Jo Whiley / The Cut 10 December 2001 (TV)

Pulp recorded three songs for Jo Whiley's C4 music programme "The Cut". They played Weeds, I Love Life, and Bad Cover Version to an audience of fans who were given the opportunity to get free tickets to the show via pulponline.  Only BCV and Weeds were broadcast though, which is a shame as Mark tells me I Love Life was by far the best & most relaxed song they did on the night. Typical! Here's what you thought of the tv experience: 

Blimey.... some of the [fans] were very nice, but there were a few that were, how do I put this? Off their bloody heads. One guy kept shouting, 'its a corporate something or other' at Jarvis. One girl in front of me shouted something equally bizarre, I looked up and Jarvis stared at me as if I'd done it.  Scary. It wasn't a short stare either, a great big long stare, so I just stared back and raised my eyebrows at him. Then when they were finishing the last song he crouched down at the front about a metre away and stared again. THEN five bright white lights flashed in my face making me look like a rabbit caught in headlights. Its always the way, stand at the side where the action isn't and get blinded - and stared at. Really enjoyed it. They were all great. Jarvis was damn funny.  It was so nice and really cheered me up  - give em a thank you for being so entertaining. Steve looked very serious, though. He looked a bit like he hated it, or maybe he's just very serious? Who was the little guy at the back with glasses playing guitar? (Little? That would be Richard Hawley, but he's never been described as "Little" before - Ed.) I think he was laughing at me because I kept scowling at the camera.  The songs sounded really good, lots of energy. Oh and not a bit of Jo Whiley at all - which was nice. (Andrea)

Noticed quite a few people at the front all together who were shouting stuff out at Jarvis, and someone
shouting at Steve saying she lived on the same road as Jarvis. To be honest, they were really getting on my tit ends. Pulp were top though. Jarvis was on form with his witty ways and talked to some people in the crowd. They played "Bad Cover Version" and "Weeds" (both twice) and then one recording of "I Love Life" which was fantastic. Jarvis went mental at the end throwing water, dropping his mike, and doing some wild stuff. We were all pissing ourselves. Dead funny. Also in between songs and takes, the band were jamming "I'm Set Free" and "Here She Comes" by Velvet Underground, with Jarvis mumbling the
lyrics. (Paul Jackson)

I went there yesterday and it was better than Brixton or Birmingham. I got so close to Jarvis! I touched his feet, his hand and his head during the performance. It was more show, actually I'm really not one of these crazy fans. In between the shots I small talked with him, about Birmingham and Brixton. He was sooo nice. Well, I'm just writing this to say a big thanx to u! (Nadine Rouvaire)

Luckily there was little of Jo Whiley (and what there was was inaudible). Even though these kinds of things are always excruciating on one level, Pulp still made all the waiting around worthwhile. And a double dose of Bad Cover Version is definitely a bonus, I can think of worse things to do on a Monday night. (Milena)

Thanks for telling us about the TV show last night. Had a really great time. Went with a couple of mates one who had never seen Pulp live and managed to get right to the front. It is so great being that close and not having crash barriers and bouncers. We were a bit confused at first about what was happening - we got a free beer ( I managed to get two) and then we went into the room and we were made to clap occasionally while this Faith no More/ Limp Biskit band were on. It was a bit like a grown up version of ToTP. Then loads of people trooped out to the bar to film some bar shots. Don't know what I missed there but it meant I was right at the front next to a guy I met at Brixton and the girl who talked to Jarvis about Birmingham. Pulp were great. Seemed a bit fed up but not surprising considering so many technical hitches and having to play stuff again. But they worked in our favour coz Jarvis came down and sat on the stage and chatted to us for a while - so I got to speak to him at long last! Bit surprised at the fans at the front. It was the lads who were touching Jarvis's legs while we ladies restrained ourselves! But they were a great bunch though. Bit of a mystery night. very confusing but great fun. Would do it again. (Rosie N)

Can I just say big thanks to you for announcing last nights recording and making this kind of thing possible. Last night was excellent, it was amazing being so intimate, and we had the most fantastic evening....(Elina)

We went and it was awesome!! It really was special. So personal for a change.. meeting Jarvis. Watch out for us front row pulponliners tonight! (Andy C)