Whilst the name ‘Amy MacDonald’ was emblazoned high and proud in foot-high letters on the front of the Shepherds Bush Empire, there was a different attraction, a different star in attendance.

Steve Craddock of Ocean Colour Scene became the catalyst and the drive of a performance that was beginning to verge on flat.

MacDonald cannot be blamed for being sidelined by Craddock whilst on the stage, and it looked to be a welcome reprieve with Macdonald giving her performance of the night with Craddock during new single Run, even if Craddock did fall over...twice.

He was probably one of the most talented guitarists of his generation, creating licks and rifts which helped to define the 1990’s, before going onto appear on every one of the Modfather’s solo records.

This cameo appearance may have been an extremely welcome intrusion but it certainly wasn’t the reason for the Empire being sold out. MacDonald may not be comfortable on stage but she may have to get used to it if she’s going to go further; although where there is to go after a Number One album and a sold out tour is anyone’s guess.

The ‘little girl lost’ look that is so prevalent when she is not singing or playing is in stark contrast to the girl who appears when the chords strike up. Gone is the meek and mild to make way for upfront and loud.

Not that this is achievable all on her own; it was only during the beginning of her encore during Caledonia that Macdonald truly went alone, for the rest of the evening she relied on a talented backing band.

‘Looking up to your elders’ is a statement often bandied around in music, which is ignored by those who are hell bent on doing it their way. MacDonald isn’t like that, or at least she doesn’t appear to be, with songs like Footballers Wife and Poison Prince would indicate that she more than has her head screwed on.

If that is the case then the next time Craddock is on stage with her, it may be worth gently arching her head and looking at him whilst noticing that above all else, he is letting go and having fun.