Share and Follow
There was a huge surprise for Yorkshire music fans on May 10, after a tribute show dedicated to Pulp revealed an extra-special guest. Pulp’d has been described as “the world’s number one tribute act” to the 1990s Britpop faves – and the group members themselves describe their show as “authentic” and “explosive”.
However, unsuspecting fans had no idea just how authentic things would become, when the Jarvis Cocker lookalike frontman announced they had a very famous guest waiting in the wings. In an unbelievable moment, the real-life Pulp drummer – Nick Banks, who’s been in his role since 1986 – joined Pulp’d for the penultimate song of the performance, Disco 2000. Tristan Drew, also known as “Fake Jarvis”, stirred up the crowd as he explained that he was making history.
“Can you believe this? This is something quite special – it definitely makes Fake Festival history, because nobody in Fake Festival history has ever had a member of the band that they are tributing get on stage and play a song with them!” he triumphantly told the crowd.
The crowd went wild to see Banks on the drums – and he confirmed his appearance to millions of unaware fans on social media the next day when he wrote: “Joined Pulp tribute band last night Pulp’d. Had a blast!”
The video of the moment was posted on the Fake Festivals Facebook page, with the group gushing: “It was an incredible experience to play with one of our heroes.
“We watched him on Top of the Pops when we were younger and to get to play a song with him as a tribute band. An experience we will not forget. Thanks to Nick for making a band of Pulp fans very happy. True gent.”
The real-life fake who’d normally have been on the drums, also had his say, marvelling: “Still can’t believe that happened! Yep, that’s Nick Banks playing my kit!”
Meanwhile, Pulp is expected to release brand new material soon, following a 2023 reunion of the group.
The album More is scheduled for June 6, allowing fans to reminisce over their Britpop heights while enjoying new songs at the same time.
It will follow Spike Island, their latest single, which was released in April – and they’ll tour the UK this summer, with one hotly tipped Manchester date already sold out.