An all-star line-up has been announced for Stand By Me: A Celebration of Life in Music – a special concert honouring legendary broadcaster Bob Harris OBE which will be taking place at London’s Royal Albert Hall on Wednesday, December 2nd 2026. The one-night-only event will honour one of British broadcasting’s most influential figures and a great friend to the americana community, bringing together artists whose careers and lives have been shaped by Bob’s lifelong passion for music which includes Roger Daltrey, Paul Weller, Kezia Gill, Robert Plant, Carly Pearce, Rick Wakeman, Chris Difford, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Judie Tzuke, Kate Rusby, Saving Grace, The Shires and Toby Lee.
One of the performers Kezia Gill, whose music Bob championed on BBC Radio 2 introducing her to audiences across the UK, commented: “To be invited to perform at the Royal Albert Hall as part of this incredible celebration of Bob Harris is a huge honour. Bob has been such an incredible supporter of my music over the years, and like so many artists, I owe him a great deal. To share the stage with these legendary musicians at one of the world’s most iconic venues is going to be something I’ll never forget.”
The longstanding BBC DJ confirmed his exit from the station after 30 years in June, in order to focus on his ongoing battle with cancer. In a press release for the event, Harris said: “I’ve been blessed and honoured to have been there with all these artists right at the beginning of their careers, so we all have long working relationships and deep friendships.”
He added, “I truly love the Royal Albert Hall too. I first began attending concerts there in 1968, and it is, to me, the most beautiful and prestigious venue in Britain. So I feel so honoured to have these wonderful artists with me onstage at my favourite venue. Bringing this music together for ‘Stand By Me’ is the realisation of a dream.”
Tickets are available from the Royal Albert Hall’s website from 10am on Friday 7th August here.
