One of the first concerts I went to was to see Pulp in 1995. It was in the SFX in Dublin. I went with my friend, Darragh.
30 years later, we went to see them again, this time in the 3 Arena.
Pulp were touring their first new album in 24 years, More, and this was the second concert of the tour. The album was released five days before, and unlike when we were 16, getting access to it wasn’t too difficult. I’d been listening to it as much as I could on Spotify and relieved that it’s overall a good album. Despite the fear of any concert where the band plays new music, I was eager to hear what the new songs would sound like among the favourites. We weren’t disappointed.
The gig was a massive 22 song set in 2 parts weaving the new album tracks through the big hits and a few deep cuts. The full set list is here.
The concert started with 3 tracks from the new album, the first single, Spike Island, which has grown on me a lot and sounded great. Next was Grown Ups, which was brilliant, one to really bop around to before Jarvis showed us an image of the door of Limit, the nightclub he used to go to in Sheffield, which somehow introduced the next song, Slow Jam.
It led to Sorted for E’s and Whizz, which got some of the crowd singing and then Disco 2000 which made sure everyone got going.
Next up was one of Pulp’s best songs, F.E.E.L.I.N.G.C.A.L.L.E.D.L.O.V.E. The more I hear it live, the more I love it.
If there was a theme to the night, maybe it was getting older. Help the Aged was up next. Jarvis asked the crowd to fill in the last line of the chorus because part of getting older is not reaching the high notes. I like the song but I can’t help associating it with Jarvis’ appearance on the Ali G show all those years ago. I’m not sure it’s aged well.
Next up were two more new songs – Tina and Farmer’s Market – followed by another song from This is Hardcore, the title track itself, which was another strong one. The first half of the gig ended with Sunrise, from We Love Life, which was on the setlist 2 years ago and it’s good to have it remaining. It’s a brilliant track.
There was a 15 minute interval before Jarvis and the 1995 Pulp bandmates returned with an acoustic version of Something Changed. I won’t hear a word against my wedding song at any time but this was just lovely.
Back we went to This is Hardcore for The Fear, which has aged well! Jarvis likes audience participation. Two years ago he got everyone clapping the Disco 2000 riff and this year he had half the crowd singing “O” and the other half singing “U” before launching into O.U. (Gone, Gone) from Pulp: Intro, (the same album as Razzmatazz.) I think this song might have been one of the highlights of the concert. It’s the oldest song they played and it’s a gem.
The crowd were asked to vote between Dishes and 59 Lyndhurst Street at the interval. I don’t think most of the crowd knew either song but Dishes won it. Even though I’ve heard the first line of the song hundreds of times, it’s still funny.
It was Acrylic Afternoons next and, to be honest, it was the only time in the concert where I zoned out a bit. I’m not sure it deserves its place. I think other songs like Lipgloss or Pink Glove would have been better options from His n Hers.
However, after that it was pure joy with two of the songs from the SFX gig back in 1995. Of all the songs I remember from that gig, Do You Remember the First Time?, was one. I hadn’t heard it before but I was instantly transfixed and have loved it since. After that it was Mis-Shapes, which is always a treat.
There was time for one more new song. Got to Have Love kept the crowd hopping – it’s a great track. And then it was time for the two big hits: Babies and, of course, Common People.
As a final treat, we had a short encore with a song called Sunset, which was lovely. It reminded me of a Pulp concert that ended with Bar Italia years ago, a perfect way to find our breath after the smashes.
30 years after seeing Pulp for the first time, the magic still isn’t gone. A brilliant night and I can’t wait for the next one.