THE ghost of Britpop past made a welcome visitation to the O2 Academy tonight. Riding high on the 1990s revival currently being led by swaggering former Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher, the venue was rammed with all three floors heaving.

Kicking things off were Shed Seven’s old Polydor label mates Cast, who were billed as support for the night. You could argue that the Liverpool band could have been the headline act themselves, as they certainly achieved a similar level of success and fame during their own mid-90s heyday.

All credit to them, they dutifully played the part and got down to business with all the big singles Finetime, Walkaway and Alright. Lead singer John Power still looking in remarkably fine fettle with his trademark mop of curly hair and bags of energy.

After a brisk but full-set, Cast humbly gave way for Shed Seven who are clearly enjoying the chart success of last month’s new album Instant Pleasures, which is their first release in 16 years.

Unbelievably, the Sheffield band look not a day over 35 with lead singer Rick Witter still cutting a lithe figure in his skinny jeans. It seems this bunch have been on the carrot juice and treadmill for the last two decades.

Shaking his maracas on a rug in the centre of the stage, Rick proved to be genial host with plenty of audience banter, deadpan quips and still a mighty fine voice.

The new material stood up well with the die-hard fans already chanting along to Room in My House and Better Days. There was even a nod to The Stone Roses with the unexpectedly brilliant guitar outro from I Am The Resurrection neatly added to the end of She Left Me On Friday.

It was then left for Going for Gold to blow the roof off the O2 and a strong encore that featured It’s Not Easy, Getting Better and everyone’s favourite, Chasing Rainbows. With two incredible bands for the price of one, everybody went home more than happy having rolled back the years together.

As Witter said himself, "Thanks for making a Tuesday night in Bournemouth feel like a Saturday."