An encore is an extra performance given at the end of a concert or show, or a call by the audience for the performers to return. After a career spanning almost five decades, Pulp make their debut at the O2 to prove what exactly they would do for an encore.

‘Spike island’ begins, welcoming an eruption of cheers and screams from the audience. As Jarvis Cocker’s unconventional charm comes into effect, the listener immediately understands he was indeed “born to perform.”

‘Slow Jam’ is yet another newer track, the entire instrumental dispersing after the third line, amplifying the chorus of cheers. The violins beautifully elevate the track’s metaphorical religiosity as Cocker cleverly blends religious imagery with sexual innuendos.

The arena is transported back thirty years earlier with ‘Sorted for E’s and Wizz’, this time with a slightly faster intro and matured vocals. Despite the immediate nostalgia of the track, the vocals can’t help but feel slightly strained, perhaps due to the slightly heavy auto-tune on most of the album.

A quarter of a century past the millennium, ‘Disco 2000’ still holds so much power. The track roars into life, welcomed by the whole arena almost like an old friend. As one of the most iconic tracks in Pulp history, Cocker certainly still does it justice.

One of the most notable tracks on the album and perhaps in Pulp’s career is ‘This is Hardcore’. It still remains as cinematic as ever, this time even heavier and more impactful on a larger scale. Cocker slips back into his seedy persona, perfectly performing the part of someone revelling in the life of fame, money, sex and drugs. In Cocker’s own twisted way, ‘This is Hardcore’ is in fact one of the most hardcore, hard-hitting songs in indie history, not only a musical but a cinematic masterpiece.

‘Sunrise’ feels quite symbolic of Cocker’s youth, almost a deeper reflection on his most notorious years, now singing from the ‘Sunrise’ of his own life. The last four minutes hold a powerful and beautiful guitar solo, accompanied by backing vocals and applause.

“Hello, I’m glad you didn’t go home, are you?” Cocker called out, before greeting the arena with one of the greatest love songs of Britpop. ‘Something changed’ is sung word for word by not only Cocker himself but also a whole audience of people who sound tracked their whole lives to Pulp’s music. The line “where would I be now if we’d never met?” holds even more meaning, knowing that if Pulp had never had such an impact, then the crowd would be left without this moment face to face with, for some, the most important band in their lives.

‘O.U.’ follows with a divided chant of “O” and “U” from the crowd. The track in itself is incredibly underrated, a fantastical, racing narrative covered in keyboard melodies and “yeah yeah yeah yeah”s.

‘Do You Remember the First Time?’ and ‘Mis-Shapes’ are both as shatteringly beautiful as they were upon first release. ‘Do You Remember the First Time’s melodic despair is still so prevalent throughout the performance, whilst ‘Mis-Shapes’ still clearly speaks volumes to its audience. Both young and old fans alike are invited by Cocker to resist the consistent pressure and scrutiny on their identity and embrace individuality. It is evidently clear that, to this day, Cocker acts almost as a saviour to those who’ve found themselves cast aside or hidden away.

‘Got to Have Love’ is the second single on ‘More’, embraced by a choir-like chant — “got to have love, you’ve got to have love.” Cocker’s mid-song monologue is definitely the most memorable part of the track, almost interrogating the audience and fully immersing himself into the performance.

“Well, it happened years ago, when you lived on Stanhope Road,” Cocker’s voice echoes through the arena, this time much younger and softer. ‘Babies’ begins, one of Pulp’s biggest hits even before the likes of Common People and Disco 2000. The track’s importance can clearly be heard, the lyrics repeated word for word by the crowd. Cocker tells the story with such emotion, as if it was unfolding right before him, perfectly elevating the whole experience.

“Okay, we’re not playing that one,” Cocker remarks, met by booing and “awh”-ing, “Let’s see whether you’re still disappointed when you hear…” A loud, robotic voice immediately cuts through with “COMMON PEOPLE”, the crowd louder than ever. Undoubtedly one of Britpop’s greatest anthems, Common People’s message is still so necessary 30 years onwards, proved indefinitely by the enthusiastic roars and screams of the crowd.

When there is a Sunrise, there inevitably must be ‘A Sunset’. The track is the perfect end to such a concert, a warm, calming tune to guide the crowd into the end of their experience.

‘Live!’ is an amazing presentation of such a special experience, inviting the listener to join that moment from wherever they may be. The album offers nostalgia, community and excitement, a clear display of Pulp’s widespread impact and devoted fanbase.

Pulp: Live! – 28th August 2026 (Rough Trade Records)

“>https://youtu.be/k0LCa4cGBQs