As anticipation built before the concert, the audience was urged to arrive promptly to avoid missing any part of the experience. The concert was structured in two acts, separated by an intermission, and approached a remarkable three-hour runtime, providing a comprehensive exploration of Pulp’s extensive discography that spans nearly four decades. While attendees might have been pulled away from London’s sunny beer gardens earlier than they intended, every moment of the concert proved to be an essential and unforgettable experience.

The inclusion of “Spike Island” in the band’s setlists starting September 2024 hinted at the excitement surrounding their new album, a highly anticipated release since 2001. The song opens their latest LP, More, setting a powerful tone for the show with its booming synths and frontman Cocker introspectively examining his role as a performer. The performance of the sultry track “Grown Ups,” also from the new album, was elevated by the presence of a 10-piece string ensemble known as the Elysian Collective, adding a lush sonic depth to the live rendition.

During the first act, Cocker took a moment to reflect on the significant milestone that More represented: the band’s first No. 1 LP in 27 years, following the success of This is Hardcore released in 1998. He attributed this achievement to the unwavering loyalty of their fans, who have supported them since their inception in 1978 and throughout their lengthy hiatus between 2001 and 2023, aside from a brief series of concerts in 2011. The remarkable quality of the new album stands as a testament to their artistic resilience and creativity.

While Cocker may not fit the mold of a traditional rock band frontman, characterized by his bookish appearance and penchant for corduroy suits, his ability to connect with audiences is unparalleled. His lyrics are rich with imagery, painting vivid scenes that straddle the line between irony and heartfelt sentiment. His stage presence is reminiscent of David Byrne, as he dances and moves with an unpredictability that captivates and engages. It’s a rare experience to attend a rock concert where each line and every movement carries significant weight, inviting the audience to listen intently.

The narrative surrounding the Britpop phenomenon has been marked by numerous comebacks and reinventions, yet This is Hardcore, released in 1998, serves as a poignant chapter at the tail end of this chaotic era of commercial and critical acclaim. Jarvis Cocker, like many of his contemporaries, felt the weight of fame’s intensity, and the fallout was palpable. The title track of the album encapsulates grandeur and indulgence while serving as a cautionary reminder of the emptiness fame can bring, famously concluding with the line, “What exactly do you do for an encore?” This performance brilliantly conveyed the song’s inherent pomposity and depth.

Following a brief intermission, which was a thoughtful addition for an event of this scale, the core members of Pulp — Cocker, Banks, Doyle, and Webber — invited the audience to envision themselves “in a living room somewhere” while performing “Something Changed,” a touching love ballad. While the studio version boasts layered and complex production, the live rendition was stripped down to its essence, showcasing the raw beauty of the song. This performance was a true highlight, showcasing the band’s artistry and emotional depth.

If a referendum were to be held for a new national anthem in England, “Common People” would undoubtedly be a strong contender, taking its place alongside classics like “Mr Brightside.” Released in 1995, Cocker’s masterwork meticulously dissects the British class system, encapsulating its complexities within a vibrant and electrifying pop melody. Few artists from the U.K. have managed to capture the sentiments of a nation with such clarity and resonance since its debut.