Excluding Glastonbury, I'd have:
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1. Richard Ashcroft (Dreamland, Margate with Black Grape supporting who were also terrific)
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2. Confidence Man (Brixton Academy and loved Fcuker who were supporting)
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3. Manic Street Preachers/Suede (Dreamland, Margate)
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Honourable mentions to The Saw Doctors (Hammersmith Apollo) and LG (O2).
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1. Janes Addiction - Bearded Theory
One of my favourite acts over the years, a gig from the Ritual tour is still in my top 3 ever. Great to see the original 4 back together and they delivered on all fronts.
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2. Big Special - Bearded Theory & GlastonburyÂ
Can't split the two gigs, both were superb. I wasn't sure how the music would translate to the live setting with only the 2 of them but they put on one Hell of a show.
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3. Red Rum Club - Liverpool Arena
A much bigger deal on Merseyside than in the rest of the country, they were able to step up to an arena and were a perfect fit. Now 4 studio albums in, loads of big, singalong tunes, they absolutely nailed it.