There are certain shows you circle on the calendar months in advance, the kind you spend all day buzzing with anticipation for, and Pulp at the Metropolitan Opera House in Philadelphia was one of those nights for me. This wasn’t just another concert—it felt like an event, a gathering of people who understood the weight of what Pulp means in the broader story of British music. They don’t tour as often as some bands, and when they do, there’s an air of celebration and reflection that surrounds them.
The Metropolitan Opera House, with its gilded ceilings and lush acoustics, was the perfect venue. Big enough to hold thousands of fans, but intimate enough that every word Jarvis Cocker spoke felt like it was aimed directly at you. Walking into the venue, you could feel the anticipation building. There was chatter about what the setlist might hold, whether they’d lean into nostalgia or surprise us with rarities. By the time the house lights dimmed, the energy was so thick it almost buzzed in the air.
And then, they walked out. The moment Jarvis appeared, lanky and magnetic as ever, the crowd erupted. He didn’t have to say a word; his presence alone commanded the room. When the band launched into the opening notes of “Sorted for E’s & Wizz,” the night truly began.
The Setlist: Song by Song
1. Sorted for E’s & Wizz
Starting with “Sorted for E’s & Wizz” was a statement. It’s not the obvious opener like “Common People” or “Babies,” but it set the tone: this wasn’t just a greatest hits parade, it was going to be a carefully thought-out journey. The song’s pulsing beat immediately had the crowd swaying, and Jarvis leaned into the lyrics with a knowing smirk. Watching the audience belt out “Is this the way they say the future’s meant to feel?” felt like a unifying moment—thousands of people, different ages and backgrounds, all tied together by this shared memory of Britpop’s chaotic heyday.
2. Disco 2000
As soon as the first chords of “Disco 2000” rang out, the entire room went up a notch. Everyone knew this was coming, but the joy was still overwhelming. People danced in the aisles, arms around each other, phones in the air, voices raised in one massive singalong. Jarvis conducted the crowd like an orchestra, stepping back from the mic to let us take over entire verses. Hearing “Let’s all meet up in the year 2000…” sung by thousands in 2025 felt surreal, almost bittersweet.
3. Spike Island
The mood shifted into something darker with “Spike Island.” The band leaned into the song’s menacing groove, and Jarvis slithered across the stage, accentuating the drama. It was one of those tracks that benefited from the Opera House’s acoustics—the bass rattled your chest, and the guitars shimmered in the mix.
4. F.E.E.L.I.N.G.C.A.L.L.E.D.L.O.V.E.
This was a knockout performance. Jarvis has always had a way of making even the most familiar songs feel like stories being told for the first time. He delivered the lyrics with exaggerated gestures, sometimes whispering, sometimes shouting, pulling the crowd along with every emotional swing. The tension built beautifully, and when the song finally exploded into its climax, the roar from the crowd matched the intensity.
5. Slow Jam (Tour debut)
One of the night’s biggest surprises came with “Slow Jam.” You could sense the ripple of recognition across the audience as soon as Jarvis announced it. The band played it with a smoky, almost sultry vibe, and Jarvis’s delivery was dripping with cool detachment. This was the moment where the show shifted gears, giving everyone a breather from the high-energy start and inviting us to sink into something more atmospheric.
6. Farmers Market
An oddball choice, but that’s the beauty of a Pulp setlist—you never quite know what you’re going to get. The track had a jagged, playful energy that kept things fresh. Jarvis introduced it with a story about wandering through Philadelphia earlier that day, tying the song’s imagery back to the city in a way that made the crowd roar with approval.
7. This Is Hardcore
If there was one song that showcased the dramatic, cinematic side of Pulp, it was “This Is Hardcore.” The band absolutely nailed it, with the sweeping strings and sultry pacing filling the room with atmosphere. Jarvis played it almost like a piece of theater, leaning on the mic stand, stretching every syllable, making eye contact with the crowd in a way that felt almost confrontational. It was breathtaking.
8. Sunrise
“Sunrise” provided the perfect counterbalance. Hopeful, expansive, and cathartic, it lifted the mood and gave the audience a chance to breathe after the intensity of “This Is Hardcore.” By the time the song hit its soaring climax, the Opera House felt illuminated with collective joy.
9. Something Changed
This song hit me harder than I expected. There’s a tenderness in it that, when performed live, feels deeply personal. Jarvis delivered it without theatrics, just standing at the mic, letting the lyrics do the work. Couples in the audience held hands, and there was a hush over the crowd. For me, it was one of the most beautiful moments of the night.
10. O.U. (Gone, Gone)
Back to something more upbeat, “O.U. (Gone, Gone)” brought the tempo up again. It’s one of those tracks that’s maybe not as well-known to casual fans, but the hardcore Pulp devotees were ecstatic to hear it. The song’s raw energy carried beautifully live.
11. Acrylic Afternoons
The storytelling in “Acrylic Afternoons” is second to none, and hearing it live is like eavesdropping on a private confession. Jarvis inhabited every line, pacing the stage, sometimes crouching, sometimes stretching to the ceiling, embodying the song’s mix of humor and melancholy.
12. Do You Remember the First Time?
The crowd went wild as soon as this one started. It’s a staple, but there’s a reason for that: it’s an anthem of youth, nostalgia, and longing. The Opera House turned into one big chorus, with Jarvis barely needing to sing the refrain.
13. Mis-Shapes
One of Pulp’s most important songs, politically and culturally, “Mis-Shapes” landed like a declaration. Jarvis delivered it with fire, his voice filled with defiance. The crowd pumped fists in the air, chanting along—it was one of the night’s most unifying moments.
14. Got to Have Love
Another curveball, but one that kept the set dynamic. The groove carried the audience along, and Jarvis used it as an opportunity to talk about the importance of love and connection, a message that resonated deeply in the room.
15. Babies
This was pure joy. The bouncy rhythm, the cheeky lyrics, the playful delivery—everything about “Babies” screams live classic. The Opera House felt like it was bouncing on its foundations as the entire crowd danced and sang along.
16. Common People
No surprises here—this was the song that brought the house down. From the first chord, the energy skyrocketed. It’s not just Pulp’s signature song; it’s an anthem for anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider. Jarvis stretched out the middle section, building tension before the explosive final chorus. By the end, the entire room was shaking with noise.
Encore
17. The Fear
The encore began on a dark, brooding note. “The Fear” isn’t the obvious choice, but that’s exactly why it worked. It set the stage for something deeper, pulling us back in rather than just giving us cheap thrills.
18. Monday Morning (Tour debut)
The second tour debut of the night was greeted with huge cheers. It was sharp, lively, and perfectly placed to lift the energy after “The Fear.” Fans sang along as if they’d been waiting years for this.
19. Help the Aged
A poignant inclusion. Jarvis delivered it with a mix of sincerity and irony, as only he can. It was one of those moments where you felt the weight of the band’s message, and the crowd responded with respect and warmth.
20. Like a Friend
A late-set gem. The energy was raw, the delivery passionate, and the crowd absolutely loved it. By this point, the band felt like they were playing for themselves as much as for us, reveling in the joy of performance.
21. A Sunset
Closing with “A Sunset” was inspired. The song’s wistful, reflective tone provided the perfect comedown after the emotional highs and lows of the night. Jarvis left the stage slowly, almost reluctantly, as the final notes lingered in the air. It was less a goodbye than a promise—one more chapter in Pulp’s ever-evolving story.
Setlist
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Sorted for E’s & Wizz
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Disco 2000
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Spike Island
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F.E.E.L.I.N.G.C.A.L.L.E.D.L.O.V.E.
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Slow Jam (Tour debut)
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Farmers Market
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This Is Hardcore
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Sunrise
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Something Changed
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O.U. (Gone, Gone)
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Acrylic Afternoons
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Do You Remember the First Time?
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Mis-Shapes
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Got to Have Love
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Babies
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Common People
Encore:
17. The Fear
18. Monday Morning (Tour debut)
19. Help the Aged
20. Like a Friend
21. A Sunset
Conclusion
Walking out of the Metropolitan Opera House, I felt both exhausted and exhilarated. This wasn’t just nostalgia—it was proof that Pulp is as vital now as they were in the ’90s. The setlist balanced beloved hits with deep cuts and surprises, and Jarvis Cocker reminded us why he remains one of rock’s most captivating frontmen.
Every moment of the show had weight: the singalongs, the whispered verses, the theatrical flourishes, the quiet pauses. Pulp doesn’t just play songs; they create an atmosphere, a world where irony, joy, sadness, and celebration can coexist. Seeing them in 2025, after all these years, confirmed what I already knew: Pulp isn’t just a band you listen to—they’re a band you experience. And in Philadelphia, they gave us a night we’ll carry with us long after the final notes faded.