Pulp – Hordern Pavilion, Sydney 27 July 2011

I listened to Pulp allot in the mid to late 90’s so to say I was very excited was an understatement.  I managed to get into the venue about 10 minutes before Pulp came on stage thanks to the Hordern’s website listing their start time as being 15 minutes later.  By this time those gathered were treated to laser show to get them warmed up for Pulp’s arrival.  This constituted questions like “Are you ready?”, “Would you like to see a Dolphin?” & “Do You Remember the First Time?” being projected by a laser on a screen at the front of the stage.  With the last question the band opened with “Do You Remember The First Time?”. 

I had been told that Pulp were a great live band by I friend who had seen them years ago and I never quite believed him but I can say that he was “On It”, as were Pulp.  The set was “Different Class” heavy with only “Monday Morning” not getting an airing.  “Do You Remember…” & “Disco 2000” got the crowd sing and dancing.  “Sorted For E’s & Wizz” included a great use of the laser to give the impression of being on “E’s & Wizz” along with some sights and sounds of Glastonbury.  “F.E.E.L.I.N.G.C.A.L.L.E.D.L.O.V.E”, from live recordings, always seemed to work better live and it didn’t disappoint. “Babies” was a little rough but it is such seminal song so it was still fun to have a sing along to.  “This Is Hardcore” sounded massive and was a surprise as I didn’t think it would work live.  Another surprise was “Sunrise” which I have never taken to but live it was given a new life.  “Common People” was the last song of the main set and we were informed that Russell wasn’t with the band for this tour because of his fear of flying so a guest violin player was used   Obvious this song went off.  It's amazing that a song from 20 years ago still sounds vital and current.

The encore began with “Like A Friend” a song I’m not familiar with.  I enjoyed it but not as much as the last song of the night “Mis-Shapes”.  An anthem for the aging hipsters in the crowd, me included.

I can’t say enough how great Pulp were and how great I was to hear them do justice to these songs.  Gig of the year!? Surely?!

Setlist:

Do You Remember The First Time?

Pink Glove

Bad Cover Version

Pencil Skirt

Something Changed

Disco 2000

Sorted For E's & Wizz

F.E.E.L.I.N.G.C.A.L.L.E.D.L.O.V.E

I Spy

Babies

Underwear

This Is Hardcore

The Fear

Sunrise

Bar Italia

Common People

~encore~

Like a Friend

Live Bed Show

Mis-Shapes