One day like this a year would see me right: Elbow began 2026’s program of Teenage Cancer Trust shows at the Royal Albert Hall with a glorious debut gig at the historical concert hall. Bringing together a selection of the band’s vibrant recent material with emotionally resonant classics like ‘Lippy Kids’ and ‘One Day Like This’, it was an unforgettable beginning to this year’s Teenage Cancer Trust shows as Guy Garvey’s booming vocals and touching songwriting graced the Rpyal Albert Hall for the first time. The first act in a star-studded lineup handpicked by ‘Cureator’ Robert Smith, the storied British alternative rock act kicked off a week of sold-out music and comedy at the legendary venue, all raising funds for Teenage Cancer Trust’s vital work supporting and caring for young people with cancer. Establishing the tone for the night was accordionist Nihad Hrustanbegovic, whose drifting notes were both eerie and beautiful, shifting from spectral melancholy to pointed intensity with ease. Next onstage was MRCY, the duo of producer Barney Lister and vocalist Kojo Degraft-Johnson, bringing warm, soulful beats to the concert hall’s growing audience. Announced as a supreme concoction of everything from Marvin Gaye to Fela Kuti, the band didn’t disappoint, with the six onstage musicians delivering a suave cocktail of jazzy, neo-soul and afrobeat-inspired tracks. The smooth ‘RLM’ was a standout, putting Kojo’s remarkable vocal talents at the forefront of the slick track. The talented Yazmin Macey was brought out for a live debut of their recent collaboration ‘Better Days’, a groove-laden bop built around the silky duet of Yazmin and Kojo’s vocals, and the darker final track ‘Sierra’ left the crowd wanting more as the Royal Albert Hall bathed in rich harmonies for an undeniably triumphant closing to MRCY’s set. A brief return from Hrustanbegovic and his accordion saw a striking rendition of ‘Friday I’m In Love’ before departing for a final time, the ode to his longtime friend Robert Smith complete.
