Jarvis Cocker of Pulp performing live.

 Sophie Johnson

Sheffield-based band, Pulp, returned to the Castlefield Bowl in Manchester this summer for one of their first concerts together in 11 years.

Tickets for their 2023 reunion tour went on sale last November, with many shows selling out almost immediately. More shows were later announced in Manchester and London. The last time these Britpop legends reunited was in 2010, which included a secret set at Glastonbury in 2011.

Fortunately, I was able to swipe some tickets for the Manchester gig. This performance was off the back of their incredible Finsbury Park set, and part of the Sounds of the City event, where other artists, including Hozier, Bastille and Blossoms, have played since.

Pulp Brings ‘Razzmatazz’ to the Castlefield Bowl

The band did not disappoint, with a setlist including deep cuts and fan favourites. They ran through the majority of their 1995 release Different Class, choosing to open with ‘I Spy’ and the renowned ‘Disco 2000’. However, they also played tracks from their 1994 album His n Hers and We Love Life (2001). In total, they powered through 16 tracks but still managed to leave time for audience chit-chat in between.

Maybe the setlist was a little lacking in other albums, but the hits were so good it made up for that fact. Hearing ‘Do You Remember the First Time?’ in such an intimate outdoor venue, as the audience belted the chorus, was so beautiful.

Despite nearing 60 years old, Jarvis Cocker still had the same moves. He jumped up and down stairs and threw himself around the stage with the energy of a spring chicken.

“The atmosphere was electric”

Personally, my favourite tracks they performed were ‘F.E.E.L.I.N.G C.A.L.L.E.D L.O.V.E’ and ‘Pink Glove’, but I would have to say the near-7-minute ‘This Is Hardcore’ took first place by a mile. The song is known for its sexual connotations, but I really enjoyed the way it slowly builds up and tells a story through its lyrics.

The audience thoroughly enjoyed themselves throughout the whole performance, which brought a really good vibe to the venue. Cocker revealed memories of his past shows and time in Manchester, even suggesting that it rivals Sheffield, which had the audience laughing.

Cocker knew many fans were anticipating ‘Common People’, so kept us waiting before using it as a spectacular end to an amazing concert. The atmosphere was electric, with almost all members of the audience singing along to this working-class anthem.

Where are Pulp headed next?

Since the Manchester show, Pulp has played two homecoming shows at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield. In their hometown, they were supported by ex-band-member Richard Hawley. They are also due to play at Suffolk’s Latitude Festival.

Speaking with BBC Radio 6 Music, Cocker said that it felt right to start their reunion tour in the country that made them famous. But, he also added that they would “probably play at other places around the world.”

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Featured image courtesy of jennY on Flickr. No changes have been made to this image. Image license found here.

Soph is a 20-year-old student at Sheffield Hallam University, a self-proclaimed musicophile, and a sort-of polyglot. She is also an avid lover of film photography, movies, and books.

1 Comment

  1. I didn’t realise Pulp played ‘Razzamatazz’ in Manchester! They didn’t play it at Latitude Festival I was so disappointed!

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