Adelaide / United Kingdom — After a week of cultural controversy and public pressure, iconic British indie band Pulp has agreed to headline a free concert at the 2026 Adelaide Festival on 27 February, reversing an earlier position to withdraw from the event. The decision comes amid efforts by organisers to resolve a crisis sparked by the exclusion and later reinstatement of Palestinian-Australian author Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah — a saga that had threatened to overshadow one of Australia’s major cultural celebrations.
The band, led by frontman Jarvis Cocker, is back on the Adelaide lineup following a public apology from the festival’s newly appointed board and a series of organisational changes that aimed to address concerns around artistic freedom and inclusion.
Free Concert to Launch Festival
Pulp’s performance will kick off the Adelaide Festival with a free outdoor concert at Elder Park, marking one of the festival’s most high-profile events. The band — best known for Britpop classics like Common People, Disco 2000 and Do You Remember the First Time? — is making its first Australian appearance in 15 years.
The gig is also set to feature material from Pulp’s acclaimed 2025 album More, their first full-length release in nearly 25 years. The performance is expected to draw large crowds as part of a festival programme encompassing dozens of world premieres, Australian premieres and exclusive shows across multiple artistic disciplines.
Boycott Threat and Cultural Backlash
The band’s decision to play in Adelaide did not come without turbulence. Earlier this month, festival organisers faced intense backlash after they removed Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah from the Adelaide Writers’ Week lineup, citing concerns about perceived “cultural sensitivity” following a domestic terror attack. That decision triggered mass withdrawals from more than 180 authors and speakers, the effective cancellation of Writers’ Week, and the resignation of key festival leadership.
Pulp, who have a history of speaking out on political and cultural issues, publicly indicated discomfort with how the situation unfolded, suggesting they may join calls for a boycott in solidarity with free expression and against censorship.
After board members resigned and a new leadership council was appointed — which issued an unreserved apology to Dr Abdel-Fattah and invited her to appear at Writers’ Week in 2027 — Pulp confirmed that they felt comfortable honouring their performance commitment.
Band’s Statement and Artistic Principles
In a detailed statement to fans and the press, Pulp emphasised their belief in artistic freedom and resistance to censorship. They said they were “appalled” by the circumstances surrounding the Writers’ Week controversy and respect those who spoke out against the festival’s initial decision.
The band said they initially decided to withdraw “in support of the boycott,” but acknowledged that when festival organisers worked to resolve the crisis and act in “good faith,” including board changes and apologies to those affected, they were able to reaffirm their commitment to perform. They described the Adelaide concert as an opportunity for “different communities to come together in peace and harmony.”
Festival Organisers Respond
The Adelaide Festival Corporation’s new board released its own statement retracting the earlier position that led to the removal of Dr Abdel-Fattah, expressing regret over the harm caused and reaffirming the festival’s commitment to intellectual and artistic freedom. Abdel-Fattah publicly accepted the apology, calling it an acknowledgment of the right to speak publicly on important issues.
Senior arts figures and political leaders have described the reconciliation as a positive development that allowed the festival — one of Australia’s most important cultural events — to proceed with its full suite of programming.
Public Reaction and Social Media Uproar
Despite the resolution, there is ongoing debate on social media and among festivalgoers about Pulp’s participation. Some fans and advocacy groups urged the band to remain aligned with protest movements, while others celebrated the band’s return and the potential for a unifying cultural event amid a fraught public discourse.
This dynamic reflects broader tensions over artistic freedom, festival governance and the role of cultural institutions in navigating politically charged landscapes.
Pulp’s Australian Tour and Future Shows
Pulp’s Adelaide Festival concert forms part of a larger Australia and New Zealand tour, with additional appearances scheduled in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. The Adelaide show, however, remains one of the tour’s standout highlights — both for its artistic profile and symbolic significance in light of recent controversy.
Looking Ahead
As Adelaide Festival approaches its late-February launch, organisers, artists and audiences alike will be watching not only the performances but how the event’s renewed leadership navigates ongoing expectations around inclusion, open expression and cultural engagement.
What began as a potential boycott and symbolic protest has shifted toward a larger conversation about the role of festivals in fostering dialogue — and for Pulp, a moment to reaffirm their belief in the power of music to bring people together even in difficult times.
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