Shed Seven play Birmingham tonight

In many ways, it's more exciting today than it was during the height of Britpop. Rick Witter can't believe his band, Shed Seven, are still filling out venues across the UK.

"It amazes me," he says. "It tastes all the sweeter now, because we really don't expect it.

"I don't know what it is about Shed Seven. I think we connected with people in a way that others perhaps didn't. It seems we're a part of their history, it seems we were the soundtrack to a lot of people's lives."

Rick and co are back on the road for a festive tour that will reach Birmingham's O2 Academy tonight (Friday, December 16)

They've played venues up and down the country and will continue their tour with dates in London and Leeds.

Rick adds: "People look at us and compare us to Madness, who returned to the fore after a long time away and then started to fill stadiums.

"We're very pleased that the tours keep on selling out.

"When we came back, we didn't know whether there'd be an audience for us, but we're thrilled that there is."

In coming years, Rick thinks his audience will grow ever larger.

"I think if you think about it seriously, we're probably heading into a time when all of the Britpop fashions will come back.

"I'm very excited about what the future holds. I think in the next two or three years, you'll be seeing a lot more from bands like The Sheds."

Andy Richardson