Well, not exactly. Mr Hudson is here supported by Kid Britain, number one US grime crossover artist Kid Cudi and, er, Kanye West. Kanye's cameo is the worst kept secret in Camden tonight – there are chants of his name and diamond hand-shapes raised to the sky. Our supposed headliner waves at the ranks of steepled fingertips and quips 'What does that signify?'
Very funny. But no less than you'd expect from Mr Hudson, an Oxford graduate riding a dizzying bubble of high profile collaborations and genuine talent. Even if he can't decide whether to be post-folk, electro or rap.
Kanye, released from his Wireless podium, seems overjoyed to play 'support' in front of a modest crowd, bouncing around like an oldskool MC and repeatedly emphasising that 'this night is about Mr Hudson, one of my favourite artists'. The entire encore consists of Kanye/Hudson collaborations including standout tracks 'Supernova' and 'Paranoid' – electrifying.
And what of Mr West's favourite? He carries off the main show / warm up with aplomb despite veering wildly between styles and even voices. The first song sounds like Kate Nash – kill it with hammers!! However the rest of the show takes flight nicely.
His powerful calypso band are amplified in a clipped electro style and provide a massive noise for highlights including 'Too Late Too Late'. There's an outrageously camp '80s disco power ballad in the shape of 'Lift Your Head From Your Hands' and even a rousing acoustic section which bemuses the nu rave crowd but proves he can sing beautifully.
Kudos to Mr Hudson for inviting the sun to shine on stage at the Roundhouse without being totally eclipsed.
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