Pulp at the O2 Arena

Pulp were one of the lynchpins of the Britpop era. Their 1995 album Different Class won the Mercury Prize, and tracks like Disco 2000 and Common People helped define British music in the mid-90s. Jarvis Cocker kept busy with other projects throughout the 2000s and 2010s, but the 2023 reunion for a series of sold-out shows proved there’s still real appetite for the Sheffield group. Fresh off the release of More – their first record in 24 years – the band took to the stage for the first of two packed nights at the O2 Arena, remarkably their debut at the venue.

There was a feverish sense of anticipation, and with no support act and two sets from Pulp, the night had the feel of a proper celebration from the off. Just after 8pm, they launched into Spike Island – the lead single from More – which went down a treat and set the tone for the next two and a half hours. Cocker made his entrance looking typically resplendent in a pinstripe jacket, bringing all the energy and dynamism fans have long loved him for.

After a couple more new tracks, the frontman and co took the audience back to 1995 with a trio of hits from Different Class: Sorted for E’s & Wizz, F.E.E.L.I.N.G.C.A.L.L.E.D.L.O.V.E and Disco 2000. That last one in particular triggered pandemonium and a sing-along for the ages.

Cocker’s vocals, still matching the pitch of the originals, have held up remarkably well – especially given that many of these songs are now over 30 years old. Between performances, he regaled the O2 with his trademark deadpan humour and proudly displayed the number one album trophy presented to them just before the show.

The setlist struck the right balance between new material, fan favourites and a few deep cuts. After a cinematic pairing of This Is Hardcore and Sunrise, the curtain fell on the first act. A gorgeous acoustic rendition of Something Changed opened the second half, which the band tore through, culminating in His ’n’ Hers and Different Class staples like Do You Remember the First Time? and Mis-Shapes. Babies and the timeless Common People rounded things off with a typically electric response from the crowd. New track A Sunset closed the night, with the 20,000-strong crowd held in the palm of Cocker’s hand as a sense of euphoria settled over Greenwich.

This was a real victory lap for Sheffield’s finest, proving they’re still a different class after so long away. The synergy between the group was clear, with long-time members Candida Doyle (keyboards), Nick Banks (drums) and Mark Webber (guitar) all on song. With uncertainty over how long Pulp’s reunion might last, the show carried a sense of occasion – its intergenerational appeal was unmistakable, and it more than delivered on the hype, leaving the audience wanting more.

Christopher Connor
Photos: Guifré de Peray

For further information and future events visit Pulp’s website here.

Watch the video for Disco 2000 here: