Jarvis Cocker has had a dream run. As founding member and lead singer of Pulp, he hit the highest of the highs during Brit Pop in the 90s, before embarking on a solo career that was just as celebrated. 

A few years ago he published a different kind of memoir called Good Pop, Bad Pop, which visually catalogued his stuff and told his story through its memories. And within that was revealed the Pulp Masterplan, a manifesto by young Jarvis of what a band would look, sound, and be like. Much of it came true.

You’re about to spend time with one of the most charismatic frontmen I’ve met. But offstage, Jarvis Cocker is somewhat shy, reserved, and more than a little self-deprecating. 

It took me by surprise when we sat down in an old theatre in London’s Shepherd’s Bush. The Jarvis I’d grown up with, was different to the one facing me in Bush Hall. 

Settle in for a beautiful, funny, and poetic conversation about life, love and and endless obsession with song.

Jarvis Cocker's song choices:

1. 1.The Cryin’ Shames – ‘Please Stay’
2. 2.B52s – ‘Dance This Mess Around’
3. 3.Scott Walker – ‘It’s Raining Today’ 
4. 4.Judy Dench ‘Send In The Clowns’ / Boys Town Gang ‘Can't Take My Eyes Off You’ Jarvis Cocker Mash-Up [unreleased]
5. 5.Bob Dylan – ‘Isis’

00:00 Introduction and Memorable Moments

00:18 Jarvis Cocker's Career and Memoir

01:04 The Charismatic and Shy Jarvis

02:02 Music as an Escape

03:51 The Take 5 Theme of Love

07:12 SONG 1: The Cryin’ Shames – ‘Please Stay’

10:51 Childhood and Early Influences like The Beatles

15:28 Sheffield and Moving to London

18:16 SONG 2: B52s – ‘Dance This Mess Around’

22:32 The Pulp Master Plan

29:41 The Reality of Fame

31:03 The Impact of Fame

32:13 SONG 3: Scott Walker – ‘It’s Raining Today’

37:50 Pulp's Reunion and New Beginnings

41:25 SONG 4: Judy Dench ‘Send In The Clowns’ / Boys Town Gang ‘Can't Take My Eyes Off You’ Jarvis Cocker Mash-Up [unreleased]

42:00 A Unique Wedding Story

44:37 Reflections on Love and Relationships

46:58 Pulp's 2025 album More

48:29 Glastonbury Performance: Then and Now

54:06 The Magic of Live Performances

55:54 SONG 5: Bob Dylan – ‘Isis’

58:29 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Watch Take 5 on ABC iview:

https://iview.abc.net.au/show/take-5-with-zan-rowe