Fire approaches to re-sign

Steve Mackey , a fellow Sheffielder and supportive fan, was also studying in London by this time and was asked to join as a bass player. In 1989, Fire Records approached Cocker about re-signing Pulp, promising a £10,000 recording budget; still wary from their prior experience with the label, the band booked FON’s studio and producer Alan Smyth once again in hopes that they could use Fire’s studio advance without actually formalising a new deal. Under this arrangement, Pulp commenced work on what would ultimately become their next LP Separations . Upon completing the album, with no discernible interest from any other label, the band reluctantly agreed to re-sign with Fire Records. As with Freaks , the label would delay the release of Separations considerably, sitting on the album until 1992.