Pulp’s Secret Glastonbury Performance
Pulp’s worst-kept secret is out. The mysterious band billed as a patchwork of artists was indeed the iconic British band Pulp. Despite the rumors, nobody was ready to believe it until it happened.
The Big Reveal
As the crowd waited in anticipation, a woman next to the reporter joked, "When Robbie Williams comes out? No, I’m going." But then, Jarvis Cocker stepped onto the Pyramid stage and welcomed the crowd like a hero, launching into "Sorted for E’s & Wizz" from their 1995 album Different Class. The crowd erupted in cheers, and it was clear that Pulp was back.
The Secret’s Out
Cocker apologized to those who were expecting a different band, saying "Sorry for the people who were expecting patchwork. Did you know that we were?" The crowd responded with a collective eye roll, and Cocker deadpanned, "But how?" The band had managed to keep their identity a secret, despite Cocker saying they would only perform if it was a "life or death situation" and keyboard player Candida Doyle telling BBC 6 Music that the organizers were "not interested" in booking them.
A 30-Year Legacy
This year marks the 30th anniversary of Pulp’s historic headline performance on the Pyramid stage in 1995. The band is currently enjoying a resurgence in popularity, with a new album called "This Is Hardcore" and a series of sold-out shows. With Glastonbury taking a fallow year in 2026, it was now or never for Pulp to return to the festival.
New Music and Classic Hits
Pulp’s set included several new songs, including the somber "Spike Island" and the gospel-flavored "Let Love". But the crowd was really waiting for the big hits: "Babies", "Mis-Shapes", and "Common People". As the band launched into these classic tracks, the crowd sang along, and Cocker flailed around the stage like a rag doll in the wind.
A Touch of Eccentricity
Cocker’s eccentricity remains intact, as evidenced by his decision to throw tea bags into the crowd during "Acrylic Afternoons". It was a bizarre moment, but one that added to the band’s charm. Among the fans singing along in the audience were Glastonbury organizer Emily Eavis and former Radio 2 DJ Zoe Ball, who described the experience as "total euphoric recall".
A Look Back at History
Pulp’s 1995 headlining slot is one of the most memorable and triumphant in Glastonbury history, but it was actually a last-minute booking after the Stone Roses’ guitarist John Squire broke his collarbone. Cocker later revealed that it was the "nervousest thing I’ve ever been in my life". However, with the help of a poem from Robbie Williams, the band was able to calm their nerves and deliver an unforgettable performance.
A New Chapter
Pulp has sold over 10 million records before taking a ten-year break in 2001. After that, they toured sporadically, but only committed to making a new record last year after "receiving an offer we couldn’t refuse". On stage at Glastonbury, Cocker explained how they had gathered in a "living room in northern England" to make a decision, using a poor-quality acoustic guitar, a piano, and an African drum to play their new songs.
A Sentimental Gesture
The band’s set was a sentimental gesture, permeated with nostalgia. They ended with "Common People", reinforced by a fleet of fans singing along at the top of their lungs. As Cocker left the stage, he thanked the audience and promised, "We’ll see you in Arcadia later?" It’s a date that fans will be looking forward to.
