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.”
KATSEYE have officially begun a fresh chapter with the announcement of their forthcoming single, Pinky Up.
The K-pop girl group sparked curiosity online after sharing a string of mysterious posts that quickly had fans trying to piece together the clues.
The first teaser, posted on March 30, featured the Mona Lisa gently raising a hot cup of tea with her pinky finger lifted. The next video, uploaded the next day, showed an arcade claw machine labeled with the group’s name pulling a sword from a mix of sparkling plush toys and a single teacup. Making things even more intriguing, the caption stated: “We’re screaming from cloud nine!!”
Their third update finally revealed the song title along with its cover art. The image showed a figure kneeling on a rug next to a teacup and a toy cat, while the title appeared in bright hot pink text across the visual. The group also confirmed the release date as April 9.
Pinky Up will arrive just one day before KATSEYE appear at Coachella on April 10, which will mark their first time performing at the famous festival.
The single also marks their first comeback since HYBE and Geffen confirmed that member Manon Bannerman would be stepping away for a period of time to prioritize her “health and well being.”
In a message posted on Weverse, they shared: "Hello. After open and thoughtful conversations together, we are sharing that Manon will be taking a temporary hiatus from group activities to focus on her health and wellbeing."
The group expressed that they “fully support this decision,” and added: “KATSEYE remains committed to showing up for one another and for the fans who mean everything to us. We look forward to being together again when the time is right.”
While she is away, the group will continue promotions with Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel, Sophia Laforteza and Yoonchae Jeung.
They closed their message by saying: “Thank you to our EYEKONS for your continued love, patience, and understanding.”
