Pulp were inspired to reunite by the death of a friend.

The 'Common People' group are playing a string of festival dates this summer - their first shows since splitting in 2002 - and frontman Jarvis Cocker said they were spurred by the tragic passing of someone close to the band.

Although he didn't name the person in question, he told radio station BBC 6 Music: "I think that had a lot to do with it. You suddenly realise you can't take things for granted."

Guitarist Mark Webber added: "I always thought we'd do something together again eventually, but when he died, I realised we should maybe grasp that opportunity."

Jarvis also said he has been anxious in the build up to their first show, which is at the Primavera Sound Festival in Spain tomorrow (28.05.11).

He said: "I've had a few anxiety dreams already. The favourite is usually wandering through a festival, then looking at your watch and realising you should have been on stage 10 minutes ago."

Pulp will play at the UK's Isle of Wight Festival on June 11, Open'er festival in Gdynia, Poland on July 1, Wireless Festival in London on July 3, Scotland's T In The Park on July 10 and the UK's Reading and Leeds festivals on August 26 to 28.