Jarvis Cocker, the iconic frontman of Britpop legends Pulp, revealed that his struggle with writer’s block once brought the band’s progress to a standstill. As Pulp prepares to release More, their first album in over two decades, Cocker opened up about the challenges they faced during the creative process.
Speaking to the Big Issue, Cocker explained that for the very first time, he wrote the album’s lyrics before entering the studio—a step he took to ease the process and avoid delays. “It was taking me so long, I just felt embarrassed that the rest of the band were hanging around waiting for me to get my finger out,” he said.
Despite no longer socializing outside the band, the members maintained an unspoken understanding forged over years of collaboration. The Sheffield group, which initially formed in 1978, experienced early hurdles, releasing several albums before breaking into the mainstream during the 1990s Britpop wave. Their breakthrough came with hits like “Common People” and the critically acclaimed album Different Class, which cemented their place in music history.
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Pulp disbanded in 2002 but reunited periodically for live performances, including a headline slot at Glastonbury in 2011. Their reunion tours continued into 2023, but tragedy struck when bassist Steve Mackey passed away at 56, just before the band embarked on their latest tour dates.
Reflecting on Mackey’s death, Cocker acknowledged its powerful impact: “It made me realise that we only have a finite amount of time to do the things you want to do. For Steve, it was no longer an option, but it was for us.”
On a personal note, Cocker discussed raising his son in a world filled with challenging conversations about masculinity. Raised primarily by women due to the absence of male role models, he expressed concern about the influence of figures like Andrew Tate. “If I don’t discuss certain subjects with him, then who will he learn from?” Cocker remarked.
Pulp’s new album More, dedicated to the late Mackey, is set for release on June 6. The lineup currently features Jarvis Cocker, keyboardist Candida Doyle, drummer Nick Banks, and guitarist Mark Webber, continuing their legacy as one of Britpop’s most enduring bands.