Pulp played their first full live show of 2012 at London’s Royal Albert Hall last night (March 31).

Taking place as part of this year’s run of Teenage Cancer Trust gigs, the show opened with a number of questions being projected onto a large screen above the stage. The final one asked the crowd ‘Do You Remember The First Time?’ before Pulp appeared on stage to kick off with the 1994 hit.

The set spanned Pulp’s vast career, including the inclusion of ‘My Lighthouse’ during the encore. Jarvis Cocker spoke about how the song, recorded in 1983, featured his sister Saskia and her school friend Jill Talbot on backing vocals. The pair were invited onstage to contribute once again nearly 30 years later to huge cheers.

“Dunno what you’re clapping for…” quipped Javis, “…nobody bought it.”

Other guests included former Pulp guitarist Richard Hawley, who appeared for ‘Like A Friend’ and then remained for the duration, while support band Cat’s Eyes’ orchestral ensemble were purloined for ‘This Is Hardcore’. Violinist Natalie returned to take departed Russell Senior’s place for the band’s biggest hit ‘Common People’.

Jarvis later referenced the fact the band hadn’t played live in six months, aside from performing two songs at the NME Awards in February, when they also picked up this year’s Teenage Cancer Trust Outstanding Contribution To Music award.

He commented: “I think it’s going OK.”

Pulp played:

‘Do You Remember The First Time?’

‘Disco 2000’