One of the most important British rock acts of the year, The Verve, looks set for a big sweep at the prestigious 1998 Brit Awards.

The five-piece from Wigan have been nominated for awards in four categories, as well as being put forward for best producer.

Urban Hymns is nominated for best album

The band was ahead of the Prodigy with three nominations plus best producer, Radiohead with three, and Oasis with three.

But they will not be able to perform at the ceremony in London on February 9, because they have a concert on the same night.

Just one nomination for the Spice Girls

The Spice Girls, who won two awards last year, gained just one nomination for their video Spice Up Your Life.

Last year they won the category of best single with Wannabe and best video with Say You'll Be There.

Tabloid newspapers have claimed that the all-girl band are on the way out.

But they proved they have staying power and world-wide appeal after their single Wannabe spent four weeks at number one in the US and their album Spice has just re-entered the US top 20 after more than 40 weeks in the chart.

Elton John nominated for the tribute song Candle in the Wind 1997

Elton John gained two nominations for the record-breaking tribute single to Diana, Princess of Wales, Candle In The Wind '97.

It has sold 33 million copies worldwide, more than 11 million of them in the United States.

The BBC's multi-artist cover of A Perfect Day has been nominated for Best British Single.

Radiohead: Nominated for Best British Album

British band Radiohead are in the running for Best British Album with their double platinum OK Computer.

It has been named as the best album of all time by readers of the music magazine Q, as well as being the choice of magazines Vox and Select.

The classic British act Fleetwood Mac will be honoured for their outstanding contribution to the British music industry at the ceremony.

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