Noel Gallagher honoured with Teenage Cancer Trust Award

Noel Gallagher has been honoured with a Teenage Cancer Trust Award for his work as an ambassador for the charity.

Gallagher, 49, picked up the accolade as the charity celebrated playing 100 shows at London’s Royal Albert Hall.

The awards were handed out to “every artist who has given up their time over the last 17 years to headline for free for Teenage Cancer Trust at the Royal Albert Hall, raising many millions for young people with cancer”.

The former Oasis rocker praised the work of The Who's Roger Daltrey, who books the acts, and said performing at the charity event was a “magical feeling”.

Speaking backstage he said: “I don't think anyone at the time would have thought it would have become such a part of the musical calendar. It's a great thing Roger has done.

“It doesn't take much convincing to get me here, I love the kids and the charity and all that but I never tire of playing the Albert Hall.

“There's something only musicians will experience walking out on that stage, it's quite a magical feeling. I've never done a bad show here.”

Gallagher said he hopes Ed Sheeran’s backing will encourage younger artists to get on board with the gigs.

“All the artists who have performed throughout the years you can’t thank them enough.

“It does get a bit frustrating for Roger getting the young ones involved but hopefully Ed Sheeran will be able to turn the tide. He’s now a supporter of it. Long may it continue.”

Daltrey spoke recently to the Standard about having to “beg” his friends to take part.

Daltrey – who managed to secure Sheeran, Paul Weller, Pet Shop Boys and Olly Murs for this year’s event – said: “You get down on your knees and you beg. You make an awful lot of phone calls. Fortunately, someone always comes through for us. It’s fantastic.

“The big ones are sometimes the easiest and the most committed. People like Paul Weller and Noel Gallagher have been committed from day one.”

He continued: “Robert Smith of the Cure has been amazing. One year they did two shows then four years later they’re back doing another two shows… incredible support. I just call them and say, ‘We need you’.”