Pulp just made a power move that’s shaking up how bands approach documentaries. They announced a one-night-only cinema release for‘What Do You Do For An Encore?’, a 90-minute feature directed by Garth Jennings that chronicles the Sheffield Britpop legends from complete obscurity to cultural icon status. The film premieres September 18 in UK and Irish cinemas, with Canada getting it September 23 and the US on September 24. What makes this special isn’t just the limited run—it’s the production value. Jennings blended live footage from Pulp’s 2025 arena tour celebrating their first album in 24 years with never-before-seen archival material spanning four decades. Jarvis Cocker narrates the entire journey across 20 songs, and the production credits include people who’ve worked on major Hollywood films. Think Stop Making Sense, but for a band that defined 90s British rock.
To make things even better, Pulp’s releasing a live album called‘Live!’on August 28, recorded from their sold-out O2 London shows in June 2025. So fans get both the visual cinematic experience and the audio-only album experience. After the theatrical window closes, the film becomes exclusive to MUBI streaming later this year. This whole strategy shows exactly how modern bands are thinking about releases—multiple formats, multiple platforms, and strategic exclusivity to build urgency. It’s not just a concert film; it’s a cultural event.
The timing couldn’t be better either. Pulp’s been touring arenas again after years away, proving that 90s nostalgia is more than just TikTok trends and thrifted Nirvana shirts. These are actual legacy acts that still matter. Whether you’re a longtime fan who grew up on Pulp or someone curious about why this band was such a big deal, this documentary seems built to remind everyone exactly why British rock in the 90s was untouchable. Are you planning to catch the cinema screening, or will you wait for MUBI?
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.