**Jarvis Cocker Opens Up About Writer’s Block as Pulp Re-emerge with First Album in Over 20 Years**
Jarvis Cocker, iconic frontman of the Britpop group Pulp, has spoken candidly about the challenges that nearly brought the legendary band’s output to a standstill. The 61-year-old singer revealed that a personal struggle with writer’s block was a key factor in the group’s lengthy hiatus from recording new material. As Pulp prepare to return with their first studio album in more than two decades, Cocker’s admission sheds light on the difficulties faced by artists in continuing their creative journeys.
The influential Sheffield band, who shot to fame in the 1990s with anthems like “Common People” and “Disco 2000”, are set to release “More” on 6 June. This highly anticipated record, their first since 2001’s “We Love Life”, has been years in the making. In a recent interview with the Big Issue, Cocker disclosed how his own creative slowdown left his bandmates waiting for prolonged periods. “For a long time, I became aware that my struggle to create lyrics was holding everyone else back. It led to a halt in our momentum, at a time when we should have been thriving creatively,” he explained.
Pulp’s dynamic as a band has shifted over the years, with members spending less time together outside of their musical collaborations. “We don’t really hang out like we did in the early days, but after decades of working together, there’s a kind of silent understanding between us,” Cocker remarked. In response to his past difficulties, he adopted a new approach for “More”, opting to complete his lyrics prior to entering the studio—an unprecedented move for the singer.
Looking back, Cocker described feeling increasingly embarrassed as his writer’s block persisted while bandmates waited on standby in the studio. “It reached the point where I could sense their frustration, which only added to the pressure I felt to deliver,” he confessed. This slowdown ultimately contributed to Pulp’s decision to disband in 2002, after which members pursued various solo projects and collaborations.
Despite the challenges, Pulp have periodically regrouped for live performances, including a memorable headline set at Hyde Park’s Wireless Festival and an emotional reunion at Glastonbury in 2011. In 2023, the band reassembled again for UK and Ireland dates. This comeback, however, was tinged with sadness following the untimely passing of bassist Steve Mackey at age 56, just months before the new tour.
Reflecting on Mackey’s loss, Cocker spoke of the poignant reminder it offered. “Steve’s death put things into perspective for all of us,” he said. “It drove home the reality that our time to create and perform is limited. For Steve, the opportunity was gone—but for us, it was a catalyst to get back to what we love.” Fittingly, the forthcoming album “More” is dedicated to Mackey’s memory.
In addition to revisiting the band’s internal struggles, Cocker also discussed the role that family and upbringing have played in shaping his views—particularly as a father navigating conversations about masculinity. Raised by women after the men in his family “disappeared”, he said the experience has left a significant mark. He voiced concerns over modern influences on his son, expressing a sense of responsibility to discuss important topics directly rather than leaving such matters to questionable online sources.
Pulp, comprising Cocker, keyboardist Candida Doyle, drummer Nick Banks, and guitarist Mark Webber, first formed in 1978. The group endured years of obscurity and a series of lesser-known albums throughout the 1980s. Their breakthrough arrived with the 1994 album “His ‘n’ Hers”, closely followed by mainstream success and critical acclaim in the Britpop era.
The band’s impact on British pop culture is undeniable, with a string of top UK singles—five reaching the top ten—and two number one albums. Their ability to capture the zeitgeist was perhaps best demonstrated at their legendary Glastonbury set in 1995, following the release of “Common People”.
As anticipation builds for the release of “More”, Pulp and their fans find themselves at a crossroads between nostalgia and renewal. For Cocker, overcoming writer’s block and loss has brought the band full circle, reaffirming the enduring power of collaboration, creativity, and shared history. The album’s release this June is set to mark both an emotional tribute and a fresh chapter in one of Britain’s most celebrated musical stories.