Pulp at All Together Now 2026: Common People remains the ultimate takedown of nepo babies

Pulp delivered a standout performance at the All Together Now 2026 festival on Friday, drawing praise for their sharp wit and nostalgic energy. Frontman Jarvis Cocker led the band through a set that included hits and deeper cuts, with particular emphasis on their 2025 single Spike Island and the iconic track Common People. The concert took place on the main stage and marked the festival's opening night, setting a high bar for the weekend ahead. The performance began with Sorted for E’s & Wizz, a song that Cocker introduced with a philosophical reflection on the experience of being at a festival. He referenced Waterford in a manner that avoided appearing overly self-promotional. As the set progressed, the band moved into Disco 2000, a track that immediately energized the crowd. Cocker encouraged the audience to imagine meeting up at the turn of the millennium, a time when many in attendance would have been infants or not even born. Throughout the evening, Cocker highlighted the themes of disillusionment and existential questioning that run through much of Pulp's earlier work. These ideas were particularly evident in This Is Hardcore, a song that encapsulates the sense of despair often associated with the aftermath of fame and success. The band also performed Spike Island, a single released in 2025 that explores the longing for the past and questions whether the reality of the 1990s lived up to its romanticized image. Despite having toured extensively throughout the summer, Pulp made adjustments to their setlist to cater to the local audience. One notable change involved Cocker's attempt to incorporate regional references, such as saying "Up Mayo." However, his delivery suggested confusion over the meaning behind this phrase, indicating a lack of familiarity with the specific cultural context. Cocker's humor shone through during the introduction of Do You Remember The First Time?, where he retrieved a review of Pulp's inaugural Irish show. This performance took place in Dublin's Rock Garden in 1993, where the band faced challenges including stolen equipment and substandard accommodations on Gardiner Street. The highlight of the evening came with the performance of Common People, a song widely regarded as a scathing critique of the privileged elite. The track resonated strongly with the audience, combining elements of humor, anger, and emotional depth. The keyboard contribution from Candida Doyle added a layer of complexity to the piece, while the extended chorus left a lasting impression on listeners. The performance concluded with the crowd expressing satisfaction at having witnessed a memorable set from one of Britain's most influential bands. Fans and critics alike praised the band's ability to blend nostalgia with contemporary relevance, ensuring that Pulp's presence at All Together Now 2026 will be remembered as a defining moment of the festival.