Music icons Pulp honoured at Sheffield Legends plaque unveiling
Legacy of one of Sheffield’s biggest music exports is embedded in stone.
Crowds turned out in force to see Sheffield music royalty Pulp receive their own Sheffield Legends walk of fame plaque.
Granted in recognition of their lasting tie to The Steel City and their exceptional impact on the music industry, this honour sees the band join previous recipients like celebrated charity campaigner John Burkhill and fellow music legend Paul Carrack.
Undoubtedly one of the defining British bands of the 1990s, Pulp were catapulted into fame with their breakthrough album, His 'n' Hers which would go on to be nominated for the Mercury Music Prize.
Their legacy would be cemented with 1995’s Different Class, a Mercury Music Prize winning album, UK Albums Chart number one and four Top 10 singles, including the iconic Disco 2000 and Common People.
Huge cheers greeted all 17 members of Pulp past and present as they were beckoned forward by Kate Josephs, Chief Executive of Sheffield City Council, a palpable sense of anticipation filled the air.
Speaking as they unveiled their Sheffield Legends plaque, Jarvis Cocker began the acknowledgements saying: “Pulp was a group that started when I was at school. There was no musical accomplishment required.
“It was just, ‘have you got some time on Friday evening and would you come to my mother’s house, while she is at the pub so we can make some noise?’ and people came and did that.
“Over the years, the noise became more palatable and we played concerts.”
“I think being in a band teaches you something about co-operating with people,” Jarvis said before turning to the band members from over the years. “The people in the band may not agree with me there actually.”
Speaking on the honour, Jarvis added: “It’s nice to get a Legends star and I will walk past it at some point, I’m sure.
“The thing that’s great about being in a band is inventing things and making up stuff for yourself.”
Originally established in 1978 under the name Arabicus Pulp later shortened to the globally recognized moniker, Pulp stands as a true testament to artistic resilience.
With witty, sharp, and infectious anthems that encapsulated the ordinariness of everyday life, the band would eventually garner widespread acclaim for their combined artistic talent.
Though Pulp have disbanded and reformed twice over the years, most recently reforming in 2022 to embark on a world tour, their journey did not stop there.
Building on that second reunion, the band released their eighth studio album, More, in June of last year, securing another UK number-one record. 47-years since forming, 32-years since Top-40 charting, Pulp still had it.
Pulp firmly placed Sheffield on the international pop music map. At the height of their success in the 1990s, the group deftly captured the idiosyncrasies and essence of the city, transforming its working-class roots and then-decaying industrial landscape into enduring pop anthems.
This recognition arrives at a pivotal moment for Sheffield's cultural landscape, especially following the city's recent shortlisting for UK City of Culture 2029.