Uncharacteristic tropical heat in the centre of Manchester (and even hotter inside the Co-op Live Arena) on a June Saturday night made the perfect back drop for a night to remember.

With staging evocative of a theatrical yester year, red velvet curtains sweeping across the stage, a seductive northern voice reverberated around the arena: ‘This show is an encore.. An encore happens because the audience wants more’. The perfect introduction to a band that are not only back, but also have a number one hit new album More to perform.

The band emerged past carboard cut outs of themselves in their iconic 90’s forms. However, this show was not just a nod to nostalgia but a celebration of the present. Achieving a perfect blend of songs from the new album with classic anthems, Pulp’s performance was flawless and the crowd was euphoric.

Jarvis Cocker, the frontman at the heart of the band- delivered a legendary masterclass in stage presence. In his flared velvet suit he chatted easily in between songs to a crowd of 23,000 as if it was just a handful of people. His unchanging, unassuming style engages the crowd on an almost spiritual level. The crowd are in the palm of his hand as they laughed, danced, sang and felt good.

The stage setting was visually engaging with a large video back drop, lit staircase and at one point a single leather chair for Jarvis. Jarvis is playful and very funny, chucking out grapes, chocolates and tea bags to the audience.

The show, in two parts felt very unusual for gigs these days, but was well received by the audience in the heat of that night! The first part had many stand out moments such as ‘Got to have love’ and ‘Spike island’ from the new album and the full on rave style party for ‘Sorted for E’s and Whizz’ and ‘Disco 2000’. After the interval there was a shift of tempo for the start which saw Pulp go back to their grass roots and just the four of them at the front of the stage. Jarvis alongside Nick Banks, Mark Webber and Candida Doyle then performed a beautiful, acoustic rendition of ‘Somethings changed’. The crowd, like a sea of bodies then went on to jump as one to ‘Babies’ and of course ‘Common People’. A sensational show.

This was a night no one present will ever forget. Pulp are truly unique and timeless. Their ability to speak to the masses in an extraordinary way will forever be awe inspiring.