What a week for music at the world-famous Sydney Opera House! Complementing the already iconic line-up of Grace Jones, The Streets and Basement Jaxx, was Britpop legends, Pulp. At arguably the best outdoor venue on the circuit, the ‘On the Steps’ series welcomed Cocker and friends for two nights of playing the hits.
However, this wasn’t a ‘celebrating x-amount of years’ kind of affair! Well, it’s always a celebration with Pulp… but they have so much ‘more’ to say! Pun intended as the band are touring with their critically acclaimed new album, 2025’s More.
But wait, there’s more to More! The 2025 album and their first since 2001 was recently shortlisted for a prestigious Mercury Prize award.
Do you remember the first time?
This return to Aus has been a long time coming for fans. It has been 13 long years since they last visited Australia, a country they seem to hold dear to their hearts, first visiting Sydney 28 years ago! Pulp lore states they played at the Enmore Theatre in 1998. And yes, that was the intro story to “Do You Remember the First Time”.
With a sigh of relief, lead singer Jarvis Cocker is still full of stories and merriment. The bold framed glasses, suit and floppy hair remain, as does his angular, awkward signature dance moves. In a world fraught with change and angst, it’s a moment of comfort and nostalgia. As is the broad Northern English accent that rings out in his vocals and when he says things like “cuppa tea” and “put t’ central heating on.”
Opening with “Sorted for E’s & Wizz” and “Disco 2000”, those sat on the steps, immediately stood soaking it all up. Between songs there were fun moments like the sweat checks, “can you see patches on my back?” and sharing grapes from his suit pocket, declaring it was too humid to keep them in there. Euww!
Rolling into new material “Spike Island“, this was the first from the new album. The set was well received, mixing the new with classics from albums Different People and His ‘n’ Hers as well as some switch ups from other cities like Melbourne. Fans (Pulpers? Pulpits?) were treated to tour debuts from album and EP archives like “Lipgloss” and “I Spy” which probably did nothing for the legendary city rivalry but nothing a cuppa wouldn’t sort out, right?
A grounding moment
A grounding moment mid-set was the intro to “Begging for Change”, Cocker explaining it was added to a charity album called Help (2). This album features work from various artists, with all proceeds going to Warchild, a charity supporting children in war torn countries.
From here there was a gear shift as the pace picked up again. “Mis-Shapes” followed “Do You Remember the First Time”? leaving everyone sure of what song was coming next. Asking keyboard player, Candida Doyle to announce the next song, a monotone electronic voice stated “Common People” and the crowd roared. The next few minutes became a blur of singing, dance moves (that’s when I…caught her eye..) and general bouncing. Phew!
Supporting Pulp was Australian singer-songwriter, Tex Crick. Warming the Opera House forecourt up with his blend of laid-back grooves and deep vocals, it paired perfectly with a G&T. The perfect antidote to the frenetic pace of the working day.
Pulp completes their Australasian tour this evening at the Opera House. As the current tour poster says, “You deserve more Pulp.’ Yes, we do and we look forward to seeing you again soon!
FOUR STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
All photos from Pete Dovgan – you can see more photos from the night HERE
Reviewer attended 06.03.26
