Pulp (band)
Pulp | |
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Coachella Festival in 2012. | |
Background information | |
Origin | Sheffield, England |
Genres | |
Discography | Pulp discography |
Years active |
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Labels | |
Spinoffs | |
Members | |
Past members |
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Pulp are an English rock band formed in Sheffield in 1978. At their critical and commercial peak, the band consisted of Jarvis Cocker (vocals, guitar, keyboards), Russell Senior (guitar, violin), Candida Doyle (keyboards), Nick Banks (drums, percussion), Steve Mackey (bass) and Mark Webber (guitar, keyboards).
Throughout the 1980s the band struggled to find success, but gained prominence in the UK in the mid-1990s with the release of the albums
The band released
History
Early years: 1978–1983
Pulp were formed in 1978 at
Their musical style at this time was varied, approximately described as "a cross between
Despite their exposure on national radio, success was not forthcoming and, apart from Cocker, most of the core line-up left for university. Soon, a new set of musicians were gathered:
Though It failed commercially and fame was still elusive, the band continued to seek commercial success even to the point of recording a single, "Everybody's Problem"/"There Was". The single demonstrated a style shift advised by Red Rhino's Tony Perrin who had convinced Cocker that he "could write commercial songs like Wham!".[18] This approach also failed and Cocker was becoming unhappy with his chosen musical direction. He was set to break up the band and go to university himself before a practice with Russell Senior (violin, guitar, vocals) and Magnus Doyle (drums) led to the establishment of a new, more experimental, artier and noisier direction for Pulp. They were subsequently augmented by Peter Mansell (bass) and Tim Allcard (keyboards, saxophone, poetry).
Independent days: 1984–1991
The new incarnation of Pulp survived a number of ill-fated gigs (including one at a rugby club at
Pulp's next major release was
The fold was short-lived however.
Commercial height: 1992–1996
Pulp's repertoire was growing rapidly. Tracks such as "Babies", "Space" and "She's a Lady" were being played live throughout 1991 and in October of that year, they played their first overseas gig, a concert organised by French magazine
This sudden increase in popularity was helped by the massive media interest in
Released in October 1995, Different Class garnered significant critical praise and debuted at the top of the UK Album Chart.
It was at this time that Cocker gained significant media exposure due to a notorious prank at the 1996
In March 1996, a compilation of Pulp's early recordings on Fire Records entitled Countdown 1992–1983 was released on the Nectar Masters label. It received largely negative reviews, but due to the band's popularity at the time it reached the top 10 of the UK charts. Cocker, whose permission was not sought before release, urged fans not to purchase the album, comparing it to "a garish old family photograph album".[33] Later in 1996, Pulp gained minor international recognition on the back of the inclusion of the track "Mile End" on the Trainspotting soundtrack. In August, the band played their last public performance for almost two years as headliners of the 1996 V Festival.
Until break-up: 1997–2002
It was during this period of intense fame and
Pulp then spent a few years "in the wilderness" before reappearing in 2001 with a new album, We Love Life. The extended period between the release of This is Hardcore and We Love Life is partly attributed to having initially recorded the songs which comprise the album and being dissatisfied with the results. Subsequent interviews also suggested interpersonal and artistic differences, including managing the fallout of the Britpop/Different Class era. Singer/songwriter Scott Walker agreed to produce the record and this symbolised a new phase in Pulp's development. This new effort fell short of expectations and was to be Pulp's last.
Pulp subsequently undertook a tour of the National Parks in the UK, even playing a show as far north as Elgin in Scotland. Richard Hawley, the Sheffield-based singer/songwriter, was also present on various dates on this tour. He later described it as "very much pink feather boas and glamour which was great and brilliant. That was about trying to find glamour among all the shit and I loved all that".[35] In 2002 the band announced that they were leaving their label, Island. A greatest hits package was released: Hits, with one new track. It is unclear whether this was the band's decision or released to satisfy contractual agreements. A music festival, Auto, was organised (held at Rotherham's Magna centre) where they played their last gig before embarking on a 9-year hiatus.
After break-up: 2003–2010
Cocker was involved in a number of one-offs and side projects, including the group
On 11 September 2006 the band re-released three of their albums (His 'n' Hers, Different Class, and This Is Hardcore), each with a bonus disc of B-sides, demos and rarities. On 23 October 2006 a 2-CD set compiling all of Pulp's John Peel Sessions from 1982 to 2001 was released.
First reunion: 2011–2013
In November 2010 it was announced that the Different Class line-up (Cocker, Banks, Doyle, Mackey, Senior and Webber) would be playing at the Wireless festival in London's Hyde Park and a Saturday slot at the Isle of Wight Festival in 2011.[36] In a message sent to the band's official mailing list on 1 January 2011, Cocker said the large amount of interest in the band's reunion had been "an inspiration," and that he was pleased with how rehearsals were going.[37]
The band announced 22 concerts between May and September 2011, taking place in Europe and Australia.
In February 2012, It,[42] Freaks[43] and Separations[44] (the albums released by Fire Records) were re-issued. These editions came with bonus tracks, including "Death Goes to the Disco", "Dogs Are Everywhere" and "Sink or Swim".
Cocker told
The band played a one-off concert in their hometown of
In May 2015, a music heritage plaque was unveiled at the venue of the band's first gig, The Leadmill, Sheffield. Band members Jarvis Cocker, Nick Banks, Steve Mackey, Candida Doyle and Mark Webber were present at the ceremony.[50]
Second reunion: 2023
In July 2022, following speculation from a cryptic Instagram post, Cocker announced that the band would reunite for a series of concerts in 2023.[51] Nick Banks also tweeted confirming the announcement by saying "Hey folks, unsurprisingly it's has all gone a bit mental on here. Gig details will be revealed as and when. Stay calm, hug your #pulp records and dream of going mental sometime in 2023."[52]
The reunion was officially confirmed on 28 October 2022, with dates announced at Finsbury Park, TRNSMT, Latitude Festival as well as two homecoming shows at Sheffield Arena. Steve Mackey announced on his Instagram that he would not be taking part in the tour but stated; "Wishing Candy, Nick, Mark and Jarvis the very best with forthcoming performances in the UK and also an enormous thanks to Pulp's amazing fanbase, many of whom have sent me lovely messages today".[53] On 2 March 2023, the band announced that Mackey had died at the age of 56.[54][55]
For the 2023 reunion tour, the band were joined by Andrew McKinney on bass, Emma Smith on guitar and violin, and Adam Betts on keyboards, guitar, and percussion. The tour also featured a ten-piece string section called the Elysian Collective.[56][57] During this tour they also debuted two new songs "Hymn of the North" and "Background Noise". It is currently unknown if they are recording a new album.
Band members
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Timeline
Discography
- It (1983)
- Freaks (1987)
- Separations (1992)
- His 'n' Hers (1994)
- Different Class (1995)
- This Is Hardcore (1998)
- We Love Life (2001)
Awards and nominations
Award | Year | Category | Nominee(s) | Result | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Brit Awards | 1996
|
British Group | Themselves | Nominated | [61] |
British Album of the Year | Different Class | Nominated | |||
British Single of the Year | "Common People" | Nominated | |||
British Video of the Year | Nominated | ||||
D&AD Awards | 1996 | Pop Promo Videos: Direction | "Disco 2000" | Won | [62] |
Ivor Novello Awards | 1996 | Best Song Musically and Lyrically | "Common People" | Won | [63] |
1999 | "A Little Soul" | Nominated | [64] | ||
2017 | Outstanding Song Collection | Themselves | Won | [65] | |
MTV Europe Music Awards | 1996 | Best Song | "Disco 2000" | Nominated | [66] |
Best Group | Themselves | Nominated | |||
Best New Act | Nominated | ||||
MVPA Awards | 1998 | Best International Video | "Help the Aged" | Won | [67] |
Mercury Prize | 1994 | Album of the Year | His 'n' Hers | Nominated | [68] |
1996 | Different Class | Won | |||
1998 | This Is Hardcore | Nominated | |||
NME Awards | 1996 | Best Band | Themselves | Nominated | [69] |
Best Live Act | Won | ||||
Best Video | "Common People" | Won | |||
Best Single | Nominated | ||||
"Sorted for E's & Wizz" | Nominated | ||||
Best Album | Different Class | Nominated | |||
1997 | Best Band | Themselves | Nominated | ||
1999 | Nominated | [70] | |||
Best Album | This Is Hardcore | Nominated | |||
Best Single | "This is Hardcore" | Nominated | |||
2012 | Outstanding Contribution to Music | Themselves | Won | [71] | |
Best Live Band | Nominated | [72] | |||
Greatest Music Moment of the Year | Nominated | ||||
2015 | Best Music Film | A Film About Life, Death And Supermarkets | Won | [73] | |
Q Awards | 1996 | Best Live Act | Themselves | Won | [74] |
1998 | Nominated | ||||
Best Album | This Is Hardcore | Nominated | |||
2012 | Inspiration Award | Themselves | Won | [75] | |
Smash Hits Poll Winners Party | 1996 | Best Indie-Type Band | Nominated | [76] |
Notes
- ^ Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "Pulp | Biography & History". AllMusic. Retrieved 17 March 2017.
- ^ Gerard, Chris (24 July 2016). "The 100 Greatest Alternative Singles of the '90s - Part 4 (40 - 21)". PopMatters. Retrieved 2 January 2021.
- ISBN 978-0-85712-595-8.
- ^ Sheppard, Justin (7 March 2007). "Jarvis Cocker not into 'Britpop'". Prefix. Archived from the original on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 26 October 2013.
I hated that term [Britpop] and never considered Pulp to be a part of that...
- ^ Hann, Michael (25 August 2013). "Suede – review". The Guardian. Retrieved 4 May 2016.
- ^ Campion, Freddie (23 April 2012). "Band of the Week: The Drowners". Vogue. Retrieved 12 January 2017.
- ^ Brown, Glyn. "Darren Spooner: Who the Hell Does He Think He Is?[dead link]". The Independent. 23 October 2003. Retrieved on 25 September 2009.
- ^ "Oscilloscope". Oscilloscope Films. Archived from the original on 12 November 2020. Retrieved 16 September 2014.
- ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 8 March 2016.
- ^ "Pulp to reform (again) for 2023 concerts". The Guardian. 26 July 2022. Retrieved 27 July 2022.
- ^ Sturdy, p. 7.
- ^ Sturdy, p. 9.
- ^ a b c d Reed, John. "The Complete History of Pulp". Record Collector. December 1994.
- ^ Sturdy, p. 22.
- ^ Sturdy, p. 17.
- ^ Sturdy, p. 25.
- ^ Sturdy, p. 34.
- ^ Anthony. "Everybody's Problem". Archived from the original on 11 March 2007. Retrieved 31 January 2007.
- ^ Sturdy, p. 124.
- ^ Sturdy, p. 138.
- ^ Sturdy, p. 165.
- ^ Sturdy, p. 172.
- ^ Sturdy, p. 175.
- ^ "Magazine – Real Life - Jarvis Cocker". NME. 30 August 2018. Retrieved 11 January 2020.
- ^ Sturdy, p. 190.
- ^ Robinson, N. The Courier Mail and The Sunday Mail. 15 August 1991.
- ^ Gallivan, Joseph. "Rock/gig guide". The Independent. 29 August 1991.
- ^ Sturdy, p. 198.
- ^ ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
- ^ "Ban This Sick Stunt". The Daily Mirror. 20 September 1995.
- ^ "The Highs and Lows of the Brit Awards". BBC News. Retrieved on 31 March 2009.
- ^ Mulvey, John. "Fiasco 2000!". NME. 2 March 1996.
- ^ a b Simpson, Dave. "Fame Fatale". Melody Maker. 30 March 1996.
- ^ a b Barber, Lynn. "Puppy Love". The Observer. 5 April 1998.
- ^ Marszalek, Julian (20 October 2014). "Poems In People: An Interview With Richard Hawley". thequietus.com. The Quietus. Retrieved 27 September 2015.
- ^ "The article requested is no longer available". Archived from the original on 25 January 2013. Retrieved 25 January 2013.
- ^ "Pulp promise not to let fans down during reunion shows". Nme.com. 2 January 2011. Retrieved 9 October 2011.
- ^ "2011 tour dates". Archived from the original on 9 November 2010.
- ^ "Moss not allowed into secret Pulp gig". RTÉ News. 27 June 2011. Retrieved 27 June 2011.
- ^ "Glastonbury: Beyonce, Radiohead, U2 and Pulp – review". London Evening Standard. 27 June 2011. Archived from the original on 30 June 2011. Retrieved 27 June 2011.
- ^ "Setlist". setlist.fm. 10 August 2011. Retrieved 17 June 2012.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Pulp: It (2012 Re-issue) (2012): CD". hmv.com. 13 February 2012. Retrieved 1 August 2012.
- ^ "Pulp: Freaks (2012 Re-issue): 2cd (2012): CD". hmv.com. 13 February 2012. Retrieved 1 August 2012.
- ^ "Pulp: Separations (2012 Re-issue) (2012): CD". hmv.com. 13 February 2012. Retrieved 1 August 2012.
- ^ "Jarvis Cocker On Cocktails, X-Factor And... The Gym". ShortList. April 2012. Retrieved 23 April 2012.
- ^ "Pulp | Pulp Will Not Release New Material". Contactmusic.com. 26 November 2012. Retrieved 4 December 2012.
- ^ "Pulp To Play Sheffield Arena in December 2012 / Music Forum // Drowned in Sound". Drownedinsound.com. 10 July 2012. Archived from the original on 15 January 2014. Retrieved 1 August 2012.
- ^ "After You: Pulp to release Christmas present single on iTunes". The Independent. 25 January 2013. Retrieved 26 October 2013.
- ^ "Pulp perform new single 'After You' on Jonathan Ross show". NME. 4 February 2013. Retrieved 8 June 2014.
- ^ "Sheffield music legends honoured with heritage plaque". Archived from the original on 18 August 2015. Retrieved 16 May 2015.
- ^ Krol, Charlotte (25 July 2022). "Jarvis Cocker confirms Pulp reunion shows for 2023". NME. Retrieved 25 July 2022.
- ^ @therealnickbank (25 July 2022). "Register" (Tweet). Retrieved 12 August 2022 – via Twitter.
- ^ "STEVE MACKEY on Instagram: "PULP Is a very important part of my creative life... and I'm exceptionally proud of the body of work we've created together. Jarvis and I remastered Pulp's entire Universal Records back catalogue together just over two years ago at Abbey Road Studios. It was a huge pleasure to do that and review our songs and recordings together. There have been wide reports of a full reunion for UK concerts today. However I've decided to continue the work I'm engaged in - music, filmmaking and photography projects, and will not be joining them for these UK shows just announced Wishing Candy, Nick, Mark and Jarvis the very best with forthcoming performances in the UK and also an enormous thanks to Pulp's amazing fanbase, many of whom have sent me lovely messages today Steve X"". Instagram. Retrieved 28 October 2022.
- ^ Murray, Robin (2 March 2023). "Pulp Bass Player Steve Mackey Has Died | News". Clash Magazine. Retrieved 2 March 2023.
- ^ "Pulp bassist Steve Mackey dies aged 56". BBC News. 2 March 2023. Retrieved 2 March 2023.
- ^ Pearis, Bill (26 May 2023). "Watch Pulp play their first show in over a decade (setlist, video)". Brooklyn Vegan. Retrieved 27 May 2023.
- ^ a b @welovepulp (7 June 2023). "Introducing some new members of the Pulp family..." (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ Campbell, Erica (28 October 2022). "Pulp's Steve Mackey won't be part of next year's reunion". NME. Retrieved 28 October 2022.
- ^ Jones, Damian (10 June 2023). "Watch Pulp perform 'Common People' with Richard Hawley at Dublin show". NME. Retrieved 19 July 2023.
- ^ Richards, Will (15 July 2023). "Watch Richard Hawley join Pulp at first Sheffield homecoming show". NME. Retrieved 19 July 2023.
- ^ "History". BRIT Awards. Retrieved 23 October 2021.
- ^ "Pulp - Disco 2000 | Island Records | D&AD Awards 1996 Pencil Winner | Direction | D&AD". Dandad.org. Retrieved 23 October 2021.
- ^ "Archive | The Ivors | The Ivors Academy | Champions of Music Creators". Ivorsacademy.com. 30 May 1996. Retrieved 4 June 2020.
- ^ "Archive | The Ivors | The Ivors Academy | Champions of Music Creators". Ivorsacademy.com. 27 May 1999. Retrieved 4 June 2020.
- ^ "Archive | The Ivors | The Ivors Academy | Champions of Music Creators". Ivorsacademy.com. Retrieved 4 June 2020.
- ^ "YOGMAIL - The Unofficial George Michael Mailing List -Nov. 2/96-Issue #41". Gminfopage.com. Retrieved 4 June 2020.
- ^ "Billboard - Google йМХЦХ". 5 April 1998. p. 74. Retrieved 4 June 2020.
- ^ "Pulp | Mercury Prize: all the winners, from Wolf Alice to Primal Scream". telegraph.co.uk. 21 September 2018. Archived from the original on 12 January 2022. Retrieved 11 July 2020.
- ^ "Rocklist.net...NME Lists readers Pop Poll Results..." Rocklistmusic.co.uk. Retrieved 4 June 2020.
- ^ "Rocklist.net...NME End Of Year Lists 1998". Rocklistmusic.co.uk. 9 May 1992. Retrieved 4 June 2020.
- ^ "HuffPost is now a part of Verizon Media". Huffingtonpost.co.uk. 7 February 2012. Retrieved 4 June 2020.
- ^ "NME Awards 2012 nominations - in full". Digitalspy.com. 30 January 2012. Retrieved 4 June 2020.
- ^ "The full winners list at NME Awards 2015 with Austin, Texas revealed". Nme.com. 18 February 2015.
- ^ "The Q Awards - everyHit.com". Everyhit.com. Retrieved 23 October 2021.
- ^ "Muse, Pulp and Blur win Q Awards". Bbc.com. 22 October 2012. Retrieved 23 October 2021.
- ^ "Articles On Smash Hits". Michaelmouse1967.wixsite.com. Archived from the original on 27 February 2021. Retrieved 4 June 2020.
References
- Mark Sturdy, Truth & Beauty: The Story of Pulp (Omnibus Press, 2003) – comprehensive biography
- Jean-Marie Pottier, Brit Pulp. La britpop selon Pulp, de Thatcher à Blair (Autour du Livre, 2009) – a French essay about the connections between Pulp and English popular culture of its time
External links
- Discography at acrylicafternoons.com
- PulpWiki – a comprehensive user-generated resource for everything related to Pulp
- Bar Italia – active discussion forum for Pulp fans worldwide
- The Beat Is The Law – Fanfare For The Common People (2011) – critically acclaimed music documentary about Pulp's rise to fame
- Pulp: a Film about Life, Death & Supermarkets – Florian Habicht's film that launched at SXSW in March 2014
- Pulp discography at Discogs
- Pulp at IMDb