Pulp's performance at Mad Cool 2026 was a spectacle to behold, especially for the England fans who were celebrating their team's victory against Norway. The festival, held in Madrid, Spain, showcased a unique blend of music and sports, with the England match taking center stage the day before Pulp's performance. The escalations of the World Cup were a focal feature of the festival, and the Spain-Belgium match was celebrated by Kings Of Leon and Interpol from the stage.
On the closing Saturday, Pulp's performance coincided with the latter part of Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds' headline set and David Byrne's performance. The line-up drew a large number of British fans and many in England shirts, who could be seen celebrating when goals were scored as they kept up to date on their phones. The blowing of the whistle on England's 2-1 win coincided with Pulp kicking into set closer 'Common People', with many taking to their friends' shoulders to celebrate.
During the song, Jarvis Cocker, the frontman of Pulp, got guitarist Mark Webber to share news of the score, before the frontman wryly told the crowd: "But we don’t care about football because we’d rather play a concert for you people." This sentiment was a testament to Pulp's commitment to their craft and their ability to create a memorable experience for their fans.
Pulp's set list at Mad Cool 2026 included classics like 'Babies' and 'Do You Remember the First Time?', as well as a euphoric rendition of newer single 'Spike Island' and an elaborate performance of 'Farmer’s Market'. The band fluttered between intense theatrical performances of deeper cuts and straightforward, feel-good versions of their biggest hits, creating a pure visual spectacle from start to end.
Pulp's 2026 summer tour is almost at an end, with upcoming shows including a Rough Trade 50th anniversary celebration show at London’s Southbank Centre and headline appearances at All Together Now in Ireland, Manchester’s Wythenshawe Park and End Of The Road Festival. Pulp's performance at Mad Cool 2026 was a testament to their enduring popularity and their ability to create a memorable experience for their fans, and it's no wonder they are wrapping up the campaign for 2025’s acclaimed comeback album 'More'.
In my opinion, Pulp's performance at Mad Cool 2026 was a perfect blend of music and sports, and it's a testament to their ability to create a memorable experience for their fans. The band's commitment to their craft and their ability to create a unique and engaging performance is what makes them one of the most exciting and innovative bands in the music industry today.
