Mogwai's Stuart Braithwaite: 'An Honour to Get the Call from The Cure's Robert Smith'
Mogwai frontman Stuart Braithwaite has described it as a profound 'honour' to receive a personal invitation from The Cure's legendary Robert Smith to perform at this year's Teenage Cancer Trust concerts. The iconic Royal Albert Hall in London will host a week-long series of shows from March 23 to 29, 2026, curated by Smith himself to raise crucial funds for cancer care supporting young people.
A Stellar Line-Up for a Vital Cause
The 2026 Teenage Cancer Trust event features an eclectic and impressive roster of artists handpicked by Robert Smith. Scottish post-rock pioneers Mogwai will take the stage on March 25, joining fellow acts including:
- Wolf Alice
- My Bloody Valentine
- Elbow
- Manic Street Preachers
- Garbage
- A special comedy night with stars like Jack Dee and Stewart Lee
This marks Mogwai's second appearance at the historic venue since their debut in 2006, with Smith notably attending that initial performance. 'It's a big honour to be asked to do anything by Robert,' Stuart Braithwaite told Metro. 'He's someone whose music I've grown up with and really admire. It's great to support the charity – they do so much great work.'
Reflecting on Three Decades of Mogwai
The upcoming year also heralds the 30th anniversary of Mogwai's acclaimed debut album, Mogwai Young Team. Braithwaite expressed gratitude for the band's enduring legacy, noting how their perspective has evolved since their teenage beginnings. 'Back then, we were kids, teenagers, when we started the band,' he recalled. 'When you're that young, you think of life in terms of weeks and months, not years and decades.'
He added, 'Every time an anniversary comes around, it's like "wow, people still want to hear what we're doing."' Braithwaite acknowledged the shifting music landscape, contrasting the pre-internet era with today's digital challenges. 'It's harder for new bands to get heard above the noise because there's so much music and less magazines and radio shows,' he observed, highlighting the vital role grassroots venues play in nurturing emerging talent.
Supporting the Next Generation of Artists
Braithwaite emphasised the importance of small venues for developing bands, citing Mogwai's own roots in places like Glasgow's Barrowland. 'Even The Cure, I'm sure they weren't fully formed playing arenas,' he remarked. 'I'm sure they had to play bars for quite a bit before they got well known. That avenue is so important for the bands that eventually headline these types of shows.'
This sentiment resonates amid recent reports from the Music Venue Trust, which revealed that 30 grassroots music venues closed in 2025, resulting in 6,000 job losses. The Teenage Cancer Trust concerts not only raise funds for a critical cause but also spotlight the enduring value of live music spaces.
Tickets for all Teenage Cancer Trust 2026 shows, including Mogwai's performance on March 25, are now available for purchase through the Royal Albert Hall's official website.
