In the vibrant city of Paris, a chance encounter between old friends sparked a creative journey that would culminate in a celebrated film. Jarvis Cocker, the iconic frontman of Pulp, and director Garth Jennings, known for his work on Sing and The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy reunited to bring the story of Pulp to the big screen. Their collaboration, Pulp: What Do You Do for an Encore? is a testament to the band’s enduring legacy and the power of their music.
The film, a blend of concert footage and documentary, captures Pulp’s electrifying performance at London’s O2 Arena in the summer of 2025. This was a night of double celebration for the band, as they learned that their eighth studio album, More had reached the top of the British album charts. The energy and joy of that night are palpable in the film, which also delves into the band’s history and the stories behind their songs.
From Reunion to Redemption
Pulp, formed by Cocker in Sheffield in 1978, disbanded in 2002. Their reunion tour between 2011 and 2013 was initially intended as a final farewell. Cocker had envisioned a happy ending, inviting back Russell Senior, who had left the band in 1997. The tour seemed to achieve that goal, but the band’s story was far from over.
When a promoter approached Cocker years later about another reunion, he had to weigh the risks. ‘The worst thing to do would have been to spoil the happy ending,’ he admitted. However, the promoter’s assurance that fans were still eager for Pulp’s music convinced him. Cocker’s fears were unfounded; the band’s return was met with enthusiasm, especially from younger audiences who had discovered Pulp’s music through streaming platforms and social media.
A New Chapter in Film
The idea for a film came naturally as the live show took shape. Jennings, a longtime fan of Pulp, was drawn to the project. ‘I’d be working on something else and suddenly hear you lot playing,’ he recalled. ‘Especially a song like Razzmatazz which was my first Pulp song. I had this wonderful little secret window into this world.’
The film draws inspiration from Abba Voyage blending live performances with animated sequences and archival footage. It tells the story of Pulp, giving context to their songs and the band’s journey. Cocker was particularly impressed by Jennings’ ability to create something unique. ‘I am very familiar with Pulp’s backstory because I’ve lived through it,’ he said. ‘But I’m always flabbergasted at how long the band has gone on.’
The Magic of Pulp’s Appeal
One of the most surprising aspects of Pulp’s comeback has been the connection with younger fans. Cocker laughs as he recalls playing in Manchester, where a significant portion of the audience was not even born when Pulp first split up. ‘That’s something amazing, really. And something I can’t explain – why young people have latched on to it.’
The film uses a mix of animation, old TV clips, and grainy VHS footage, along with documents and objects from Cocker’s 2023 book Good Pop. It’s a visual feast that complements the music and tells the story of Pulp in a way that resonates with both old and new fans.
As Pulp prepares for their last show for a while, the band’s legacy continues to grow. Pulp: What Do You Do for an Encore? is not just a concert film; it’s a celebration of music, friendship, and the enduring power of a band that refuses to fade away.
