Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker has praised the Mercury Prize for bringing together musicians from different genres, three decades after the Sheffield band won the award for Different Class. Speaking on the red carpet at this year's ceremony in Newcastle, Cocker said the prize has been a constant throughout the band's career.
A 30-Year Connection to the Prize
"I think Lauren Laverne pointed out, you know, it's 30 years since we actually won it," Jarvis told the Mirror. When bandmate Candida Doyle asked whether the win was for His 'n' Hers or Different Class, Jarvis confirmed it was for Different Class, released in 1995. Drummer Nick Banks joked that the group missed out on His 'n' Hers, with Jarvis adding it was the "narrowest of margins."
Reflecting on the prize's significance, Jarvis said: "It's been there throughout most of our career, really. And it's kind of the only, mean, there's the BRITS, obviously, but Mercury is a bit different because I was on the judging thing one year, so I know how it works. You get people from all different parts of the music industry. And so, if you win it, then it's like other people are saying that they like you, which, for someone who has a lot of self-esteem issues, is good!"
Tonight's Nominations and Performances
Pulp are nominated this year for the compilation album Help (2), created by War Child, which also features Arctic Monkeys, Fontaines D.C., Olivia Rodrigo, Oasis, Cameron Winter and Depeche Mode. The band have heard a "good mix of genres" during their soundcheck, Jarvis said.
Sir Paul McCartney is nominated for The Boys of Dungeon Lane, and Candida Doyle expressed her excitement: "I'd like to see Paul McCartney," the Belfast-born keyboardist said, though she knew he would not be in attendance. Jarvis named Kats as the band he was most looking forward to seeing, while Doyle hopes to see Young Fathers perform.
The 2026 Mercury Prize Line-Up
Jarvis called the line-up "a really good line-up of people," adding: "I don't know whether anybody else was busy, but we're very happy to be representing it tonight. And I hope it wins."
The full list of Albums of the Year for the Mercury Prize 2026 includes The Boy Who Played the Harp by Dave, Blizzard by Dove Ellis, Everybody Scream by Florence + the Machine, That's Showbiz Baby! by JADE, A Great Day In Newcastle by Knats, Don't Look Down by Kojey Radical, Emotional Junglist by Nia Archives, The Art of Loving by Olivia Dean, The Boys of Dungeon Lane by Paul McCartney, This Music May Contain Hope by RAYE, Antidepressants by Suede, and HELP(2) by War Child.
Ten of the 12 acts will perform on the night, with Dave and Paul McCartney skipping the ceremony due to scheduling conflicts. Lauren Laverne will host the event at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle. The Mercury Prize recognises the best new British and Irish music, celebrating artistic achievement across contemporary genres and often providing a platform for up-and-coming artists.
