In 1998, Chumbawamba's guitarist Danbert Nobacon - real name Nigel Hunter - threw a bucket of iced water over Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott. The anarchist band, who performed on the night, changed the words to their hit single 'Tubthumping' in a bid to cajole the MP. Despite apologies on behalf of the band from EMI Europe, Chumbawamba were unrepentant, issuing a press statement the day after the incident saying, "If John Prescott has the nerve to turn up at events like the Brit Awards in a vain attempt to make Labour seem cool and trendy, then he deserves all we can throw at him".

Fleetwood Mac's Mick Fleetwood made a return to the Brits after his disastrous co-hosting of the event in 1989 to collect the outstanding contribution award with the rest of the band. The Verve scored a hat-trick of awards and girl band All Saints scooped two.