes of ‘I Think I’m Paranoid’ and ‘The Men Who Rule The World’.




Before a cover of The Cure’s ‘Lovesong’, Manson said: “Alright, we’re gonna play you a song we’ve never played live before. We thought we’d give our tribute to The Cure tonight - who we're obsessed with. Without Robert Smith we would not be here tonight, for a million reasons. We have been so moved by The Cure’s music... And so we worked this song up as a tribute to them.”




‘Cherry Lips (Go Baby Go!)’ was a riot of punk guitars, while ‘The Day That I Met God’ brought the main set to an epic close, before the pure rock classics of ‘Stupid Girl’ and ‘I’m Only Happy When It Rains’.

The singer was also full of praise for Placebo, who put in an astounding set earlier in the evening. She said: “We are incredibly grateful to the magical, wonderful, incredibly unique Placebo for sharing the stage with us tonight. They could have been headlining themselves but they have chosen to come and work with us, work with the charity towards the great good. My respect, our respect, for them is endless. We've known them since the ‘90s.
We all grew up together. So it feels particularly special for us to be sharing the stage with them tonight. And what an incredible performance you got tonight. That was something very magical. It doesn't come along very often, so a big shout-out and love to Placebo.”

Placebo brought a “stripped back” set which saw a 6-piece band reimagine their acclaimed back catalogue. Singer Brian Molko told the crowd: “We haven’t played a gig in two years” and admitted to feeling a flutter of nerves. But they launched into an electrifying set that began with their cover of Sinead O’Connor’s ‘Jackie’ before hits including ‘Special Needs’, ‘Pure Morning’ and ‘Taste In Men’.




‘Slave To The Wage’ and ‘Special K’ were sublime, with a new expansive sound, the audience entranced. “Would you like us to continue?” And a huge cheer preceded ‘Meds’.




Molko shared his gratitude on behalf of the band, saying: “Thank you for coming to support Teenage Cancer Trust. It really is just breathtaking work that they do, so can we give Teenage Cancer Trust a big round of applause!”




He also thanked promoter SJM and “of course, the legendary Robert Smith and for inviting us here tonight”.




The set ended with a heartbreaking, and rarely performed, ‘Centrefolds’ and a standing ovation from the crowd.

The night was compered by Absolute Radio’s Danielle Perry, who said: “Tonight has been such a wonderful example of how music, community and charity can come together to make such a difference. Teenage Cancer Trust continues to do such incredible work and it’s been a complete honour to compere tonight alongside Garbage and Placebo at the Royal Albert Hall. The invitation from Robert Smith to join tonight was a privilege and I tilt my hat to him for curating such a brilliant week of shows.”




Celebrated accordionist Nihad Hrustanbegovic is playing at the venue each night as audiences arrive at Teenage Cancer Trust at the Royal Albert Hall.

Cancer kills more teenagers and young adults in the UK than any other disease, yet cancer care wasn’t made for young people. Teenage Cancer Trust is the only UK charity dedicated to providing specialised nursing care and support for young people with cancer, funding specialist nurses, youth workers and 28 hospital units within the NHS.


Its Royal Albert Hall fundraising concert series was launched and curated by Teenage Cancer Trust Honorary Patron Sir Roger Daltrey, who was knighted for services to charity and music earlier this year, from 2000 to 2025.

Player Plus

Catch up with Garbage’s set, live on Player Plus for 24 hours after the show

URL: www.WatchTeenageCancerTrust.com

Platform: Player Plus (stage.playerplus.com)

Player Plus is a premium TV streaming platform bringing live events straight to audiences around the world, working with world-renowned bands including Duran Duran, Jamie Cullum, KALEO, and many more. Delighted to support Teenage Cancer Trust as the platform of choice as they bring select shows from a week of programming to audiences at home around the world.

Pricing: £15.99 / USD $19.99. All profits go to Teenage Cancer Trust.

PHOTO CREDIT: John Stead