In the same way that the guitar heroes of the 1970s such as Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page influenced a whole generation of musicians, the Britpop era of the 1990s has spawned an anthem-led band explosion for the noughties.

But for Swindon musicians, The Brit Pop Boys, it is that cool, earthy approach of the music from original Brit pop kings such as Oasis, Blur, Pulp and Supergrass that inspired their theatrical set.

The Brit Pop Boys have created a show that brings back the glory days of the swaggering anthems.

On Saturday, October 13 the boys will be performing some of those classics, on an arena stage, when they play the O2 in Oxford.

Prior to their arena debut, the band will play a warm-up gig in their home town of Swindon at The Vic in Old Town on Saturday, October 6.

Bass player Steve Hopkins said: “It will be an electrifying guitar twanging magic carpet ride of an evening, Chasing Rainbows and looking for Wonderwalls.’’

Steve has been around the Swindon musician scene for a number of years playing in bands and as a session musician.

He played with the band Kramer who were invited to write and record the theme music for Swindon Town Football Club, which was used during the 98/99 season.

Kramer played before a 15,000 crowd at the opening match and then were asked to play the Wiltshire Festival supporting Bonnie Tyler.

Steve returned to the County Ground playing the Swindon Summer Sessions Festival in the summer of 2013 along with Peter Andre, Atomic Kitten and Liberty X.

The bass player was a founder member of The Brit Pop Boys, along with guitarist Jon Harris, who has played with Paul Weller, and Steve Craddock from Ocean Colour Scene. The band have performed at national festivals around the country and will be swaggering through a two-hour Cool Britannia set at the O2.

Steve said: “Obviously this is a big deal for us and being a Swindon band it would be great to have some local support, if all goes well we may well end up with an O2 tour next year.’’

For more details or to book tickets to support the boys in Oxford or Swindon visit https://www.thebritpopboys.co.uk/gigs/ - Flicky Harrison