Giant Jarvis Cocker Lantern Shines Bright for His 62nd Birthday Celebration

Celebrate Jarvis Cocker’s 62nd birthday with a spectacular giant lantern tribute crafted by a devoted Pulp fan.

A Birthday Tribute Like No Other

If you’ve ever been a fan of Pulp or the inimitable Jarvis Cocker, you know the man’s impact runs deep—both musically and culturally. So, when Jarvis turned 62 on September 19th, a Pulp fan decided to honor him in a truly unique way: by crafting a giant lantern in his likeness. Imagine a glowing, larger-than-life Jarvis Cocker lighting up the night sky—that’s exactly what went down!

Jarvis Cocker electrifies the crowd during Pulp’s 2025 Glastonbury performance.

The lantern made its debut at the Ulverston Lantern Parade, a charming local event where communities celebrate with illuminated artworks. Jarvis himself shared the quirky gift on Instagram, writing:

“Thanks for all your birthday messages yesterday!! Here’s perhaps the strangest one: this representation of me in lantern form will be paraded around Ulverston tonight as part of the Ulverston Lantern Parade! Send me a photo of it illuminated if you’re in the area. Thank you very much to the Ulverston lantern-makers!”

— Jarvis Cocker

This glowing homage is a testament not only to Jarvis's enduring appeal but also to the creativity his fans bring to celebrating his legacy.

Jarvis’s Birthday Tour Vibes

While the lantern lit up Ulverston, Pulp were lighting up stages across North America on their latest tour. The band’s Richmond, Virginia show coincided with Jarvis’s birthday, adding an extra spark to the night. Just two days prior, the Detroit concert at the Masonic Temple Theatre was described by Jarvis as “hot,” “loud,” and simply “GREAT!”

“It was my last concert as a 61-year-old man. See you on the other side.”

— Jarvis Cocker

Jarvis’s playful nod to entering a new age felt like a personal passing of the torch, signaling that Pulp’s energy and spirit are as vibrant as ever, no matter the number on the birthday cake.

‘More’ Than Just Nostalgia: Pulp's New Album

This year, Pulp dropped their first full-length album in 24 years: More. The record dives into themes the band has always explored but through the lens of seasoned artists who’ve seen life’s highs and lows.

“That’s the thing I’m pleased with on this record – you can tell it’s made by people, shall we say, of a certain age,” Jarvis shared. “It’s still about the same things we’ve always written songs about, but it’s just looking at them a bit differently from a different time of life.”

He reflects on aging with a candid warmth, noting one of the upsides of getting older is learning who you really are and shedding the pressure to maintain an image.

Pulp’s More has been widely praised for its lush synths and strings, with producer James Ford’s touch bringing the music alive in a fresh, omnipresent way. Critics have lauded it as a mature yet vital work, comparing it to the recent reinvigoration seen in albums by Blur and Suede.

“Drenched in synths and strings and aided by producer James Ford’s knack for making the music feel alive and omnipresent, More is everything you’d want a Pulp album to be, made richer from some lived experience.”

The album’s cinematic closer, A Sunset, offers a bittersweet reminder of time’s passage: all things end, so make the most of your moments. It’s a poignant reflection from artists who’ve fully grown into their craft.

Mercury Prize Nod and Classic Album Reissue

The excitement around Pulp isn’t just nostalgic. More earned a nomination for this year’s prestigious Mercury Prize, standing alongside fresh voices like CMAT, Fontaines D.C., PinkPantheress, and Wolf Alice. It’s a well-deserved recognition for a band that continues to evolve while honoring its roots.

On top of that, Pulp is gearing up to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their breakout 1995 album, Different Class. A deluxe reissue is set for October, including the full Glastonbury 1995 performance—a must-have for any fan wanting to relive the glory days or discover the magic anew.

The Lantern That Brought Us Together

From a majestic birthday lantern in Ulverston to thrilling live shows and a fresh album that feels both familiar and new, Jarvis Cocker and Pulp continue to captivate hearts worldwide. Their journey reminds us that music can age like fine wine—rich, full-bodied, and ever so rewarding.

What creative ways have you celebrated your favorite artist’s milestones? Would you join a lantern parade for your musical heroes?

FAQ

• How did the giant Jarvis Cocker lantern come about?
  A devoted Pulp fan crafted the giant lantern to celebrate Jarvis’s 62nd birthday, which was paraded during the Ulverston Lantern Parade.
• Is Pulp currently touring?
  Yes, Pulp is on a North American tour, with shows including Richmond, VA, where they coincided with Jarvis's birthday celebrations.
• What’s special about the album More?
  More is Pulp’s first full album in 24 years, reflecting themes of aging and life experiences with rich synth and string arrangements.
• Has More received any awards?
  The album was nominated for the 2025 Mercury Prize, highlighting its critical acclaim and cultural relevance.
• Are there any special reissues planned for Pulp’s classic albums?
  Yes, a deluxe reissue of the iconic 1995 album Different Class will be released in October, featuring their full Glastonbury 1995 set.

Celebrate your love for Pulp and Jarvis Cocker with a stunning album cover poster—perfect for any fan’s collection. Shop your favorite prints at Architeg Prints to keep the spirit alive.