Pulp are an English rock band formed in Sheffield in 1978. Their best-known line-up from their heyday in the 1990s consisted of Jarvis Cocker (vocals, guitar, keyboards), Candida Doyle (keyboards), Russell Senior (guitar, violin), Mark Webber (guitar, keyboards), Steve Mackey (bass) and Nick Banks (drums). Throughout the 1980s, the band struggled to find success, but gained prominence in the UK in the mid-1990s with the release of the albums His ‘n’ Hers in 1994 and particularly Different Class in 1995, which reached number one in the UK Albums Chart. Different Class spawned four top ten singles, including “Common People” and “Disco 2000”, both of which reached number two in the UK Singles Chart.
Pulp’s musical style during this period consisted of disco influenced pop-rock coupled with “kitchen sink drama”-style lyrics revolving around British working-class culture, society and lives. Jarvis Cocker’s lyrics commonly explored themes of class and sexuality, while their music mixed rock with influences from electronic music, glam, and new wave music.
Have Pulp been touring recently?
Yes, Pulp have continued to reunite for various tours and festival appearances throughout the 2000s and 2010s, despite having been on hiatus as a band since 2002. Some key recent Pulp tour dates and appearances include:
- 2011 – Reunion tour throughout Europe and major summer festivals like Reading/Leeds, etc.
- 2012 – More reunion shows and festivals in Europe.
- 2013 – Headline set at Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in California.
- 2014 – Tour of Australia and select European festivals.
- 2015 – Brief reunion tour in the UK.
- 2016 – Headline performance at Primavera Sound festival.
- 2018 – Additional festivals and concerts in the UK.
So in summary, while Pulp have not maintained a permanent reunion or been actively recording new music, they have continued to regroup for sporadic tours and festival appearances over the last decade. Frontman Jarvis Cocker has also pursued various solo projects during this time, but has brought back Pulp to play for fans on occasion. Their long-running history and hit songs like “Common People” have kept demand alive for Pulp’s occasional reunion shows in their native UK and beyond.
Are Pulp planning any tours or shows in 2023?
There are currently no Pulp tour dates or concerts scheduled for 2023. The band last performed a brief series of reunion shows in the UK back in 2018. Frontman Jarvis Cocker has been busy with other musical projects in recent years, making any future plans for Pulp unclear at this time.
Pulp’s members have not made any official announcements about reforming for shows, an album, or tour in 2023 as of yet. However, given their pattern of sporadic reunion gigs over the past decade, it’s certainly possible they may schedule something – but nothing is confirmed. Fans should follow the band members’ social media and official website for any 2023 tour announcements in the future.
Some key factors that could impact Pulp reconvening next year include:
- Jarvis Cocker releasing a new solo album or project
- The 30th anniversary of Pulp’s popular 1994 album His ‘n’ Hers
- Major UK/European festivals soliciting a reunion performance
- The band members’ interest and availability for more shows
Barring a surprise announcement, though, it seems unlikely Pulp will mount a major reunion tour in 2023. Smaller one-off gigs remain a possibility depending on circumstances. Fans may have to wait until at least 2024 or beyond to potentially see Pulp live again at this point.
What are Pulp’s most famous songs and albums?
Here are some of Pulp’s most popular and acclaimed songs and albums:
Hit Songs
- “Common People” – Their biggest hit, reached #2 UK charts in 1995.
- “Disco 2000” – Also charted at #2 in UK, their follow-up hit to “Common People”.
- “Babies” – Top 5 hit in the UK in 1994.
- “Help the Aged” – Top 10 hit in 1997.
- “This Is Hardcore” – Title track of their 1998 album, also a top 10 hit.
- “Do You Remember the First Time?” – Off 1994’s His ‘n’ Hers, peaked at #33 UK.
Classic Albums
- Different Class (1995) – Widely considered their masterpiece, 6x platinum in the UK. Contains both “Common People” and “Disco 2000”.
- His ‘n’ Hers (1994) – Broke them into the mainstream, first top 10 album. Included “Babies” and “Do You Remember the First Time?”
- This Is Hardcore (1998) – Dark follow-up to Different Class and another UK #1 album.
- Separations (1992) – Regarded as one of their best pre-fame albums.
Pulp effectively became stars in their native UK during the mid 90s thanks to albums like His ‘n’ Hers and Different Class along with hit singles like “Common People”. They are considered one of the leading Britpop acts of that era along with peers like Blur, Oasis and Suede. Frontman Jarvis Cocker is also acclaimed for his lyrical storytelling and colorful performance style.
What music genres are Pulp associated with?
Pulp are most closely associated with the following music genres and styles:
- Britpop – The media-hyped guitar pop movement in the UK during the 1990s. Pulp were one of the leading Britpop bands of the mid-90s along with acts like Oasis, Blur and Suede.
- Alternative rock – Their blend of rock instrumentation, pop melodies, electronics, and artier sensibilities can be classified under the broad umbrella of alt-rock.
- Indie pop/rock – Much of their material falls into a melodic, guitar-based indie pop/rock sound, albeit with an artier edge.
- Dance-rock – Some later Pulp material incorporates more dance and electronic elements, pushing them into dance-rock territory on certain tracks.
- New wave – Their post-punk influences link them to the new wave bands of the late 70s/early 80s.
Additionally, Pulp have dabbled across their career with styles like glam rock, disco, electronic music, Krautrock, Europop, lounge, and more. But at their core they are defined by their artsy, British alternative pop/rock sound developed over the course of the 80s and early 90s before finding mainstream fame in the Britpop era.
Why did Pulp become so popular in the mid 90s?
There are a few key reasons why Pulp rose to become icons of mid-90s British pop culture with albums like His ‘n’ Hers and Different Class:
- They had finely honed their sound and songcraft after years of obscurity, hitting their stride as songwriters and performers.
- Jarvis Cocker evolved into a uniquely charismatic and intriguing frontman and lyricist.
- Britpop and the Cool Britannia movement suddenly became very mainstream, allowing talent like Pulp to break through.
- Their working class outsider perspective connected with British audiences and the zeitgeist of the times.
- Excellent iconic hits like “Common People” and “Disco 2000” in 1995-96.
- Pulp’s live performances and media profile earned them a growing following.
- Quality consistent albums with fresh sounds that tapped into public consciousness.
After years of building their skills and persona, Pulp were perfectly positioned to ride the rising wave of Britpop and alternative music in the UK in the mid-90s. Their music merged classic songcraft with modern eclecticism, spearheaded by Jarvis Cocker’s witty lyrical observations of British life. This combination turned them into icons summing up a period in popular culture.
What influence and legacy have Pulp left?
Pulp have left a strong influence and legacy in the following ways:
- They helped make alternative and art pop styles more mainstream and accessible.
- Jarvis Cocker became an iconic frontman and lyricist, influencing later bands in his style and smarts.
- They brought a creative twist to Britpop away from the laddish bands dominating it.
- Pulp’s style of observational British storytelling lyrics and quirky pop music has inspired many later bands in the UK and beyond.
- They showed you could break through from years of obscurity by honing your craft.
- Songs like “Common People” and albums like Different Class are considered classics of 90s British pop music.
- They highlighted Sheffield as a hotbed of post-punk talent in the 80s alongside peers like The Human League.
While they only had a brief few years at the top, Pulp made a lasting impact. Their lyrics, music and persona left a blueprint for witty, artsy British guitar pop. You can see traces of their influence in many alternative and indie bands over the past 25 years. Pulp may not be household names globally, but they hold an important place in recent UK pop cultural history.
When did Pulp form and break through to mainstream success?
Here is a brief overview of Pulp’s formation and rise to fame:
- 1978 – Pulp formed in Sheffield, England as a post-punk band led by then-teenage Jarvis Cocker.
- Early 80s – After some early adjustments, Pulp’s initial line-up and sound stabilized with the arrival of drummer Nick Banks.
- 1983 – They release their debut studio album It, beginning their years in obscurity throughout the 80s.
- 1987-88 – Violinist/guitarist Russell Senior joins the band, another key piece of their classic lineup.
- 1994 – The His ‘n’ Hers album breaks them into the mainstream, led by single “Do You Remember the First Time?”
- 1995-96 – Pulp explode in popularity with the #1 album Different Class featuring massive hits like “Common People” and “Disco 2000”.
So in summary, Pulp formed in the late 70s post-punk era but did not achieve real commercial success until the mid-90s via albums like His ‘n’ Hers and Different Class. This came after over 15 years of hard work developing their craft and songwriting skills. Persistence eventually paid off for Pulp in a big way once Britpop help elevate them to stardom in 1995.
What endeared Pulp to the British public?
There are a few key factors that endeared Pulp to the British listening public during the height of their fame in the 1990s:
- Unique, clever songwriting – Songs like “Common People” and “Disco 2000” had catchy melodies but intelligent, witty lyrics too.
- Jarvis Cocker’s persona – His quirky, sometimes awkward stage presence made him an intriguing frontman.
- The band’s underdog backstory – Pulp had struggled in obscurity through the 80s before finally breaking through.
- The working class perspective – Cocker’s lyrics often explored everyday British lives and relationships.
- Capturing the cultural zeitgeist – Pulp’s music seemed to sum up the mid-90s Cool Britannia period.
- Showcasing Sheffield – Gave their hometown a renewed spotlight after its post-punk contributions.
- Live performances – Pulp built a reputation for fun, entertaining concerts.
British audiences embraced Pulp as a clever, artsy and yet accessible guitar pop band that seemed to speak to ordinary life in the UK at the time. Cocker became something of cult figure as an offbeat frontman. All of this came together to make Pulp feel like a very British band representing the country in the 1990s.
Compare Pulp to their Britpop peers like Blur, Oasis and Suede
Pulp stood out from the major Britpop bands like Blur, Oasis and Suede in a few key ways:
Band | Sound | Image |
---|---|---|
Pulp | More artsy and eclectic, storytelling lyrics, indie influences | Bookish, ironic hipsters fronted by eccentric Jarvis Cocker |
Blur | Mix of guitar pop, art rock and British influences | Middle class art students, frontman Damon Albarn |
Oasis | Unabashedly retro rock and roll riffing | Brash working class “lads” from Manchester |
Suede | Sexually charged glam-inspired rock | Stylish and decadent, fronted by Brett Anderson |
Pulp carved out a niche as the most artsy, bookish and eccentric of the major Britpop bands, led by the one-of-a-kind persona of Jarvis Cocker. Their music mixed classic pop songwriting with modern alternative and electronic touches in a distinct way. Lyrically, Cocker excelled at storytelling and documenting everyday British lives.
How would you describe Pulp’s musical style and evolution over their career?
Pulp’s musical style evolved through different phases over their career:
- Late 70s – Their early post-punk sound had an edgy, dark vibe with choppy guitars.
- Early 80s – Became more synthesized and new wave-inspired on albums like Freaks.
- Mid 80s – Began incorporating more kitsch/lounge influences on tracks like “Little Girl (With Blue Eyes)”.
- Late 80s – Started crafting the cleaner alternative pop/rock sound that would eventually gain success.
- Early 90s – Released their breakthrough “mature” albums His ‘n’ Hers and Different Class.
- Late 90s – Experimental late era highlighted by This Is Hardcore.
While their sound and influences fluctuated over time, Pulp’s music always maintained an artsy eccentricity and a strong melodic pop sensibility. They honed this to perfection during their Britpop peak, blending clever lyrics and indie influences with very catchy hooks and choruses. Pulp avoided sounding repetitive over their career by continuing to try new things.
Conclusion
In summary, Pulp hold an esteemed place in British alternative music history thanks to their innovative and idiosyncratic brand of pop music in the 1990s. Frontman Jarvis Cocker’s lyrical brilliance and unconventional persona were key to their appeal. While Pulp may no longer be active full time, their combination of craft and eccentricity produced some magical musical moments and a body of work still revered today. Their fingerprints can be felt on much of the arty indie pop/rock music that followed them. Pulp remain one of the most truly unique and creative bands to emerge from the fertile musical melting pot of the UK in the post-punk and Britpop eras.