Seraphina Lotkhamnga on April 14th, 2012

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Who: Pulp on the Coachella stage.
In 3 or Fewer Words: Gyrating jovial Jarvis.
Memorable Because: It was a giddy pleasure to take issue with Pulp’s frontman Jarvis Cocker when he sang “We’ve changed so much since then” during Pulp’s opening song “Do You Remember the First Time?” He’s grayed some, but it’s as if fans never had to part ways with Pulp 14 years ago. Cocker’s lanky limbs were still in full effect as he dramatically threw himself into poses wannabe fashion models only dream of pulling off, and the band gave him what he needed as he ran around the stage to sex up the songs and get bewilderingly – but always humorously – witty with his stage banter. From comparing their special dry ice to particles of consciousness to dry humping the air in between two speakers on stage during “This is Hardcore,” Cocker was unapologetic for losing his composure for outstanding showmanship. A warning was given, though, as Cocker suggested a scenario. “If we met at the disco earlier in the night, then it’s time to penetrate you now.” Grapes were tossed out, picked up and eaten off the stage, clothing came off, flashlights were personally shined into audience faces by Cocker, and all the “Common People” roared with approval when Pulp ended their set with their anthem for Everyman.
What I’d Tell My Friends Who Were at Frank Ocean: Frank should’ve hired Pulp to avoid that disastrous “first band rehearsal on stage” performance at Coachella.
– S.L. (Concert photography by Scott Dudelson)