Gallagher, Rogers, Weller and more for 20th TCT shows
Teenage Cancer Trust has announced four of the acts set to play its annual fundraising concerts at the Royal Albert Hall in London this 23–29 March.
Headlining the 20th edition of the charity shows are electronic duo Groove Armada, Welsh rockers Stereophonics (with special guest Paul Weller), Noel Gallagher's High-Flying Birds and funk pioneers Nile Rodgers and Chic, on 25, 26, 27 and 29 March, respectively, with more acts still to be announced.
The Who frontman Roger Daltrey CBE, a longtime Teenage Cancer Trust patron, says: "Once again, we've got some incredible artists on the bill for 2020, and I can't thank them enough for giving up their time for Teenage Cancer Trust. Since the first gig back in 2000, audiences have raised millions to fund Teenage Cancer Trust nurses, support teams and special hospital wards that have helped young people cope with some unimaginably hard times. Without Teenage Cancer Trust these specialist services would simply not be there.
"I've seen firsthand the difference this support makes to so many young people with cancer over the years, and I'm beyond proud to be a part of the Teenage Cancer Trust team. Everyone who's helped us achieve this is a hero in my book, and I'd like to thank everyone who has got us this far.
"Teenage Cancer Trust started out 30 years ago to change everything for young people with cancer. And that's exactly what we've done. But we want a world where cancer doesn't stop young people from living their lives-there's so much more we need to do.
"This age group deserves these facilities and programmes in our NHS, but without your support for this charity they would not exist. By buying a ticket to these shows you will be helping this great cause do exactly that."
"We're incredibly grateful for the amazing support from the artists getting involved in our 2020 gigs"
Before Teenage Cancer Trust (TCT) was established in 1990, there was no specialist cancer care for teenagers and young adults. Those aged 13-24 were being treated on adult wards, or in children's wards, and this could cause additional stress and trauma, according to TCT. Many felt alone and isolated, as it was likely they'd never meet another person their age with cancer.
Today, around half of all young people with cancer are treated on 28 TCT wards across the UK, by specialist nurses and youth support teams. Almost every young person with cancer can get support from specialist TCT nurses wherever they live.
"The leap forward in care that Teenage Cancer Trust has been able to provide to young people facing cancer over the past 30 years has only been possible thanks to our generous supporters, including our Royal Albert Hall artists and audiences," explains Kate Collins, CEO of Teenage Cancer Trust. "But much more needs to change, and we can't wait another 30 years for that to happen.
"That's we're incredibly grateful for the amazing support from the artists getting involved in our 2020 gigs. It's going to be an unforgettable experience and will help us support every young person with cancer who needs us."
Around 100 young people who've been supported by Teenage Cancer Trust will enjoy the 'ultimate backstage experience' during the 2020 shows, which includes meet and greets with the acts, as well as the chance to write and perform their own song and appear on stage alongside Daltrey to share their TCT experiences.
Tickets go on sale this Friday (24 January) at 9.30am via Ticketmaster, Gigs and Tours and the Royal Albert Hall website.