Glastonbury's mystery band Patchwork were Pulp, after all

The Glastonbury Festival is known for its surprises, but this year, one of its biggest secrets was finally revealed. A mysterious band called Patchwork was listed on the schedule, and rumors quickly spread that it might actually be the legendary Britpop group Pulp. Despite the speculation, no one was completely sure until the moment arrived. As the stage filled with people dressed in plastic raincoats, the crowd buzzed with excitement and uncertainty. Then, to everyone’s delight, Jarvis Cocker, Pulp’s iconic frontman, walked onto the Pyramid Stage. The audience erupted in cheers as he launched into 'Sorted for E's & Wizz,' a classic from their 1995 album 'Different Class. ' After the song, Jarvis playfully apologized to anyone expecting Patchwork and asked if the crowd had guessed their true identity. The audience responded with laughter and a collective eye-roll, showing they had figured it out. Jarvis joked that they must be psychic, keeping the mood light and fun.

Leading up to the festival, Pulp had gone to great lengths to keep their appearance a secret. Jarvis had told the press they would only come if it was a 'life or death situation,' and keyboardist Candida Doyle claimed the organizers weren’t interested in booking them. It was all part of an elaborate ruse. This year is especially meaningful for Pulp, as it marks the 30th anniversary of their historic 1995 Glastonbury headline performance. The band is currently enjoying a resurgence in popularity, with their music climbing the charts once again. With Glastonbury taking a break in 2026, this was the perfect opportunity for Pulp to make a triumphant return. During their set, Jarvis entertained the crowd with his quirky antics, including tossing a cup full of tea bags into the audience and dancing energetically across the stage.

The setlist included several new songs, such as 'Spike Island' and 'Got To Have Love,' but the real highlights were the classic hits like 'Babies,' 'Mis-Shapes,' and 'Common People. ' The crowd sang along enthusiastically, and Jarvis’s unique stage presence kept everyone engaged. Among the fans were notable figures like Glastonbury organizer Emily Eavis, pop star Olivia Rodrigo, and Radio 2 DJ Zoe Ball, who described the experience as 'total euphoric recall. ' She expressed her joy at reliving the music with friends and fellow fans. Pulp’s 1995 Glastonbury set is remembered as one of the festival’s most beloved performances, made even more special because it was a last-minute booking after another band had to cancel. Jarvis later shared that he was extremely nervous that night, but Robbie Williams from Take That offered encouragement and even read the band some of his poetry. The performance came just after the release of 'Common People,' which became their signature song. Jarvis gave an inspiring speech about perseverance, telling the crowd that if you want something enough, it can happen. Pulp went on to sell over 10 million records before taking a long break, but they reunited last year after receiving an irresistible offer. They decided to tour again after playing together in a living room, and at Glastonbury, they recreated that moment by performing 'Something Changed' in a circle on stage. The show ended with a powerful rendition of 'Common People,' accompanied by a dramatic Red Arrows flyover. Jarvis thanked the audience and promised to see them again, making it a night that fans will never forget.