NEWS
The renowned Teenage Cancer Trust concert series hit a powerful high point on Wednesday evening when Scottish post rock favourites Mogwai performed a set that covered key moments from across their career at the Royal Albert Hall. The night highlighted not only outstanding music but also the charity’s lasting impact, and included a special appearance on stage from two major figures in British music, founder Sir Roger Daltrey and this year’s curator Robert Smith.
The Cure singer is the first artist to take part in a new guest curator tradition, following Daltrey’s long run in the role. Earlier this year, Daltrey received a knighthood in recognition of his 26 years of dedication to the organisation. During a backstage moment, he handed Smith an award in recognition of his "absolutely fantastic" efforts in putting together the 2026 bill, which features Elbow, Manic Street Preachers, and My Bloody Valentine. "Bands give up an awful lot to do this," Daltrey said. "We’re so grateful."
Mogwai matched the importance of the venue with a memorable show, beginning with the gentle ‘Yes! I Am A Long Way From Home’ before building into what audience members called a "bass roar" unlike anything previously experienced in the Hall. Singer Stuart Braithwaite paused to show appreciation to the curator, saying, “We want to dedicate this song to Robert (Smith) for inviting us to play. Thanks so much,” before moving into a powerful performance of ‘Killing All The Flies.’
The group also made time to connect with young individuals helped by the charity. “It was really special, so we’ll dedicate this to them,” Braithwaite shared with the audience. The night closed with an encore performance of the expansive 16 minute track ‘Mogwai Fear Satan,’ sending the crowd home on a memorable note.
Fans who could not be there in person can still experience parts of the event online. Sets from Elbow and the Manic Street Preachers, which also marked the 150th concert in the series, are available through Player+, with proceeds going toward specialist nursing support for young people facing cancer.
As Robert Smith later said: “The money you help raise tonight will mean that Teenage Cancer Trust can be there for young people right from that first devastating moment of diagnosis.”
Sharleen Spiteri joined BBC Radio 2’s The Sara Cox Breakfast Show ahead of Texas taking the stage to launch the main live music programme at Radio 2 in the Park in Stirling.
Checking in from rehearsals, the Texas frontwoman spoke about getting ready for the band’s opening performance at City Park. Radio 2’s annual flagship festival takes place there from 11 to 13 September 2026. "I’m match fit because I’ve had a couple of days’ rehearsals," Spiteri said. "We’re kicking the whole weekend off, which we’re very much looking forward to, so everybody’s got to get ready to party."
Before the live acts take over, Friday’s DJ Pre-Party gets the weekend started with Radio 2 favourites Sara Cox, DJ Spoony, Gary Davies, Michelle Visage, and Rylan behind the decks.
Jo Whiley helped set the mood with a special programme from Stirling’s Tolbooth venue. Working with BBC Introducing Scotland, the broadcast put the spotlight on Scotland’s emerging music scene through performances and conversations with Fright Years, Alice Faye, and James Emmanuel.
Fright Years, a four member band from Edinburgh, played "Never Been Wrong" and offered their take on Simple Minds’ "Waterfront." Glasgow singer and songwriter Alice Faye, the BBC Introducing in Scotland 2026 winner, paired "Some Brief Encounter" with a rendition of Lulu’s arrangement of "I Started a Joke." James Emmanuel, who was born in Nigeria and now lives in Edinburgh, sang "Brothers & Sisters" before taking on Chaka Khan’s "I’m Every Woman."
"We’re all about celebrating BBC Introducing and all the music that’s come out of Scotland," Whiley told listeners. "It's about celebrating the local music scene and the incredibly important work that BBC Introducing does to support independent, up-and-coming artists."
Joining the conversation were Stephanie Cheape, presenter of BBC Introducing in Scotland, Tara McLoughlin, venue manager for Stirling Council, and student radio presenters representing the University of Stirling’s Air3 Radio.
Listeners can catch the complete interviews and live performances from the weekend’s programmes on BBC Sounds.
