Morrissey has a rather curmudgeonly reputation, so supporting the man surely adds a touch of pressure.
For The Heartbreaks singer, Matthew Whitehouse, the experience was something to be cherished.
"Being watched by Morrissey makes you improve your game somewhat," he says, in a nicely understated manner. "He has a video link-up to his room, so was watching us every night. He knew the words to our songs too, which was nice."
The one-time Smiths frontman is not the only one to be impressed by The Heartbreaks. The Morecambe foursome's debut album, Funtimes, is finally released on Monday after a considerable spell building a reputation as one of the most exciting guitar bands in Britain.
It's brimming with melodic pop tunes and an air of romantic wistfulness. It's not surprising Morrissey was impressed, as the likes of Liar, My Dear and Winter Gardens are reminiscent of his old band.
It's not just the Smiths that spring to mind, with enough jangly guitars to recall Glasgow's Orange Juice. That link is cemented by the fact that Edwyn Collins himself produced one track, Remorseful
