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We started off as Arabicus Pulp. Punk rock gave us the idea that anybody could do it, 'cos none of us had any ability.
Formed in Sheffield in 1978 by Jarvis Cocker and Peter Dalton, the band initially experimented with names like “Arabicus” before settling on Pulp. Their first public performance occurred in July 1980. The early years were characterized by a fluctuating lineup, with members such as Peter Dalton, Ian Dalton, David Lockwood, Mark Swift, and Philip Thompson contributing to their evolving sound. This period saw the gradual integration of key figures like Russell Senior (1983), Candida Doyle (1984, then 1987), Nick Banks (1986), and Steve Mackey (1988), who would later form the core of the band.
Pulp’s debut mini-LP, It, released in 1983 on Red Rhino Records, showcased a folk-influenced pop style. They continued to release material on independent labels like Fire Records, including the albums Freaks (1987) and Separations (1992). During this time, their musical direction incorporated elements of post-punk, electronic music, and disco, laying the groundwork for their distinctive blend of narrative songwriting and diverse arrangements. Commercial success remained limited, but the band developed a unique identity.
It was just a song about common people, that's all. And it worked.
The mid-1990s marked Pulp’s commercial breakthrough following their signing with Island Records around 1992. Their 1994 album, His ‘n’ Hers, which included singles like “Do You Remember the First Time?”, garnered critical attention and a Mercury Music Prize nomination, reaching the UK Top 10.
The band’s fifth studio album, Different Class, released in 1995, propelled them to mainstream success. It debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart, earned them the Mercury Prize, and featured hit singles such as “Common People” and “Disco 2000.” Pulp, with its stable lineup of Jarvis Cocker, Russell Senior, Candida Doyle, Nick Banks, Steve Mackey, and Mark Webber (who became a full member in 1995), became a prominent act during the Britpop era, headlining the Glastonbury Festival.
This is the sound of someone losing the plot / you're gonna like it, but not a lot.
In the aftermath of Britpop, Pulp released This Is Hardcore in 1998. The album, which debuted at number one in the UK and received a Mercury Prize nomination, presented a more introspective and art-rock-influenced sound, exploring themes of fame and disillusionment. Russell Senior departed from the band in 1997.
Their seventh studio album, We Love Life, released in 2001, was produced by Scott Walker. This album featured a departure from their previous sound, embracing a more organic and nature-oriented aesthetic. After its release, the band entered a decade-long hiatus, with members pursuing individual projects.
An encore happens when the crowd makes enough noise to bring the band back to the stage.
Pulp reunited for a series of concerts between 2011 and 2013, performing at various festivals and releasing their first new single in twelve years, “After You,” in 2013. The band announced a second reunion in 2022 for concerts scheduled in 2023. Bassist Steve Mackey did not participate in this reunion and passed away in March 2023.
In June 2025, Pulp released More, their eighth studio album and first in 24 years, via Rough Trade Records. The album, which debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart, marked a significant return to recording. Looking ahead, a live album, Live!, and a concert film, Pulp: What Do You Do For an Encore?, are slated for release in August and autumn 2026, respectively, further documenting their recent performances.
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