Pulp Reflects on the Legacy of Steve Mackey and Upcoming Album Amid Glastonbury Speculation

Table of Contents

1. Key Highlights
2. Introduction
3. The Loss of Steve Mackey
4. Revisiting Glastonbury: A Historical Context
5. The Journey Behind the Scenes of More
6. What Lies Ahead for Pulp
7. Conclusion
8. FAQ

Key Highlights

• Pulp mourns bassist Steve Mackey, who passed away at 56 on March 2, 2023.
• The band prepares to release its first album in over two decades, titled More, on June 6, 2025, dedicated to Mackey.
• Frontman Jarvis Cocker shares details about the album's recording process and acknowledges the band's storied history with Glastonbury while declaring no plans to perform this year.

Introduction

The iconic Britpop band Pulp is back in the spotlight as they prepare to release More, their first album in almost 24 years, scheduled for June 6, 2025. This album carries a heavy emotional weight, dedicated to the late bassist Steve Mackey, who passed away on March 2, 2023, after spending months in the hospital. Frontman Jarvis Cocker and guitarist Mark Webber recently opened up about the album and what it means to record after the loss of their bandmate during an interview with BBC 6 Music. Their reflections touch upon both the future of the band and the towering shadow of Glastonbury, a festival that has played a critical role in Pulp's journey.

The Loss of Steve Mackey

Steve Mackey was not just a bassist for Pulp; he was an integral part of the band’s sound and identity. His musical contributions helped shape Pulp’s distinctive blend of art rock and pop, making them a quintessential group of the Britpop era. Following his death, fans and fellow musicians alike mourned the loss, highlighting Mackey’s creativity and spirit.

In a heartfelt interview, Cocker described the experience of recording without Mackey as "weird." He noted that although the emotional toll was significant, two songs on More were actually created during the time Mackey was still present, allowing for a sense of continuity. "It was not the nicest thing," Cocker said regarding the recording process without Mackey, but added, "people who you’re close to, you never forget them."

The Personal Touch in More

The album More is set to explore a wide array of emotions rather than specific themes, an approach that Cocker believes will resonate with fans. "There are no over-riding themes, except feelings, maybe, which sounds very wafty and not very precise," he explained. This focus came about as the band aimed to avoid the drawn-out struggles that characterized their last few projects, where Cocker felt pressured to modify lyrics and arrangements continuously. For More, all lyrics were written before entering the studio—“a lot less stressful,” he noted.

Revisiting Glastonbury: A Historical Context

Pulp’s relationship with the Glastonbury Festival is legendary. They first headlined in 1995 to replace The Stone Roses, delivering a performance that established them as a major force in British music. Their fifth studio album, Different Class, released shortly after that performance, skyrocketed to fame and remains a defining moment in Britpop history.

Their storied history continues with sporadic appearances, including a surprise set on the Park Stage in 2011. Cocker expressed nostalgia for the festival during his recent interview, noting, "Glastonbury has a very important place in our hearts." However, he clarified that Pulp has "no plans" to perform at this year's festival.

The Impact of Glastonbury on Pulp's Legacy

Glastonbury is not just a venue for Pulp; it's a milestone that has shaped the band's identity and public perception. As one of the most recognized music festivals, it has provided bands with audiences that solidify their place in music history. Cocker's insightful commentary on the band's lack of plans for 2025 reflects their desire to reintegrate into the music scene thoughtfully and genuinely, instead of taking a mere nostalgia-driven approach.

The Journey Behind the Scenes of More

The making of More occurred within a window of just three weeks in 2024 under the guidance of producer James Ford. This rapid development was a deliberate choice to foster creativity without overthinking—a philosophy that paves the way for a more organic sound.

As Cocker explained, this juxtaposition of urgency against the backdrop of loss has yielded a collection of tracks that not only honor the band’s legacy but also offer a fresh narrative. Reflecting on the lyrical themes, he stated, "Mainly my fault because I’d never got the lyrics together, so I was always changing them and messing around. This time, they were all written before we went into the studio." This approach allowed Pulp to present a more cohesive and deliberate project, one that is sure to resonate with long-time fans and new listeners alike.

Track List for More

The upcoming album's tracklist has been revealed:

1. Spike Island
2. Tina
3. Grown Ups
4. Slow Jam
5. Farmers Market
6. My Sex
7. Got To Have Love
8. Background Noise
9. Partial Eclipse
10. A Hymn Of The North
11. A Sunset

This diverse collection reflects Pulp's knack for blending poignant narratives with commercial appeal, a hallmark of their earlier works.

What Lies Ahead for Pulp

As Pulp gears up for the launch of More, there's much speculation surrounding the band’s intentions moving forward. The conversation about Glastonbury, alongside the emotional weight of loss, underlines the intricacies of continuing a legacy. Cocker's analogy of considering a performance in “a life or death situation” when asked about Glastonbury 2025 serves as a testament to the gravity Pulp places on its heritage and connections with its fans.

While Pulp has not detailed specific future plans beyond the album launch, it's evident that their approach, reflective and respectful of the band's history, could lead to exciting new avenues in their artistic journey.

Conclusion

Pulp's return to feature with More represents more than just a musical endeavor; it embodies resilience in the face of loss, an homage to a beloved bandmate, and an invitation to fans old and new to reconnect with a storied legacy. The impending release brings anticipation not only for the music itself but for the insights and emotions that have shaped Pulp's unique narrative over the years.

FAQ

When will Pulp's new album More be released?

More is set to be released on June 6, 2025.

What tribute has been made to Steve Mackey through the new album?

The album More is dedicated to Steve Mackey, and it includes songs that were created while he was still with the band, ensuring his legacy lives on through the music.

Is Pulp planning to perform at Glastonbury this year?

No, Pulp has stated they have “no plans” to perform at Glastonbury in 2025.

What are some notable Pulp songs from earlier albums?

Some of Pulp's most famous songs include "Common People," "Disco 2000," and "Sorted for E's & Wizz," which highlight their role in defining the Britpop movement.

What can fans expect from Pulp's new album?

Fans can anticipate a collection of songs that focus on emotional experiences and a range of feelings, as well as musical arrangements that maintain Pulp's characteristic blend of pop and art rock.