When the curtain at the Forum went up, Jarvis was standing on the drum riser with his back to us, microphone slung over one shoulder. He turned and casually prowled downstage and so it began.

“Your name is Doreen. And your name is Tabitha. Your name is Natasha,” he intoned, pointing at various thrilled audience members in turn.

“My name is Jarvis.” A knowing pause and then “but I think you already knew that.”

And with that, a louche and lithe Jarvis Cocker had the entire crowd at the Forum eating out of the palm of his hand.

Like an inexplicably attractive lovechild of Ralph Macchio and Madonna, Jarvis high-kicked and made shapes from one end of the stage to the other, working every bit of it as he put on a show that Melbourne won’t forget in a hurry. Those after the Pulp hits (and I know you were there) would leave disappointed, but those who were there to see one of the most magnetic frontmen around today would not. (And I think he’s well aware that the Pulp fans are present. He teased us with talk of Dishes – “I Am Not Jesus But I Have the Same Initials” – and half the room held their breath in anticipation before the letdown.)

It has to be said that yes, the Jarvis solo songs aren’t quite as consistently good as the songs he wrote back in the Pulp days. The highlights – Angela, Black Magic, Cunts Are Still Running the World, Don’t Let Him Waste Your Time and Big Julie – were there and were awesome. But the misses – You’re In My Eyes was a notable mess that left the crowd scratching its collective head- were there too.

In spite of the occasional meh song, Jarvis was the consummate host for the evening. He’d done his research via a Rough Guide and was keen to try out the lingo – snot block anyone? He passed out chocolates and shared his drinks with the front rows. It felt, more than any other show I’ve attended, as though we were his guests and he couldn’t be more eager to ensure we all had a fabulous time.

A Jarvis show is about much more than killer tunes played damn well. He and the band do that, but watching a performer who engages with the audience; who works every bit of the stage; and who clearly loves what he does to pieces, is a far more fun and memorable experience than the slickest songs played by a band who don’t want to be there.

CHECK OUT THE PHOTOS FROM THE GIG HERE