ABOUT LAST NIGHT : EDWYN COLLINS - QUEEN'S HALL, EDINBURGH

It was Edwyn Collins at the Queen's Hall in Edinburgh.

After his brush with death, this was a night very few, if any, of us ever imagined.

This was a show that was full of courage. Edwyn's stroke has still left him with severe difficulties in walking and to hold a conversation. And yet, his brain has the capacity to allow him to learn certain things that stay lodged there, thus enabling him to perform on stage.

There were 15 or so songs - I wasn't counting - from throughout his career taking in early Orange Juice right through to the airing of a new and unrecorded song. Edwyn's singing was more than passable - there were a few bum notes, but hey, that's always been the case when he's played live.

I was right down at the front, and the first thing to say to anyone who thought the gigs might be akin to watching a car crash is that Edwyn doesnt seemingly have to push himself all that hard physically or mentally to put on the show. Yes, its a real effort for him to walk unaided onto the stage and take up his place sitting on an amp in front of a microphone in the full-glare of the lights centre-stage. The biggest difference is that he doesn't say much other than to introduce each song and be failingly polite to the audience for the warmth of reception at the end of each song.

Above all else, it was very clear that Edwyn was having a ball up on stage - obviously enjoying what he was doing and the reaction it was bringing out in people - and proving that he was a born performer and entertainer, even in the face of such adversity. He's also a stubborn old sod determined not to let his disability get in the way - which is why, despite walking being such an effort, he insists on leaving and then returning to the stage for an encore rather than staying put for one set.

As there's some folk reading this who will, like myself, be going to Oran Mor in Glasgow tonight, I'm not saying much about the set composition for now - I'll maybe return to that tomorrow.

What I can tell you is that Roddy Frame, for the way he performed on guitar last night, has not only booked himself a place in heaven, but has ensured he will immediately be awarded his wings when he gets there. There was a real sense of magic about some moments last night....and the affection, admiration and love that Edwyn and Roddy have long had for one another was very obvious for everyone to see.

I was so happy to have been there, more so because, as the tribute song goes, Edwyn Collins is back. With soul.