Twenty-five years after they last played Finsbury Park, Pulp gave a barnstorming encore which proved the indelible appeal of their very British indie pop.

Earlier on a balmy summer's evening the 45,000 sold out crowd had welcomed Brit-award winning duo Wet Leg, who brought a rock chick edge and gorgeous vocals to the likes of Chaise Longue, Wet Dream and Ur Mum.

Then from the moment the curtains parted, and Jarvis Cocker rose up from below a giant moon clad in green velvet flared suit, the esctatic but good-natured Pulp fans, were treated to a masterclass in off-beat, eccentric showmanship.

Islington Gazette: Wet Leg were the support act for Pulp in Finsbury Park.Wet Leg were the support act for Pulp in Finsbury Park. (Image: Sarah Louise Bennett)

With specs and unkempt hair flying - oddly reminiscent of Robert Peston on the 10 O'clock news - Cocker launched into I Spy, then a thumping Disco 2000 - who knew that 'woodchip on the walls' could unite a crowd?

The melodies are catchy and the lyrics idiosyncratic; Mis-Shapes, Pulp's paean to the misfits who are 'making a move and coming out of the side-lines' is dedicated to the LGBTQ Pride marchers, and a moving rendition of the ballad Something Changed to the band's bass player Steve Mackey who died in March.

Islington Gazette: Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker opened the show with I Spy.Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker opened the show with I Spy. (Image: Sarah Louise Bennett)

Joined by a tight backing ensemble including an orchestra, Jarvis was in command of the night - with a hip wiggle and a finger point. The upbeat F.E.E.L.I.N.G.C.A.L.L.E.D.L.O.V.E. is accompanied by back projections, Sorted for E's and Whizz catapults everyone back to the come downs of our raving days, and Do You Remember The First Time comes with a shout out to the loyal fans who came to the 1998 Finsbury Park gig back at the height of Brit Pop.

Islington Gazette: The band sent the crowds home happy with their best known track Common People.The band sent the crowds home happy with their best known track Common People. (Image: Sarah Louise Bennett)

Cocker hops across raised blocks, lounges in a chair for This is Hardcore and even sings lying down. He's rather soft spoken for the increasingly merry crowd, but there's never any danger that the band won't deliver. After Babies and Razzamatazz he teases the crowd 'have we forgotten one?' before launching into Common People.

He clearly hasn't tired of Pulp's best known hit and the fans are satisfied, they know a great gig when they hear one.