Ticketmaster have finally pulled their thumbs out of their arses and issued the mobile tickets.

So is there a Bar Italia meetup planned somewhere?

SarahAWilson wrote:

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Ticketmaster have finally pulled their thumbs out of their arses and issued the mobile tickets.

So is there a Bar Italia meetup planned somewhere?

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Nearby The World's End in Finsbury Park is having a Pulp night. Too bad it closes at midnight. 

 

https://www.wegottickets.com/event/574615

Yeah - that is too bad! I'm coming thousands of miles - looking forward to meeting fellow fans. I still don't quite understand why they are not as popular here in the States. Or maybe I do...... and I just don't want to admit it. We did sort of elect Trump.

Whilst we are in Finsbury Park, Def Leopard will be on down the road in Wembley. Battle of the Sheffield legends.

-- Edited by Simply Fuss Free on Saturday 24th of June 2023 10:55:48 AM

Absolutely. It's also annoying that we don't know if ticket transfer will become available from the Ticketmaster app (I've asked but don't expect a helpful reply). Just a bit rubbish that you've got a shiny app but can't do the basics like turn up at different times to your mates or work out a basic schedule of bands and times.

european_son wrote:

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Apart from the very recent email from See Tickets shifting doors from 4pm to 3pm there's been *so* little info from the organisers/band so far...

We're five days away and we've got one confirmed support act (Wet Leg), one that's confirmed themselves (Baxter Dury), and doors now open at 3pm with a presumed 10.30pm curfew, and no whisper of what the stage times are.

If the organisers actually want people to rock up at 3pm to buy drinks (as they obviously do), then a bit more info would be somewhat helpful?

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 I wont be buying drinks as the facilities at Finsbury Park arent very good.  Long queues for the portaloos or splashing around in the mud in the urinals.  Will get there in time for Wet Leg (though hopefully not literally).  Suspect they will be on about 7pm.

Looks like the ticket transfer option is now activated

Thanks for the info. I'm coming so damn far - I will probably be jet-lagged and grumpy so less time waiting in line for a portaloo, the better. 7pm will be a good time. I'm on my own so I don't need to be jammed up front.

1hr 50 mins for Pulp, I think that's longer tha earlier gigs?

Brid was more like 1hr 45m - they came on just after 9 and finished ten or fifteen minutes before 11pm (presumably the curfew).

Dublin was at least 10 minutes at the beginning of all those screen-messages, curtain-pulling, and holding the opening note of I Spy before it finally kicked-off around 9.10pm and finished at about 10.40pm - so an hour and a half in all.

For Finsbury, presumably they'll continue with the long pre-amble/pissing-about with the atmos build-up so I'd imagine an hour an forty of choons (at least, hopefully).

Some previous London setlists to whet your fancy.

FINSBURY PARK (July 25th 1998) (filmed and released as The Park Is Mine)

Spoiler

The Fear
Do You Remember the First Time?
I'm a Man
Dishes
Seductive Barry
Sorted for E's and Wizz
TV Movie
A Little Soul
Party Hard
Help the Aged
Sylvia               
This Is Hardcore
Glory People     
Laughing Boy
Something Changed

BRIXTON ACADEMY (September 1st 2011) (with Russell Senior)

Spoiler

Do You Remember the First Time?
Monday Morning
Razzmatazz
The Trees
The Fear
Lipgloss
Something Changed
Disco 2000
Sorted for E's and Wizz
Sheffield: Sex City
Babies
Live Bed Show
This Is Hardcore
Sunrise
Bar Italia
Common People  
Party Hard
Countdown
Mis-Shapes        
Wickerman

THEATRE ROYAL, DRURY LANE (December 18th 1994)

Spoiler

Love Is Blind
Death Comes to Town
Razzmatazz
Joyriders
Underwear
59 Lyndhurst Grove
Acrylic Afternoons
We Can Dance Again
Common People
Lipgloss
Do You Remember the First Time?
I Want You
Babies                                  
O.U. (Gone, Gone)
Pink Glove

ROYAL ALBERT HALL (March 31st 2012) (in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust)

Spoiler

Do You Remember the First Time?
Mis-Shapes
Razzmatazz
Something Changed
Sorted for E's and Wizz
I Spy
The Birds in Your Garden
Bad Cover Version
Like a Friend
This Is Hardcore
Sunrise
Bar Italia
Common People            
My Lighthouse
Babies
Disco 2000

And, of course, a throwback to Pulp's last time at Finsbury:

A legendary performance, that one.

 

Setlist? Well, 1hr 50 - it could be their longest yet this year. I'm expecting a mix of reminiscences/theatrics/teasing to eat into that, though, so perhaps the setlist will come in shorter than Bridlington. Maybe some more Hardcore tracks... as others have said, they have a set light show now, it's all programmed, but still, it's not too hard to imagine one of the non-title singles will come out. "Help the Aged" or "A Little Soul", maybe not both. (Whichever one they pick, if they do, is sure to be emotionally charged.) As they're playing in London - and not too far away from the song's subject - "Mile End" might be a goer, too.

And, well, London is where Jarvis met Steve, and where they lived together (and at their last gig, they played the album that Steve was proudest of)...if they don't play "Something Changed" early on - or they do it without really mentioning Steve - then you'll know something's planned.

Eamonn was talking about this, and it is pretty compelling. Of course I wouldn't want to pre-empt it too much -and I certainly wouldn't want to suggest that they ought to, not at all. It must be so difficult for them that perhaps they simply can't manage it, and why should they? It's hard enough for us as fans, and I wasn't even around back in 1998 - I've never seen or met Steve - but I can't hide that when the news came, it was one of those deaths that does hit you a little bit more than most. It's felt a little bit like the elephant in the room. Of course, most casuals just know Jarvis... Anyway, it would be the most fitting gig of the tour to pay particular tribute to Steve, given his artistic influence within Pulp was probably at its peak about the time they last played Finsbury Park. God, when you listen to Hardcore (and songs from that era, like "Like a Friend" and "The Professional"), you can feel Steve's presence. It's not just the great basslines, because they'd been there since Separations - and before then too, Manners was no slouch - but here, they're just so stylistically Steve Mackey, just the start of "Seductive Barry" just is him, so economical with it and so bloody groovy with it, suffused with certain 'other' tensions too, same with "Party Hard", then his bass is so integral to less 'sexy' songs like "A Little Soul" and "Help the Aged", it's the bass not just as a danceable rhythm counterpart to Jarvis and companion to Nick but also the bass as pregnant with meaning, as looming and ominous or allusive and flirtatious, bass that's at turns come-hither and fuck-off-all-the-way-over-thither, the most full-blooded component of Hardcore's musical mix. Sorry, there's a lot here but the bass on this album is so fucking fantastic, and then you add Smackey's part in the Hardcore video and you're just like. Damn.

Anyway, maybe they'll mention him more, maybe they won't - it's impossible hard either way - they deserve not to have to face that again. But still, he's a looming presence over these gigs. And such a presence he always had.

I do think we are going to be in for one *big* night, though. Expect comparisons to Pulp gigs past. The music press need something after Glastonbury, and after some of the headliners got slightly mixed reviews, you have the one band that probably bears the single greatest moment in Glasto's history (sorry Thom) off to the capital. Not everyone has been reacquainted with how good Pulp are, yet... the strength of their performances thus far has even taken this forum's older heads by surprise. I'm optimistic.

-- Edited by lipglossed on Thursday 29th of June 2023 12:54:47 AM

Oh amazing, thanks Sarah! Well found.

Still handy to know tho!

I was exactly the same with the Glastonbury broadcast of A Little Soul... I heard the studio version later and it didn't sound right at all.

Just been for my (semi-) regular run to Finsbury Park. They have everything set-up for the next few nights of gigs. Could just about see the stage over the high temporary walls they've put-up. All felt quite exciting, like the night before Christmas.
Plenty of security milling around doing checks. Jogged home a little faster with a spring in my step.

Well, have a great time at this tomorrow everyone. Can't wait to hear the reviews :) I'm still on a high after Dublin. You're in for something really special.

Soundchecked songs:

 

Spoiler

DYRTFT?, Underwear, Sorted, Pink Glove, F.E.E.L.I.N.G.

-- Edited by lipglossed on Saturday 1st of July 2023 01:31:18 PM

Soundcheck over. By the looks of things,

Spoiler

nothing new was soundchecked.

Have fun everyone down there tonight - get a setlist for PulpWiki!

Nick talking through his kit after soundcheck: www.youtube.com/watch

Pulp were brilliant as usual.

The tribute to those attending London Pride ahead of Mis shapes was extremely welcome to all of the LGBT+ crowd members. For a band who have a predominantly straight (albeit ally) following , something as small as that can be extremely reassuring. Thank you, Pulp .

There was a missed opportunity for the Pride Misshapes tribute to blend in to Bar Italia... a song about the Italian cafe in the middle of London's gay district.

I also was suriprised we didn't get Mile End whilst American hit Like A Friend got another outing. Like A Friend has anthemic qualities, but tonight there were pockets of fans going delirious for it, surrounded by people who didn't seem to know it (though did give it a rapturous applause at the end).  It's not an anthem if only 30% of the crowd know it. Frustrating I know as it has the qualities of one, but that's the reality.

All in all, another great gig, but diversity is needed now. Given the way tickets were sold, many hardcore are attending multiple dates. Manchester was one of the additional dates added. I look forward to hearing Turkey Mambo Momma and Duck Diving on Tuesday (joking aside... Countdown and Fear will be fine).

Thanks for a great night

-- Edited by Barcroft on Sunday 2nd of July 2023 11:06:57 AM

And joking aside, if you happen to be the person I told I hope they play The Universal in the queue, I was only teasing, sorry. I didnt recognise you!

-- Edited by superchob on Sunday 2nd of July 2023 12:28:01 AM

To think, a tea towel on the merch stand has raised hopes to be dashed. And a novelty tea for that matter. That said, Id have missed the lot if Id fancied queuing for merch tonight. 

-- Edited by superchob on Sunday 2nd of July 2023 12:51:19 AM

They did play DYRTFT. Iirc it was just before Hardcore. I'm sorry that I missed meeting up with you guys, but I got there early and by some miracle ended up at the front.

Hope everyone got home OK. I didn't dare go back to Finsbury Park station, so I trudged to Manor House, which was temporarily closed when I got there, but thankfully I didn't have to wait too long before it reopened. As I was going away from London, neither the platform or the train were very full, but I'm just grateful I could bag a seat all the way home.

I'll try and post some photos later.

-- Edited by SarahAWilson on Sunday 2nd of July 2023 01:03:20 AM

Did anyone else see Owen Wilson walk past?

Though I wasn't there, I was secretly hoping that they would play the 1998 Finsbury set but drop "I'm a Man" and play "Sunrise" at the end of the main set.

I agree with the above, they need to start spreading their wings a bit. The Bridlington set is my favourite so far. Come on, where are these "deep cuts" that we were promised?

They were never going to stray far from the "hits" at a summer festival event. They were playing to a casual crowd. I gathered that a lot of people around me were seeing Pulp for the first time and I reckon they got exactlu the show they wanted.

They do have 2 more indoor shows in London at the end of the month that will be more intimate. I reckon you'll see more diverse setlists there. (Wish I had a ticket to one of those instead but they went on sale the very day I completed on a new flat so money is a bit tight)

I want to give props to the support acts. Pulp's support can be notoriously dodgy but I thought Baxter and Wet were quite enjoyable yesterday.

I have listened to Baxter Drury before but never really 'got' it until I saw him perform last night. Geeza legend.

Wet Leg may well be another flash-in-the-pan indie party band sensation destined to be forgotten in a couple years, but they were fun. I don't know their songs but the one with the primal scream in the middle struck me as really pretty great. From my vantage point I could see the singer (Rhain?) watching Pulp backstage the whole show. She seemed starstruck and studying him. The rest of her band turned up for Common People.

True but as much as I'm enjoying Weeds/Weeds II, they seem a random staple for 2023 when you have Help The Aged, Party Hard, A Little Soul, Mile End and possibly even Bad Cover Version which would all be far better known by casuals.

Agreed, though I would cap the DC songs at the current number (8?) just so other eras get some respect.

Forgot about Lipgloss, feck sake, think I want to hear that one above everything else. C'mon, I'm sure Emma has the chops for it.

Let's be realistic for a minute. A lot of the older songs are very keyboard heavy. I think it's not a case of Pulp being conservative, I think it's more a case of songs that Candida is able to physically play.

SarahAWilson wrote:

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Did anyone else see Owen Wilson walk past?

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 Yes, walked right by me

Eamonn wrote:

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Agreed, though I would cap the DC songs at the current number (8?) just so other eras get some respect.

Forgot about Lipgloss, feck sake, think I want to hear that one above everything else. C'mon, I'm sure Emma has the chops for it.

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 Lipgloss is probably the most glaring omission for me as it is the breakthrough single (first to hit charts).  For me, Razzmatazz, Babies, Lipgloss, DYRTFT?, Common People, Sorted & Disco 2000 should be in every set.

Was disappointed there were no other Hardcore songs other than Hardcore as it is 25 years old this year and I couldnt make it to Finsbury Park 25 years ago.  Hasnt even figured in the Jarvis solo gigs.  I wonder if the band dont really care to relive those days.

 

ArrGee wrote:

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Was disappointed there were no other Hardcore songs other than Hardcore as it is 25 years old this year and I couldnt make it to Finsbury Park 25 years ago.  Hasnt even figured in the Jarvis solo gigs.  I wonder if the band dont really care to relive those days.

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 Decent theory for sure, and maybe especially without Steve it's hard playing songs from back then. Although, apparently Jarvis is very keen on Dishes. 

 

ArrGee wrote:

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Lipgloss is probably the most glaring omission for me as it is the breakthrough single (first to hit charts).  For me, Razzmatazz, Babies, Lipgloss, DYRTFT?, Common People, Sorted & Disco 2000 should be in every set.

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Yeah, Lipgloss is so important for Pulp - and it is one that casuals will know, too! 

IMHO, they should always play Babies, Lipgloss, DYRTFT?, Common People, Sorted, Disco 2000, & Hardcore. (And probably Something Changed and Sunrise too.)

lipglossed wrote:

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ArrGee wrote:

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Was disappointed there were no other Hardcore songs other than Hardcore as it is 25 years old this year and I couldnt make it to Finsbury Park 25 years ago.  Hasnt even figured in the Jarvis solo gigs.  I wonder if the band dont really care to relive those days.

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 Decent theory for sure, and maybe especially without Steve it's hard playing songs from back then. Although, apparently Jarvis is very keen on Dishes. 

 

ArrGee wrote:

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Lipgloss is probably the most glaring omission for me as it is the breakthrough single (first to hit charts).  For me, Razzmatazz, Babies, Lipgloss, DYRTFT?, Common People, Sorted & Disco 2000 should be in every set.

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Yeah, Lipgloss is so important for Pulp - and it is one that casuals will know, too! 

IMHO, they should always play Babies, Lipgloss, DYRTFT?, Common People, Sorted, Disco 2000, & Hardcore. (And probably Something Changed and Sunrise too.)

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I do think it's good to hold back on big hit. It demonstrates depth of quality, and also leaves it as a rare surprise on the special occasion when it is pulled out. Supergrass used to do it with Alright.

Pulp played a lot off TIH eventually in 2011/12 once the outdoor festivals died down. But Help The Aged is their only non-DC top ten hit and arguably resonates more 25 years on, when they and the fans are all getting on (or mostly - a teenager in front of me yesterday knew the words to all the songs which was equally scary/impressive).

But yeah...pretty sure they played The Fear, Dishes, Party Hard, Aged and A Little Soul in 2012.

Of course hearing Glory Days straight out of the gates in 2023 as the closer at Bridlington and the appearance of Dishes for the first two gigs also show that they don't necessarily have a downer on the era. So it's a bit of a head-scratcher. I take the point about what's comfortable for Candida being taken into consideration but I'm not sure these songs are any more demanding than others.

They went ages without playing Disco 2000.

ArrGee wrote:

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lipglossed wrote:

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ArrGee wrote:

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Was disappointed there were no other Hardcore songs other than Hardcore as it is 25 years old this year and I couldnt make it to Finsbury Park 25 years ago.  Hasnt even figured in the Jarvis solo gigs.  I wonder if the band dont really care to relive those days.

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 Decent theory for sure, and maybe especially without Steve it's hard playing songs from back then. Although, apparently Jarvis is very keen on Dishes. 

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 its one of those songs I like a lot which along with Live Bed Show that I have yet to hear live.  Finally heard My Legendary Girlfriend at Roundhouse a couple of years ago.  Doubtless they will play Dishes and Live Bed Show at Hammersmith as I havent got a ticket...

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 Correction, they did play Live Bed Show at Brixton (twice) and Kentish Town when I was there though it was many years ago.

Surprisingly according to setlist.fm, Live Bed Show is the 12th most played song at Pulp gigs.  https://www.setlist.fm/stats/pulp-bd6bdda.html

lipglossed wrote:

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Live Bed Show's an interesting one. It was the most constant DC live album track (with F.E.E.L.I.N.G.C.A L.L.E.D.L.O.V.E.) after 1996, never really left the live setlists and then - with the 2011 reunion - never really came back. I mean they played it a bit, maybe Russell lobbied for it as I know he liked it, they had that wonderful extended version... but it was played very frequently in the late 90s, fitting in well with the Hardcore era, and then lost out a little to more upbeat tracks.

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Played it on night two of Brixton in 2011, but of course I was there for night one.  Had a few airings in 2011-12, but mainly outside UK.

Would love to hear the extended version live.  
And yes, it is the one track from DC that could easily be on TIH. 

Eamonn wrote:

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It's my least favourite on DC. They have yet to play that, Pencil Skirt, Monday Morning and Bar Italia yet this summer but I'd take all of them ahead of LBS.

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 I love Bar Italia, quite like Pencil Skirt then LBS, least a fan of Monday Morning.

You'll take Mis-Shapes out of my cold, dead hands.

Drink!

Having done Finsbury Park a couple of previous times, I just brought a small bottle of water.  No queuing for bars nor toilets. Also I refuse to pay £7 plus for a pint!  

Also there were complaints about how quiet the gig was.  My advice would be to have got near the front.  I thought the sound was pretty good.

https://www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/pulp-finsbury-park-bar-queues-festival-republic-b1091725.html

Nick Banks has criticised Finsbury Park gig organisers after fans were forced to queue more than an hour for a drink.

I think Beaumont used to be a writer (or editor?) for the NME, who, for all their ick, have been consistent Pulp champions - even moreso in their post-print, .com days.