Britpop, then: Oasis or Blur? Oasis versus Blur. Cheeky northern scamps or artful Essex geezers? When these two heavyweights of the Britpop scene were going toe-to-toe in the mid-nineties, it was all anybody could talk about and a few important contributors were prematurely consigned to history.

In fact, at the height of Britpop in 1996 with Chris Evans' TFI Friday, Euro '96 and Loaded magazine becoming the cultural touchstones of a new generation, it was another band enjoying considerable chart success. That year, Shed Seven managed five UK Top 40 singles - more than Oasis or Blur - and they were even picked for the closing montage for television coverage of England's epic and now legendary Euro '96 semi-final battle with Germany.

You can be forgiven for not remembering that montage because you were too drunk to care, were storming about in the garden fighting off horrible tears (guilty) or, most likely, because Shed Seven's 'Going For Gold' was only to be played in the event of an England win.

As Germany's Andy Möller was burying another exquisite penalty into the top corner, Shed Seven were shelved in favour of Cast's mournful Walk Away. Another cruel blow for York's finest.

A decade-and-a-half on, with Liam Gallagher wasting everybody's time with his Beady Eye and Blur reforming only for weddings, Bar Mitzvahs and occasional festivals, Rick Witter is once again taking his epic voice, his band and a towering back catalogue of shimmering indie classics on the road once more.

Shed Seven greatest hits compilations run to 30 or so tracks and the boys will be working hard to get through as much of it as possible - with no irksome 'new material' - starting in Glasgow on 2nd December and closing 12 dates later with a hometown gig on 22nd December.

For too long, Shed Seven have been considered bit-part players. Another sell-out tour of crackling indie gold and the soundtrack to the summer of Britpop suggest otherwise.

Tickets for the 'Maximum Hits & Maximum Highs' tour go on sale Friday 6th May 2011, costing £17.50 for all dates except London, which will cost £18.50 (+ fees).

Update: Extra London show announced

With tickets for London flying, Shed Seven will no play back-to-back dates at the Shepherds Bush Empire, with tickets for the second date (18th Dec) now on sale.