Pulp on their full circle moment with the Mercury Prize and Brian Eno nearly throwing their prize money away

At the 2026 Mercury Prize ceremony held in Newcastle, iconic British band Pulp took a moment to celebrate a significant milestone, reflecting on their enduring relationship with the prestigious award and their ongoing connection to the War Child charity. The event marked a poignant full circle for the group, whose 1996 win for their seminal album 'Different Class' remains one of their defining career moments.

Representing the charity compilation 'Help(2)', Pulp performed their track 'Begging For Change' to highlight the album’s cause. This release serves as a contemporary successor to the original 1995 'Help' compilation, a project famously curated by Brian Eno that featured a roster of influential 90s artists including Oasis, Blur, and Radiohead. The 2026 follow-up continues this legacy with contributions from a new generation of notable musicians such as Arctic Monkeys, Damon Albarn, and Olivia Rodrigo.

Pulp’s involvement with War Child dates back to their Mercury Prize victory, when they notably donated their £25,000 prize money to the cause. An anecdote from that time reveals how Brian Eno, unaware the envelope he received contained the donation, nearly discarded it. This event marked the beginning of a lasting relationship between the band and the legendary producer.

The group’s members fondly recalled their memories of the 1996 awards night, despite some hazy recollections due to the celebratory atmosphere. Drummer Nick Banks humorously described the customary champagne celebrations that come with winning, a ritual emblematic of the event’s spirit.

The original 'Help' album was recorded swiftly at Abbey Road Studios and involved high-profile figures such as Paul McCartney, underscoring its significance in the music community. Pulp admitted to feeling a touch of envy at not being part of the initial project, making their contribution to 'Help(2)' a gratifying experience.

In conversation with nme.com, Jarvis Cocker shared personal insights into his early life, including delivering newspapers as a youth and how purchasing the NME newspaper was a formative moment. The band also discussed the challenges and rewards of creating a cohesive charity compilation album, praising producer James Ford for uniting diverse genres and artists into a compelling record.

Reflecting on the state of the album format, Pulp expressed optimism about its resurgence, particularly through vinyl sales. They highlighted the unique listening experience vinyl offers, with its natural breaks and tangible connection to music, suggesting albums are experiencing a cultural revival despite the decline of CDs and digital album purchases.

Looking ahead, Pulp remains cautiously open about their future activities. Following the release of their comeback album 'More' in 2023—their first in over two decades—the band views themselves as an evolving entity that may continue to create sporadically. Cocker emphasized the unpredictability of the future but indicated a willingness to reconvene for new projects when the time feels right.

The Mercury Prize 2026 was ultimately awarded to Raye for her album 'This Music May Contain Hope', with a competitive shortlist featuring prominent artists such as Paul McCartney, Florence + The Machine, and Suede.

In addition to their recent musical endeavors, Pulp’s live performance film directed by Garth Jennings, titled 'What Do You Do For An Encore?', is presently available on the streaming platform MUBI, offering fans another dimension of the band's artistic output.

The band’s participation in the 2026 Mercury Prize celebrations not only honors their historical achievements but also reinforces their continued commitment to charitable causes and the evolving music landscape. Their reflections and involvement underscore the intersection of legacy, artistry, and philanthropy within contemporary music culture.