Wolf Alice closed out the 2026 Teenage Cancer Trust concert series at London’s Royal Albert Hall with an emotional set featuring unreleased songs, live debuts and rarities. The shows, curated this year by The Cure’s Robert Smith, raised funds to support young people diagnosed with cancer.
The night began with a support set from Nilüfer Yanya, followed by an appearance from young people helped by the charity. Verity Barker, 26, who was diagnosed with a rare incurable cancer at 17, celebrated her golden birthday as the crowd sang ‘Happy Birthday’.
Wolf Alice opened with ‘Heavenward’, performed for the first time since 2020, and later debuted two new songs: ‘Hit The Sky’ and ‘Gospel Oak’. Frontwoman Ellie Rowsell joined in on flute and tin whistle for traditional Irish tunes, reflecting her musical upbringing.
Drummer Joel Amey performed ‘Swallowtail’ live for the first time since 2016, while Rowsell delivered a stripped-back version of ‘The Last Man On Earth’ accompanied by the Royal Albert Hall’s Grand Organ. During ‘The Sofa’, she performed a verse from the stalls.
Bassist Theo Ellis told the crowd, “It must be this gaff. It’s very nice,” as he fought back tears. The band closed with ‘Don’t Delete The Kisses’ under a giant disco ball, with the audience singing along.
The Teenage Cancer Trust series raised a record £2.05 million last year. Donations can be made via text ‘RAH10’ to 70085 to give £10.
