Live Music Review | Pulp at Utilita Arena

Britpop nostalgia in Birmingham

Pulp’s live return to Birmingham's Utilita Arena was nothing short of a triumph. 

Author | Josh T

Far from trading solely on nostalgia, the Sheffield band proved they remain a vital, creative force with something urgent to say. 

Touring in support of their first new album in 27 years, More, they delivered a show that was sharp, theatrical and surprisingly poignant.

The evening opened with the pounding intensity of "Spike Island", a new track that set the tone for a set that was both musically tight and emotionally charged. There was a wonderful atmosphere by the point. Everyone was there to enjoy themselves.

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Jarvis Cocker remains a magnetic presence on stage, his wiry frame constantly in motion, his voice rich with wry charm and understated emotion. Beside him, Candida Doyle, Mark Webber and Nick Banks brought depth and texture to a sound that felt anything but retro.

What stood out was how seamlessly the new material sat alongside the hits. Songs from More, such as "Got to Have Love" and "Tina", offered thoughtful reflections on ageing and loss,.ey. Rather than dampening the atmosphere, these moments brought a grounded sincerity that gave the set its emotional core.

Of course, the crowd sang loudest for the classics. "Common People", "Disco 2000" and "Do You Remember the First Time?" arrived like old friends, but Pulp treated them with fresh energy. Elsewhere, lesser-known tracks such as "O.U. (Gone, Gone)" and "The Fear" gave the evening a welcome sense of unpredictability.

As ever, Cocker’s performance was peppered with offbeat humour. At various points he handed out grapes and Cadbury Fudge, lounged in a leather armchair, and encouraged the crowd to vote for a mid-set addition. These playful touches never felt forced. Instead, they brought warmth and intimacy to an arena-sized performance.

In the end, this was not a band going through the motions. It was a confident reassertion of what made Pulp special in the first place. With new material that holds its own and a live show full of flair and feeling, Pulp have returned not to revisit old glories, but to write new ones.