Edwyn Collins Joins the Maccabees at NME Tour Gig

On the final night of their headlining spot at the Shockwaves NME Awards Tour at the Brixton Academy in London, the Maccabees were joined by a very special guest on Saturday (Feb. 20).

In a three-song encore, Orlando Weeks announced the band were pleased to present "one of the greatest songwriters and one of our heroes," as Edwyn Collins joined the Brighton five piece for a cover of his band's 'Rip It Up And Start Again.'

The former Orange Juice frontman took to the stage with a cane for support, a reminder of the singer's near-fatal brain hemorrhage back in 2005. Collins has recovered well, returning to performing in 2007, and this guest spot comes ahead of his first single release since his illness. 'I'm Feeling Lucky,' featured on the Mavis Staples tribute album 'MAVIS,' will be released on Monday (Feb. 22) in the UK.

The Maccabees had been including the Collins-penned classic in their NME sets, but Saturday night marked the first time the legend participated. Following the cover, the band closed the set with 'Love You Better,' and noted that it marked their last bout of touring before taking a break to write their third album.

Their final set, atop of bill consisting of the Drums, the Big Pink and Bombay Bicycle Club, was received with singalongs and chanting from the sold-out crowd. Tracks played spanned their two albums and included 'No Kind Words,' 'X-Ray' and 'First Love,' and were embellished by a three-piece brass ensemble.