Pulp delivered a truly unforgettable performance at London's Royal Festival Hall last night, Saturday 18 July 2026. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that had the packed crowd on their feet for every note of their majestic set – and we're still reeling from it! The iconic indie band celebrated Rough Trade's 50th birthday with an orchestral interpretation of their latest album, 'More', in all its glory, accompanied by the Elysium Collective orchestra.
Frontman Jarvis Cocker was his usual charismatic self, guiding us through the album's narrative with a wry sense of humour and a dash of wit. The PowerPoint presentation he shared with us not only provided some fascinating background info on each track but also gave us an intimate glimpse into the band's creative process. And let's be honest, who wouldn't want to hear demos of classic tunes like 'Spike Island' and 'A Sunset'? We certainly didn't!
The evening took a poignant turn when Cocker shared the story behind Pulp's tribute to their late bassist Steve Mackey – it was a heart-stopping moment that left us all in awe. The song they performed as part of this touching tribute, 'Open Strings', is a beautiful tribute to a true musical legend. Other highlights included a rousing rendition of 'Begging For Change' and a rare outing for the fan favourite 'Wickerman', which hadn't been played since 2011 – we were all grinning from ear to ear!
The setlist was expertly curated, blending brand-new material with timeless classics like 'This Is Hardcore' and an unexpected but utterly brilliant cover of ABBA's 'The Day Before You Came'. It was a masterclass in how to keep the audience on their toes – every note was met with thunderous applause. And as the evening drew to a close, Pulp brought out all the stops for a show-stopping performance of 'Something Changed', leaving us all with a memory that will stay with us for years to come.
Now, while the summer tour may be drawing to a close, we're not ready to say goodbye just yet! Pulp still have some fantastic shows lined up – you can catch them at All Together Now in Ireland, Manchester's Wythenshawe Park, or End Of The Road Festival. And mark your diaries for an upcoming film, 'What Do You Do For An Encore?', directed by the brilliant Garth Jennings and distributed by MUBI – it promises to be a must-see event!