Last night, June 21, 2025, Pulp delivered an electrifying performance at Manchester’s Co-op Live, capping their UK arena tour with a show that blended their Britpop legacy with the vibrant energy of their new album, More. The sold-out crowd was treated to a two-set, career-spanning setlist that reaffirmed why Jarvis Cocker and company remain one of Britain’s most cherished acts.
From the moment Cocker emerged, rising through the stage for the pulsating opener Spike Island, the audience was hooked. His magnetic presence—part rock star, part affable storyteller—set the tone for a night of theatrical showmanship and raw emotion. The first set leaned heavily on More, with tracks like Grown Ups and Tina seamlessly integrated alongside classics like Sorted for E’s & Wizz and Disco 2000. The latter sparked a frenzy, with fans dancing under a cascade of lights and streamers, evoking the hedonistic spirit of the ‘90s. F.E.E.L.I.N.G.C.A.L.L.E.D.L.O.V.E. was a standout, its dramatic swell amplified by the string section and backing singers, while Help the Aged—dedicated to bassist Andrew McKinney with a playful crowd singalong—brought a poignant touch.
After an interval, the second set opened with an acoustic Something Changed, its intimacy grounding the crowd before the brooding The Fear and the disco-inflected O.U. (Gone, Gone). A surprise highlight was Pink Glove, a tour debut chosen by crowd vote over We Are the Boyz, delivering a sharp, nostalgic punch from the His ‘n’ Hers era. Cocker’s charisma shone as he tossed Pulp-branded tea and sweets into the crowd during Acrylic Afternoons, engaging fans with his signature wit. The set closed with a raucous Common People, the anthem igniting a singalong that shook the arena, followed by a tender Happy Birthday to You for a fan named Laura, adding a personal flourish.
Photo Copyright © Stephen Farrell
The encore, A Sunset from More, was a cinematic closer, its reflective lyrics a nod to Pulp’s evolved perspective on life and love. Cocker’s elastic limbs and quirky dance moves never faltered, and the band—augmented by lush orchestration—sounded tighter than ever. Fans on X echoed the sentiment, with one calling it a “multi-sensory performance” full of “tunes, humour, and showmanship.”
Pulp’s Manchester show was a masterclass in balancing nostalgia with reinvention, proving they’re not just coasting on past glories but thriving as a band reborn. As Cocker quipped, “nothing ever really ends,” and this performance felt like a promise of more to come.
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