Pulp

Glam and disco-influenced rock band Pulp, fronted by Jarvis Cocker, was among the most popular and internationally-recognized bands of the "Britpop" explosion of the 1990s. They have been on permanent hiatus since 2002, following the release of their album We Love Life.

Fast Facts:

1. Formed in Sheffield, England in 1978
2. Number Of Albums: 7
3. Record Label: Island
4. Members: Jarvis Cocker, Candida Doyle, Mark Webber, Steve Mackey, Nick Banks
5. Formed when Jarvis Cocker was just 15

Early Days

Pulp was formed by lead singer and songwriter Jarvis Cocker in 1978, while he was attending high school. After catching the attention of famed DJ John Peel, an early incarnation of the band was invited to perform on one of his Peel Sessions.

Different Class

The band consistently released new music throughout the 1980s, and changed lineups several times, but did not achieve real notoriety until 1992, when they were signed to Warp Records and released three singles. The band's breakthrough record, His 'n' Hers, was released in 1994, and followed the next year by their most successful album, Different Class. The latter record featured the song "Common People," a sardonic take on so-called "class tourism" that remains the band's most well-known song. The album won the 1996 Mercury Prize and was ranked #46 on the Q Magazine list of the 100 Greatest British Albums Ever.

The End

Cocker and bandmates struggled a bit with fame in the aftermath of Different Class, and their troubles were reflected in their exceptionally dark 1998 follow-up This is Hardcore. They would release one more album - 2001's We Love Life - before going on an extended hiatus. Cocker has since collaborated with other artists, most notably French electronic duo AIR, and has released the solo album Jarvis. He has no plans to reunite Pulp, but has indicated that he's not totally against the idea.

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