December 19, 2007 10:47

Jarvis Cocker plays surprise Christmas gig

Pulp man thrills with unique festive covers set

Photo Gallery: Jarvis Cocker
Photo: Danny North

Jarvis Cocker played a surprise secret gig in London last night (December 18).

The former Pulp frontman played a set of covers at the Luminaire venue for his record label Rough Trade's Christmas party.

Encouraging loud singalongs from the invited crowd, Cocker’s choice of covers included Survivor’s 'Eye of the Tiger', Thin Lizzy’s ’The Boys Are Back In Town and Jimi Hendrix’s ’Purple Haze’.

He also played The Jesus And Mary Chain’s ’Sidewalking’, claiming it as a new Christmas anthem.

"I'd not really thought of ’Sidewalking’ as a Christmas song before," Cocker told the crowd. "But I suppose you do have to be careful on the pavements at this time of year."

He then truly got into the festive spirit, finishing off with a enthusiastic version of ’Walking In A Winter Wonderland’ complete with sleigh bells.