Pulp Delivers Triumphant Opening Gig at Adelaide Festival Amid Controversy
Britpop legends Pulp took the stage for a spectacular opening night at the Adelaide festival, captivating a crowd of 10,000 fans in Elder Park. Frontman Jarvis Cocker set the tone with a powerful message of inclusivity, stating, "All voices are important, all voices should be heard." This remark was widely interpreted as a reference to the recent Adelaide writers' week controversy, which had initially led the band to pull out of the event.
A Night of Music and Unity
The concert was a masterful blend of theatricality and intimacy, offering a spectacular and uplifting experience that was both cheeky and moving. Cocker's distinctive voice, which infuses Pulp's songs with a unique mix of joy and melancholy, resonated deeply with the audience. The show kicked off with the anthemic "Sorted for E's & Wizz," immediately energizing the crowd and setting a high-energy pace for the evening.
Pulp's performance included classic hits like "Common People," which brought the dense crowd to its feet, with most fans remaining standing throughout the set. The band, known for their raw storytelling about class consciousness, love, and suburban life, showcased their enduring appeal, blending nostalgia with their growth as artists. This tour supports their 2025 album "More," their first release in 24 years, and perfectly captures their evolution from their 90s peak.
Background of the Controversy
Pulp had previously withdrawn from the opening gig in protest over the cancellation of Palestinian writer Randa Abdel-Fattah's appearance at Adelaide writers' week. The band had emphasized their stance against censorship and oppression, stating they "refuse to condone the silencing of voices." After Abdel-Fattah was reinstated and an alternative event was organized, Pulp reversed their decision, hoping the concert would foster peace and harmony among different communities.
At the festival, Cocker avoided direct political commentary but reinforced the theme of inclusivity, saying, "Things are better when everyone is involved in them." The event also featured a Welcome to Country from Kaurna and Narrunga elder Mickey O'Brien, adding a cultural layer to the evening's celebrations.
Festival Atmosphere and Crowd
The opening gig marked the start of Adelaide's Mad March, a period filled with multiple festivals. The crowd was an eclectic mix, including nostalgic Gen Xers in 90s band T-shirts, alongside other festival-goers. Despite threats of thunderstorms and concerns about river conditions, the evening remained breezy and balmy by the River Torrens, with fruit bats and migrating birds soaring overhead.
Fans packed Elder Park into a steamy pit, enjoying a mix tape of Pulp's decades-spanning music. The band, which split in 2002 and reformed several times, demonstrated their lasting impact, with the concert serving as a testament to their ability to bring people together through music and shared experiences.
