Arguably, the Britpop era was defined by ridiculously catchy pop-rock anthems, the Blur/Oasis rivalry and outspoken frontmen. And, while the music has moved on, the opinionated musicians’ tradition endures – as Nigel Clark proves here.

Since leaving Dodgy, acrimoniously, in 1998, the band have made friends and reformed.

Following a solo set at Dirty South this month, Dodgy will return to Glastonbury (the 1997 festival was the last time Nigel performed with the band before leaving) and there’s also an album in the making.

“It’s been 12 years since I last recorded an album with Dodgy, so it has changed and matured,” said the musician from his Midlands studio about the forthcoming record.

“I still write catchy pop songs in a political key. I write from my own personal experiences and I work with kids and I can see how they are frustrated still.

“I’ve been writing a song with the kids today about the fact they get blamed for everything. It’s all right for older people, kids are easy targets.”

He added: “That’s my angle. I don’t want to be a politician, I’ve never been interested in that. I think they are all liars and cheats. I feel I have to use my voice to speak on behalf of people who haven’t got a voice.”

When he talks about Dodgy’s heyday, during the height of Britpop in the 1990s, it is with a blend of fondness and frustration.

He doesn’t mind that the summer hits are now favourites for holiday company adverts and the like because of the royalties but people’s memories of the era do bother him.

“If you think about the 1960s, the two main bands people mention are The Beatles and the Rolling Stones. Same thing with the 1990s, people are going to say Oasis and Blur. But they weren’t the best. There were a lot better bands in my opinion.”

I wonder if this is a reference to the fact Oasis once supported Dodgy on tour...

“They did in Manchester, they supported us on one of their first gigs,” said Nigel.

“I do know those guys but they’ve just stuck it out and done nothing new for 10 years.

“Oasis aren’t going to do anything risky because they’re going to protect their fanbase. I’m not in music for that, I want to make myself happy and push myself.”

That’s not to say he’s adverse to keeping the Dodgy fans content.

“I can and will do the old songs if people like them, with just acoustic guitar and vocals but I like to surprise people.

“I can’t help this, but it’s very much a nostalgic trip for the audience. They hear Staying Out for the Summer and are zoomed back to 1995. That’s nice for them. Nostalgic Nige, maybe I should call myself.

“I want to make sure people have a good time; they can sing along with songs which make them feel nostalgic and they can gasp when they don’t know what I’m doing.”

“I’ve played Dirty South a few times, it should be a good gig.”

Nigel Clark performs at Dirty South, Lee High Road, Lewisham, on May 30.