The lead singer of The Who, Roger Daltrey, has declared his decision to step aside as the organizer for the Teenage Cancer Trust concerts. Revealed through the BBC on January 8, this decision comes after Daltrey’s influential leadership for over 20 years, fostering the growth and impact of the annual charity events.
Since its inauguration at the Royal Albert Hall in 2000, the charitable concerts have been a beacon of hope, though they took hiatuses in 2020 and 2021 due to the global health crisis. Impressively, the initiative has amassed over £32 million from ticket sales, funneling crucial support to individuals battling cancer.
Daltrey will conclude his tenure as curator after this year’s concert series. The 2024 lineup, slated from March 18 to March 24, will commence with The Who’s performances on March 18 and 20, interspersed with a comedic evening. Noel Gallagher’s High-Flying Birds will grace the stage on March 21, joined by Blossoms. Furthermore, The Chemical Brothers and Young Fathers are set to captivate audiences on subsequent evenings.
Wrapping up the series, ‘Ovation’ promises an unforgettable evening with iconic figures like Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant, Paul Weller, Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder, and Stereophonics’ Kelly Jones. Notably, Pete Townshend, Daltrey’s longstanding band companion, will also showcase his talent. Mark your calendars: tickets release on January 12 at 9 a.m. GMT. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the official website.
Reflecting on his impactful journey, Daltrey remarked, “The cumulative £32 million from these concerts has birthed 28 specialized NHS units, ensuring dedicated support during the tumultuous cancer journey of young individuals.” Gallagher shared his sentiment, stating, “Having been part of the inaugural event in 2000, this cause holds profound significance for me.”
Echoing the sentiment, Kate Collins, the CEO of the Teenage Cancer Trust, emphasized, “Roger’s indelible mark and these performances have been instrumental. They have been the cornerstone of our mission, offering indispensable support to countless young cancer patients across the UK.”
In 2023, the concert series showcased talents like Kasabian, Wet Leg, and Courteeners.