Pulp's Secret Glastonbury Gig Revealed: Britpop Legends Surprise Fans as 'Patchwork'

Glastonbury's worst-kept secret was finally confirmed on Saturday as Britpop icons Pulp took to the Pyramid Stage under the guise of a mystery band named 'Patchwork'. The performance, a tightly guarded secret in the lead-up to the festival, saw frontman Jarvis Cocker lead the band through a set of classic hits and new material, delighting a crowd that had largely guessed their true identity.

A Not-So-Secret Surprise

Despite attempts to maintain an air of mystery – including comments suggesting the band wouldn't attend unless it was a "life or death situation" – speculation had been rife for weeks. The announcement of a band called 'Patchwork' playing a prime slot fueled the rumors, which were ultimately confirmed when Cocker strode onto the stage, launching into "Sorted for E's & Wizz" from their seminal 1995 album, Different Class.

"Sorry to the people who were expecting Patchwork," Cocker quipped after the opening number, acknowledging the open secret with a wry smile. The crowd, a mix of long-time fans and newer converts, responded with enthusiasm, singing along to every word.

Celebrating 30 Years of a Defining Moment

This year marks the 30th anniversary of Pulp's legendary 1995 Glastonbury performance, a set that cemented their place in British music history. Originally a last-minute replacement for The Stone Roses, who were forced to pull out due to injury, Pulp seized the opportunity and delivered a performance that has since become iconic.

"Pulp's 1995 Glastonbury set wasn't just a concert; it was a cultural moment," says music historian Dr. Jennifer Barnes, a lecturer at the University of Sheffield, Pulp's hometown. "It captured the zeitgeist of Britpop, reflecting the anxieties and aspirations of a generation. The band's ability to connect with the audience on a deeply personal level is what made that performance, and their music in general, so enduring."

A Setlist of Nostalgia and New Music

The setlist featured a blend of classic hits, including "Babies," "Misfits," and, of course, "Common People," alongside new material from their recently released album, More!. Cocker's trademark stage presence was on full display, with his distinctive dance moves and idiosyncratic interactions with the audience. At one point, he tossed tea bags to fans during "Acrylic Afternoons," a nod to the mundane realities of suburban life that often feature in his lyrics.

Notable attendees in the audience included Glastonbury organiser Emily Eavis, Sunday night headliner Olivia Rodrigo, and former Radio 2 DJ Zoe Ball, who described the experience as "total euphoric recall."

Pulp's Enduring Legacy

Pulp's journey to Glastonbury success was a long and winding one. Formed in Sheffield in the late 1970s, the band spent years in relative obscurity before breaking through in the mid-1990s with Different Class. Their music, characterized by Cocker's witty and observational lyrics, resonated with a generation disillusioned with mainstream culture.

The band took a hiatus in 2001, but have reunited for sporadic tours in the years since. This latest performance, marking the 30th anniversary of their breakthrough moment, serves as a testament to their enduring appeal and their continued relevance in the British music scene.

Music critic Simon Reynolds, author of Retromania: Pop Culture's Addiction to Its Own Past, notes that Pulp's resurgence reflects a broader trend in popular culture. "There's a strong appetite for nostalgia, particularly for the Britpop era," Reynolds explains. "Bands like Pulp represent a specific moment in time, a period of optimism and cultural confidence. Their music still resonates because it taps into those feelings."

A Fitting Finale

The set concluded with "Common People," arguably Pulp's most iconic song, accompanied by a Red Arrows flypast. As Cocker left the stage, he thanked the audience and promised, "I'll see you at Arcadia later, alright?" leaving fans with a sense of satisfaction and anticipation for what the future holds.

Pulp performed as 'Patchwork' at Glastonbury. The performance celebrated the 30th anniversary of their 1995 set. The setlist included classic hits and new material. Notable attendees included Emily Eavis and Olivia Rodrigo. Pulp's music continues to resonate with fans old and new.