Pulp’s Return To Birmingham
Pulp’s first return to Birmingham since 2001, with a 13,000 capacity difference, was more than just a gig—it was a celebration, a reunion, and a reminder of how powerful live music can be when done with style, humour, and heart.
From the moment Jarvis Cocker stepped on stage and cheekily renamed the city “Burn‑ingham,” the band had the crowd in the palm of their hand. The set was a brilliant mix of old favourites like Common People and Disco 2000 alongside new tracks from their latest album More, which somehow felt just as familiar and vital.
The stage was dressed like a theatre, with huge red curtains, dramatic lighting, and bursts of confetti and lasers that gave everything a sense of occasion. But it wasn’t just about spectacle—there were quiet, funny, and oddly moving moments too: Jarvis sipping espresso during This Is Hardcore, handing out grapes and chocolate, even stopping mid-show to let the audience vote on what to hear next.
It was all very Pulp—clever, quirky, and totally unpretentious. It’s wild to think this band started in tiny clubs in Sheffield back in the late ’70s. They've come a long way, but they haven’t lost that connection to everyday life, or their fans. And while the iconic balloon drop from their Party Hard days didn’t make a comeback, the spirit of fun and theatre was alive and well. It didn’t feel like a band going through the motions—it felt like they were having as much fun as we were.
Photography and Words By: Miles Humphires - Portfolio
