Orchestral Pulp: ‘More’ and fan favourites at the Rough Trade 50th

The celebration of music history reached a fever pitch last Saturday night when Sheffield indie titans Pulp took the stage at London’s Royal Festival Hall for an orchestral gig marking fifty years of Rough Trade.

In a performance that felt less like a concert and more like a retrospective journey, the band celebrated their latest album More in full, weaving in deep cuts, beloved fan favourites, and even an ABBA cover. The evening brought together the energy of Pulp and the incredible talent of the Elysium Collective for this landmark celebration.

Frontman Jarvis Cocker led the charge, using the performance as a platform to delve into the creative history behind the music. He guided the audience through elements of the album with a backdrop of fascinating audio outtakes and a multimedia presentation, sharing insights about the recording process and paying tribute to producer James Ford.

The evening was filled not just with music, but with heartfelt storytelling. Cocker shared touching memories, including a poignant story about travelling to Iceland to find solace, where he commemorated his late bassist Steve Mackey by attaching one of his ties to a mountain rock in memory of his friend.

This personal touch enriched the performance significantly. He also introduced the B-side ‘Open Strings’, a track written and played in solemn tribute to Mackey, adding a layer of profound emotion to the setlist.

Musically, Pulp delivered a fevered mix of their catalog. They tackled political anthems like ‘Begging For Change’ alongside iconic tracks such as ‘This Is Hardcore’. The night featured a lush rendition of ABBA’s ‘The Day Before You Came’, demonstrating the band’s ability to explore diverse musical landscapes.

The setlist was a true sampler, moving seamlessly between the album’s gems and classic material. Highlights included songs like ‘Spike Island’, ‘Grown Ups’, ‘Farmer’s Market’, ‘Got to Have Love’, and deep cuts such as ‘Wickerman’. The performance concluded with a tender bow on the timeless classic ‘Something Changed’, leaving the audience with a powerful sense of nostalgia and enduring musical legacy.

As Pulp continues their journey, the momentum is clearly building. Their 2026 summer tour is nearing its conclusion, featuring upcoming headline spots at major festivals across Ireland and the UK. Meanwhile, the band is also exploring new creative avenues, having recently announced their forthcoming film ‘What Do You Do For An Encore?’ with MUBI.