Pulp has received a BRIT Award nomination for the first time in thirty years, following their reunion and the upcoming release of their album, More, set for 2025. This nomination marks a significant moment for the band, especially considering the infamous incident involving lead singer Jarvis Cocker at the BRIT Awards in 1996, when he disrupted a performance by Michael Jackson.
During Jackson’s performance of “Earth Song,” Cocker took exception to the spectacle, which featured child actors presenting Jackson as a messianic figure against a backdrop of images depicting suffering. Feeling compelled to act, Cocker rushed onto the stage, pulled down his trousers, and briefly exposed himself, creating one of the most memorable moments in BRIT Awards history. Reflecting on that night, Cocker stated, “I was just sat there watching it and feeling a bit ill… I thought I could actually do something about it and say this is rubbish for once.”
Jackson, in response to the incident, expressed his feelings of being “sickened, saddened, shocked, upset, cheated and angry.” Despite the controversy, Pulp’s legacy has endured, and they are now nominated for Group of the Year at the upcoming ceremony on February 28, 2025, in Manchester. They will compete against other notable acts, including Last Dinner Party, Wet Leg, Sleep Token, and Wolf Alice.
This nomination is particularly noteworthy as Pulp has never won a BRIT Award, despite being nominated in four categories in 1996. The band’s return to the spotlight following their reunion has reignited interest in their music and legacy. As they prepare for the upcoming ceremony, fans are eager to see if Pulp will finally take home their first BRIT trophy.
The recognition highlights not only the band’s enduring appeal but also the changing landscape of the music industry, where long-established acts continue to resonate with audiences.
