By Emeli Meagher
Photo Credit: John Stead
On the 26th of March, James Arthur took the stage at the Royal Albert Hall for a breathtaking performance in support of Teenage Cancer Trust.
Reflecting on his journey, struggles, and the importance of mental health awareness, he reinforced a message that echoed throughout the evening: ‘To be vulnerable is to be courageous.’
VENUS GRRRLS took their rightful place on the iconic stage, with their style a fierce fusion of goth-grunge and raw emotion. Their sound carried the grit of Paramore with the brooding edge of Siouxsie and the Banshees, while adding their own witch-like allure—dark, magnetic, and untamed.
Lead singer, GK, stood on the stage not just as a performer, but as a survivor, having battled a form of bone marrow leukaemia, and receiving treatment through Teenage Cancer Trust. Her presence alone was a testament to resilience, but her voice, soaring and unshaken, made it impossible to look away. From biting social commentary to love songs that felt like incantations, VENUS GRRRLS delivered a set that was both urgent and hypnotic, each track pulsing with untamed energy.
‘The best thing to do with a creepy man is to hex him,‘ GK told the audience, sharp and assured, but the real magic lay in their music—songs that didn’t just ‘play’, but lingered, resonating long after the final note. Flanked by the formidable talents of Eliza Lee (Lead Guitar), Hannah Barraclough (Bass), Grace Stubbings (Synth), and Gabby Cooke (Drums), this coven is one to watch.
Beyond the music, the night carried a deeper significance. To date, these concerts have raised over £30 million for teenage cancer patients, funding vital specialist care. Teenage Cancer Trust, the driving force behind this series, brought young patients from the North East and Wales to experience the show firsthand—a powerful reminder of the charity’s impact. By creating unforgettable moments of comfort and connection for those facing immense challenges, these events go beyond symbolism, serving as a testament to their tangible impact—not just through fundraising, but through real life-changing support.
With an intensity that gripped the room, James Arthur launched straight into his set, drawing the audience into his world without hesitation. Throughout the night, Arthur reflected on his 15-year journey—from an aspiring artist on X Factor, to a performer standing in one of the world’s most prestigious venues.
‘Never could I have imagined having such incredible support from all of you,’ he admitted, visibly moved. ‘It’s because of you all that I stand here today.’ His connection with the audience was undeniable. He led them in chants, revisited old performances with a sense of nostalgia, and jokingly declared this crowd ‘better than the last time’ he played at the Royal Albert Hall.
During hit-track, Naked, he turned the entire venue into his backing choir, their voices uniting in a moment of pure energy. One of the standout moments of the night came with Empty Space, a track that unravels the devastation of loss, its final reveal delivering an even sharper sting. The crowd hung onto every lyric, making it one of the evening’s most powerful performances.
Then followed the rock rendition of You’re Nobody ‘Til Somebody Loves You, where Arthur’s guitar solo sent a jolt of energy through the venue, his passion mirrored by the crowd’s response.
Arthur took a poignant moment during the night to speak candidly about mental health, introducing Train Wreck, a song written at one of his lowest points. ‘To be vulnerable is to be courageous,’ he told the crowd—a sentiment that resonated throughout the performance. He shared his hopes that the song could offer comfort and relatability to those facing similar struggles, reflecting on his own battles with isolation and the silent weight of mental health challenges.
Later, in one of the evening’s most emotional moments, he dedicated Cars Outside to a late friend he lost to cancer—a friend who had once been by his side, driving him from show to show on tour. The tribute was a quiet, but powerful, reminder of the cause at the heart of the night. As part of the Teenage Cancer Trust’s event, the loss served as another poignant call to action, urging the audience to support those still fighting. The energy in the room shifted as the weight of the moment settled over the crowd, reinforcing the night’s deeper themes of resilience, connection, and the strength it takes to confront both loss and healing.
With his next album dropping on the 26th of April, Arthur gave fans a glimpse of what’s to come, hinting at a darker, more introspective sound. Yet, despite the heavier themes, the night felt more like a celebration—an escape before his new material takes center stage. His Pisces World Arena Tour kicks off in May, with a UK return set for early 2026, including two nights at London’s O2 Arena on the 6th and 7th of February, before finishing later that month.
As the final notes faded and the lights dimmed, Arthur left the stage having delivered a performance that was both deeply personal and universally resonant. With a night that highlighted the importance of teenage cancer trust donations, he proved once again why his music continues to connect with so many!
Unless otherwise stated, Photography & Text Copyright 2025 © Emeli Meagher/ADRENALINE Magazine.
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