Pulp open Radio 2 Piano Room’s latest run from Maida Vale

Radio 2’s Piano Room has returned today on Vernon Kay’s mid-morning show with a special performance from Pulp at London’s Maida Vale Studios.

Appearing alongside the BBC Concert Orchestra, the band delivered a set that mixed reinvention with familiarity, opening a new run of Piano Room sessions that will continue across the month.

Pulp performed a cover of ABBA’s The Day Before You Came, alongside Something Changed from their era defining album Different Class, and The Hymn of the North from their latest album.

Today’s performance marks the first of 16 new Piano Room sets taking place at Maida Vale Studios this month, as Radio 2 once again brings major artists together with the BBC Concert Orchestra in the iconic venue.

Speaking to Vernon Kay during the broadcast, Jarvis Cocker reflected on the band’s hiatus and what it has meant to return to recording and performing new music after time away.

He also shared memories from the early days of Pulp’s career, including attending The BRITs years ago and unexpectedly spotting Tom Jones in the bathroom.

Jarvis and Vernon also talked about their shared pride in their northern roots, discussing how place and identity continue to shape their work and outlook, even after decades in the spotlight.

During the conversation, Jarvis revealed that The Hymn of the North was written for his son, inspired by the realisation that he was growing up and would soon be leaving home.

“The Hymn of the North was written for my son,” Jarvis explained, describing how the song came from a moment of reflection about change, distance and the emotional pull of home.

The band also confirmed they will not be attending The BRITs this year, as they are due to be performing in Australia on the night of the ceremony.

However, speaking to Vernon, Pulp joked that they would still send a message if needed, underlining their continued affection for the event that played a role in their early rise.

Others lined up for the latest run of Radio 2’s Piano Room performances include  Tori Amos, Melanie C, James, Mumford & Sons, Darius Rucker, Alison Limerick, Mika, Ella Eyre, Labi Siffre, Squeeze, Appleton, Blue, Jessie J, Laufey and Macy Gray.

Listen back to Pulp’s full Piano Room performance and interview now here on BBC Sounds. You can watch their full performance on Radio 2’s YouTube channel and BBC iPlayer (available from 6pm today).