Pulp

Pressing Play

Hello you. Make a cup of tea, put a record on. Welcome to The A to Z of Britpop, your introduction to the bands, music, and characters that defined the most exciting genre of the 1990s. In this article, we introduce Pulp, the Sheffield-born legends whose wry lyrics and dramatic sound made them icons of the Britpop era.

Britpop was built on personalities, fierce rivalries, soundbites, and of course, the music that defined a decade. It captured the restless energy of the country and signalled a wave of optimism across the UK that had been missing for years.

Each entry in this series is a fact file, giving you the key details: who they were, where they came from, and what they made. It’s the perfect starting point for revisiting the era if you were there, or figuring out why your mum or dad keeps going on about it.

Overview

• Originated in: Sheffield, England
  Active years: 1978–2002, 2011–2013, 2022–present
  Associated genres: Britpop, art rock, indie pop
  Record labels: Rough Trade, Red Rhino, Fire, Island

• Current members:
  Jarvis Cocker – vocals, guitar, keyboards / Candida Doyle – keyboards, organ / Nick Banks – drums, percussion / Mark Webber – guitar, keyboards

• Former members:
  Russell Senior – guitar, violin / Steve Mackey – bass / Peter Dalton – guitar, keyboards / Ian Dalton – percussion / David "Fungus" Lockwood – bass / Mark Swift – drums, percussion / Philip Thompson – bass / Jimmy Sellars – drums / Jamie Pinchbeck – bass / Wayne Furniss – drums, guitar, bass / David Hinkler – keyboards, organ, trombone, guitar / Simon Hinkler – bass, guitar, keyboards, piano / Peter Boam – bass, guitar, drums, keyboards / Magnus Doyle – drums, keyboards / Peter Mansell – bass / Tim Allcard – keyboards, saxophone / Michael Paramore – drums, percussion / Steven Havenhand – bass / Antony Genn – bass

Formation and Early Years

• Formed in 1978 by 15-year-old Jarvis Cocker and 14-year-old Peter Dalton.

• Named after the Pulp film, later inspired by a coffee bean index in the Financial Times.

• Early music was eclectic, blending influences like ABBA and The Fall.

• Secured a Peel Session in 1981, which brought them early local recognition.

• Debut album It (1983) showcased folk-pop influences but failed commercially.

Rise to Prominence

• Pulp gained recognition with His 'n' Hers (1994), nominated for the Mercury Prize.

• Signed with Island Records and released breakthrough singles like "Babies" and "Do You Remember the First Time?"

• Became known for witty, sexually charged lyrics reflecting British life and culture.

• Rose to fame alongside Britpop heavyweights like Blur, Oasis, and Suede.

Commercial Success and Albums

• Different Class (1995) topped UK charts, won the Mercury Prize, and included hits "Common People" and "Disco 2000."

• Headlined Glastonbury Festival in 1995, solidifying their status as Britpop icons.

• This Is Hardcore (1998) explored darker themes, reaching number one in the UK.

• Final studio album We Love Life (2001) marked a reflective departure from Britpop's height.

Later Activities and Legacy

• Pulp took a hiatus in 2002, reuniting briefly in 2011 for a series of festival performances.

• Released "After You" in 2013, their first song in 12 years.

• Reunited again in 2022, touring with new members and debuting fresh material in 2023.

• Recognized as one of Britpop's "big four," alongside Blur, Oasis, and Suede.

Notable Facts

• Jarvis Cocker’s stage invasion at the 1996 BRIT Awards during Michael Jackson's performance gained global attention.

• Pulp’s headline set at Glastonbury 1995, stepping in for The Stone Roses, is regarded as one of the festival’s greatest moments.

• The album Different Class included customizable sleeve artwork, a first for mainstream releases.

Defining Lyric

"I want to sleep with common people like you." - Common People (1995)

Discography

• It (1983)

• Freaks (1987)

• Separations (1992)

• His 'n' Hers (1994)

• Different Class (1995)

• This Is Hardcore (1998)

• We Love Life (2001)

Essential Listening

• "Common People" (1995): "I want to sleep with common people like you." - Common People (1995)

• "Disco 2000" (1995): "Oh, what are you doing Sunday, baby?" - Disco 2000 (1995)

• "This Is Hardcore" (1998): "This is the sound of someone losing the plot." - This Is Hardcore (1998)

Why You Should Be Listening to Pulp Now

Pulp’s music remains a timeless commentary on British life, balancing wit, drama, and raw emotion. Their lyrics capture universal themes of desire, aspiration, and disappointment, wrapped in unforgettable melodies.

See you on down the road.