Pulp Announces Glastonbury 2025 Performance: “A Matter of Life or Death”

Glastonbury 2025 Announcement

Frontman of the band Pulp, Jarvis Cocker, stated that the group will only perform at Glastonbury 2025 “In Life or Death.”

Upcoming London Concerts

They are set to hold two special intimate concerts in London next month for BBC 6 Music and Radio 2. Both shows will be recorded at The BBC Radio Theater in the London Broadcasting House – see how you can get free tickets here.

This comes as a celebration of Jarvis Cocker and Co. announcing their new album “More,” which will be released on June 6 through Roun Trade Records, showcasing new material alongside fan favorites.

However, Glastonbury 2025 does not appear to be on their itinerary. In a recent interview with Cocker, fans shouldn’t expect the Britpop group to make a surprise appearance.

During a segment on BBC Radio 2’s Breakfast Show with Scott Mills, Cocker discussed the May show. Mills inquired about the group’s iconic performance at Glastonbury 1995, which is remembered as one of the most memorable festival shows in history.

The band filled in for The Stone Roses after guitarist John Squire broke his collarbone. “They were looking for someone to headline on Saturday evening. So, we had to start rehearsing in the studio,” recalls Cocker. “The most costly rehearsals are those with a live audience because you pay a lot for the studio, and we had to convert it into a rehearsal room.” Listen to the full show here.

Mills pointed out that the Glastonbury 2025 weekend coincides with a break in Pulp’s touring schedule for the year, and asked if Cocker and Co. had plans to return to the festival.

Cocker confirmed that he would visit the DJ at the Stonebridge Bar, but the group will not perform at all.

“But what about another headlining slot like in 1995?” Mills asked Cocker, who replied, “I don’t think that will happen.” When pressed further, Cocker added, “If it were a matter of life or death, but I really don’t think that will be the case.”

The 1995 Glastonbury performance cemented their status as an original band; their fifth studio album “Different Class” went four times platinum after its release just four months post-concert, and NME continues to rate it as one of their best albums.

The group also delivered an unexpected set on the Park stage at the festival in 2011, raising speculation that they might pull a similar stunt this year to promote their new album.

Last week (April 10), Cocker mentioned in a separate interview with BBC 6 Music’s Lauren Laverne that “Glastonbury holds a very special place in our hearts,” but reiterated that there are “no plans” for this year.

Cocker also shared with Laverne that recording “More” without Steve McKay, who passed away in 2023, felt “strange at first,” but noted that there are “two songs that date back to when Steve was around,” which made him feel connected to the project.

“It wasn’t the most pleasant experience,” the singer continued. “But the people you are close to, you never forget them, and you can do something to honor their memory.”