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.”
The estate of Prince has shared a previously unheard recording of “With This Tear,” a track the late icon originally wrote before passing it on to Celine Dion in the early 1990s.
The newly revealed version, released through NPG Records and Legacy Recordings, presents Prince’s own recording of the piano driven ballad, fully written, produced and performed by him. It was initially recorded at Paisley Park in November 1991 and had stayed in the vault until now.
Dion’s interpretation of “With This Tear” was included on her 1992 self titled album, highlighting one of many moments where Prince created songs for other artists while holding back his own versions. His original recording feels more minimal, putting the focus on his vocals and piano arrangement.
The newly issued version has been given an updated mix by Grammy nominated producer Chris James, who has worked on several Prince related releases before. This drop is part of the Prince Estate’s ongoing effort to open up more of his deep archive of unreleased music.
The release arrives at a meaningful moment, just ahead of the 10th anniversary of Prince’s passing. Since 2016, a consistent flow of archival material including deluxe reissues, vault recordings and rare collaborations has kept his legacy active in today’s music landscape while offering a closer look at how much he created.
“With This Tear” also highlights Prince’s long established role as a songwriter for others. Across his career, he wrote and produced tracks for a wide range of artists, often shaping songs that evolved into entirely new identities outside his own discography.
The release comes amid growing attention around Prince’s archive in recent years. In 2024, a demo of “Baby Doll,” an unreleased collaboration between Prince and Kylie Minogue, surfaced online and showed just how much material still remains unheard.
While there has been no official confirmation of a larger vault project, reports continue to suggest that more archival releases could be on the way.
