Robert Smith named Fan Champion for defending concert audiences

The Cure's Robert Smith will receive the Fan Champion award at the 2026 Artist & Manager Awards. Organisers Featured Artists Coalition and Music Managers Forum announced him on October 23, ahead of the November 18 ceremony at London's Bloomsbury Big Top. The announcement names a future recipient; the presentation has not yet taken place.

The recognition concerns Smith's advocacy for clearer, fairer concert ticketing. Organisers point to his support for the FanFair Alliance and his opposition to ticket touting. It honours his public role within the music business rather than judging a new song or a forthcoming Cure album.

Jordan Rakei was also named for The Artists’ Voice Award, recognising openness about sustaining a music career. Quietus Management will receive the Entrepreneur Award following its employee-ownership transition. Connor Hunnisett, Emily Braham, Owain Davies and Phoebe Abu-Gold make up the Manager of the Year shortlist; that category's winner remains unannounced.