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Pulp – live at Leeds University – Aug. 27, 2000 – BBC 6 Music
Perennial favorites Pulp this morning. Recorded in concert at Leeds University in 2000, right at the time they were riding the crest of a huge popularity wave, after many years of struggling.
Characterized as an eclectic mix of Art-Rock, Post-Punk, Britpop, Indie and Alternative, Pulp have weathered numerous personnel changes, an extended hiatus and a reunion which has seen their popularity reach new heights, as has been evidenced by a number of Festival appearances since getting back together in 2011.
In July 2022, following speculation from a cryptic Instagram post, Cocker announced that the band would reunite for a series of concerts in 2023. Nick Banks also tweeted confirming the announcement by saying “Hey folks, unsurprisingly it’s has all gone a bit mental on here. Gig details will be revealed as and when. Stay calm, hug your #pulp records and dream of going mental sometime in 2023.”
The reunion was officially confirmed on 28 October 2022, with dates announced at Finsbury Park, TRNSMT, Latitude Festival as well as two homecoming shows at Sheffield Arena. Steve Mackey announced on his Instagram that he would not be taking part in the tour but stated; “Wishing Candy, Nick, Mark and Jarvis the very best with forthcoming performances in the UK and also an enormous thanks to Pulp’s amazing fanbase, many of whom have sent me lovely messages today”. On 2 March 2023, the band announced that Mackey had died at the age of 56.
For the 2023 reunion tour, the band were joined by Andrew McKinney on bass, Emma Smith on guitar and violin, and Adam Betts on keyboards, guitar, and percussion. The tour also featured a ten-piece string section called the Elysian Collective.During this tour they also debuted two new songs “Hymn of the North” and “Background Noise”. It is currently unknown if they are recording a new album.
Always a band with an edge, showcased nicely by the darkly ironic lyrics of Jarvis Cocker, Pulp have managed to maintain a large audience and critical popularity all this time.
This is one to play loud – and you can probably sing along to. It fades in on the first song, but it’s all there. I’m sure Jarvis would approve.
