Photos by Andy Argyrakis

The origins of Pulp date back to the late 1970s in Sheffield, England, and although it would take well over a decade for Jarvis Cocker and his frequently rotating cast to find their footing, they were basically bulletproof throughout the mid-1990s.

In fact, the longtime indie/art/alternative rockers found themselves ranked right alongside the likes of Oasis, Blur and Suede when it came to their ever-evolving Britpop brilliance, and like all of those acts as of late, reunion bells are ringing.

Not only was America’s opening night of the “This Is What We Do For An Encore” Tour the first time Pulp came to Chicago since 1996, but it’s also in one of just three States on this super exclusive itinerary, resulting in the Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom being packed with fans representing the surrounding regions.

For two hours, the majority of the main line-up that sold more than 10 million records engaged and entertained, accompanied by occasional projections and a cameo from a glistening disco ball, pulling heavily from the “Different Class” collection, many other albums and a glimpse of what could come.

“I Spy,” “Disco 2000” and “Monday Morning” found Pulp instantly erasing the lengthy gap between visits as Cocker bounded around the stage, though he soon stayed put and strapped on a guitar for “Something Changed,” dedicated to the group’s late bassist Steve Mackey and Illinois’ own super producer Steve Albini (Pixies, Nirvana).

The awesomely eccentric front man was back to working the room when “Pink Glove” prompted several of those very items to be tossed towards him and temporarily worn, plus each edition of “Weeds,” “F.E.E.L.I.N.G.C.A.L.L.E.D.L.O.V.E.” and “This is Hardcore” attracted additional magnetism shortly thereafter.

“Do You Remember The First Time?” was preceded by a question of who recalled the group’s local debut at the Vic Theatre supporting the “Girls & Boys” superstars, though these players have certainly since ascended to similarly revered status, subsequently gracing Glastonbury and Coachella, to name but a few coveted festival appearances.

It may have been around five in the morning back home when “Sunrise” wrapped the main portion of the show, yet Pulp only beamed energy and enthusiasm while heading into a generous string of encores, including the brand new “Spike Island” and the previous “Glory Days,” which like everything that came before, sounded just as alive and alluring in the present.

For additional information on Pulp, visit WeLovePulp.Info.

Upcoming concert highlights at the Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom include Fletcher (Sept. 14); Tems (Sept. 15); beabadoobee (Sept. 17); Idles (Sept. 18); Remi Wolf (Sept. 19); Jane’s Addiction and Love & Rockets (Sept. 24); Niki (Sept. 25); Gracie Abrams (Sept. 27); Dashboard Confessional (Sept. 28); Till Lindemann (Sept. 29); Atarashii Gakko! (Oct. 3); DPR (Oct. 4); Coin (Oct. 5); Danny Ocean (Oct. 10); Becky G (Oct. 11); Chromeo and The Midnight (Oct. 12); A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie (Oct. 13); Nothing But Thieves (Oct. 18); Sofi Tukker (Oct. 19); The Sisters Of Mercy (Oct. 23); Dayglow (Oct. 24); Lawrence (Oct. 25) and Diplo (Oct. 26). For additional details, visit LiveNation.com.

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