Pulp has received its first BRIT Award nomination in thirty years, a significant milestone for the band. This nomination comes on the heels of a remarkable reunion and the release of their upcoming album, More, set to launch in 2025. The band is nominated for Group of the Year, competing against Last Dinner Party, Wet Leg, Sleep Token, and Wolf Alice at the ceremony scheduled for February 28, 2025, in Manchester.
The band’s history with the BRIT Awards is marked by a memorable incident involving lead singer Jarvis Cocker during the 1996 ceremony. While Michael Jackson performed his hit, “Earth Song,” Cocker infamously invaded the stage. He expressed his discontent with Jackson’s portrayal of himself as a god-like figure, being worshipped by child actors while images of starving children played on screen. Cocker’s response was to pull down his trousers and bend over, a moment that has become one of the most talked-about events in BRIT Awards history.
Reflecting on his actions, Cocker stated, “I was just sat there watching it and feeling a bit ill because he’s there doing his Jesus act.” He felt compelled to intervene, believing that many others shared his distaste for the performance. “I thought I could actually do something about it and say this is rubbish for once,” he added. Cocker’s spontaneous act of rebellion was met with mixed reactions, with Jackson later describing himself as “sickened, saddened, shocked, upset, cheated and angry” by the incident.
Despite the controversy, Pulp’s legacy continues to resonate, and their recent nomination underscores the band’s enduring impact on the music scene. Their absence from the BRITs since that infamous night has been notable, especially given that they were nominated for four awards in 1996 but did not win any. This time, Pulp is hopeful for a different outcome.
The nomination reflects both the band’s recent activities and their lasting influence in the Britpop genre. Fans are eager to see if Pulp can finally claim a BRIT trophy after three decades of waiting. As the ceremony approaches, excitement builds around what this recognition means for the band and their dedicated followers.
Pulp’s journey, marked by controversy and creativity, showcases the complexities of fame and the enduring power of music to provoke thought and inspire change. With their new album on the horizon, the band is poised to make a significant return to the forefront of the music industry.
