Paul McCartney sends a video for Teenage Cancer Trust

The final night of the 2024 Teenager Cancer Trust concert series marked a poignant end to an era. After 24 years as its curator, The Who frontman Roger Daltrey was stepping down from the role. While he would continue as an Honorary Patron, this year’s event was his last at the helm of the beloved charity concerts.

To honour Daltrey’s immense contribution, music legends Paul McCartney and Nile Rodgers sent heartfelt video messages of thanks. Paul, who performed for the charity in 2012, praised Daltrey’s unwavering dedication to young cancer patients.

Paul here, your friend of a million years. Thank you for your 24 years of incredible service to Teenage Cancer. You’ve made so many kids happy and healthier and all of us connected with it. I want to thank you, so much. So what we say is… [sings] thank you Roger, thank you so, you’re a hero and you better know… [end singing] That’s one of the best songs I’ve ever written.

Paul McCartney

From bbc.com, January 8, 2024:

The Who’s Roger Daltrey has announced he will step down as curator of the annual Teenage Cancer Trust gigs, after this year’s set of concerts.

The shows have been running at the Royal Albert Hall since 2000, raising more than £32m from ticket sales.

Daltrey will kick off his final year by staging two orchestral sets with The Who. Noel Gallagher, Young Fathers and The Chemical Brothers will also play.

The series will end with a celebration of the series of shows.

Titled Ovation, the concert will feature Daltrey himself, accompanied by artists who helped establish the gigs as a fixture of the music calendar.

The line-up will include Robert Plant, Paul Weller, Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder, the Stereophonics’ Kelly Jones and Daltrey’s long-time musical foil, Pete Townshend.

From 2025, the concerts will be overseen by a series of guest curators. Daltrey will continue as a Teenage Cancer Trust Honorary Patron.

In a statement, the rock star said: “The £32m raised from these concerts has been the foundation for the 28 specialised units within the NHS, as well as specialist nurses and youth workers to be there for a young person when cancer has turned their world upside down.”

andy cason •

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