Pulp played Forest Hills Stadium

Pulp released their first album in over two decades earlier this summer and now they've brought their phenomenal live show back to the stage to solidify the return of Brit-Pop in America.

Unsurprisingly, Brit-Pop never hit in America like it did in its native home of England and even the biggest stars of the genre, Oasis and Blur, weren't playing to audiences in the U.S. anywhere near the size of what they'd draw in the U.K., but decades later, these bands are finally starting to get the respect they deserve. Even more of an underground sensation than their counterparts, Pulp, the enigmatic group from Sheffield, wrote disco infused rock songs that were big enough to get them to the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury, but barely got them out of the clubs and theatres stateside. Even after reuniting in the early 2010s, they did graduate to bigger audiences, but with a brand new album in tow, Pulp got to the largest stage of their career in NYC and made sure to put on a show worthy of the wait and one that would have everyone questioning what it was that kept them from being a massive success during their heyday. Risers took over the stage and lead up to a backing screen that was active throughout the set and the stage was pled with gear that the nine person ensemble would utilize all night. Jarvis popped up at the top of the stage, right in the center and illuminated by a spotlight as the band dove into "Sorted for E's & Wizz" to get things underway. Instantly, the crowd was bopping along to the effervescent numbers that shimmed with extensive band onstage. Following it up with "Disco 2000" lit up the crowd and hit the accelerator on the evening as the crowd began to jump around with total enthusiasm and joy as these sensational hits were not only brought to life, but amplified to the highest level. The crunching guitar riff into the magical disco rhythm was a pure shot of adrenaline and arms rose and swayed back and forth as everyone chanted along to "let's all meet up in the year 2000," a lyric that obviously holds such nostalgia, as the extreme happiness began to wash over the crowd. New tune "Spike Island" fit perfectly into the early part of the night, it's buoyant charm a natural addition to the band's peppy catalogue and provided more opportunities for Jarvis to strut his stuff and take command over the crowd with such affection and unchallenged dominance. Waving his hands over the audience before striking various poses on stage, his presence was transfixing and his energy unparalleled, another factor that makes you question just what people were missing in the '90s. Even the ballads hit with a chic flare that had his debonaire swagger making everyone in the crowd weak in the knees. When Jarvis Cocker asked if anyone in attendance had caught their show a year ago at Kings Theatre, a large amount responded with confirmation to which he then asked "well if you remember the last time, do you remember the first time too?" A roar let out throughout the theatre as the band jumped into "Do You Remember the First Time?" which electrified us all once more and set us off into a relentless finish that found the band hitting their absolute peak. Stepping up an amp with a rare guitar strapped over his shoulder, Cocker plucked out the opening to "Babies" and sent shivers throughout the crowd, carrying the momentum and making sure that everyone was on their feet, giving in to their utmost desires and dancing the night away. "I don't think there's anyone here who doesn't know this next song. I'll give you a hint, it starts with a 'C.'" What came next was pure pandemonium and unbridled excitement as Cocker ran back and forth across the stage to deliver an anthem for the ages. "Common People" is already a powerful tune, but to see the band bring it to life with such passion translated directly to the audience experiencing one of the most euphoric and life-affirming performances of a song you could possibly see performed live. With everyone reaching new levels of nirvana, it was an unbelievable moment that will live on forever and not only remind everyone that they not only deserve a place at the top amongst their Brit-Pop peers, but a place amongst main stage and major venue artists in America as well. 

Set list:

01 "Sorted for E's & Wizz"
02 "Disco 2000"
03 "Spike Island"
04 "F.E.E.L.I.N.G.C.A.L.L.E.D.L.O.V.E."
05 "Slow Jam"
06 "Farmers Market"
07 "This Is Hardcore"
08 "Sunrise"
09 "Something Changed"
10 "O.U. (Gone, Gone)"
11 "The Fear"
12 "Do You Remember the First Time?"
13 "Mis-Shapes"
14 "Got to Have Love"
15 "Babies"
16 "Common People"
17 "A Sunset"