With the release of her eighth album, Can’t Take My Story Away , roots star Elles Bailey talks fame, vanity, mental health and the childhood trauma behind her smoke ’n’ honey battle cry.

The band’s original 80s singer returns with a new line-up and the same drive and ambition.

PHOTOGRAPH: LOUIE BANKS. STYLING: BILLY LOBOS THE BEGINNING ...

LESTER COHEN / GETTY Lazarus: The Second Coming ...

With solo projects, other bands and a massive Creed reunion between them, there were whispers that Alter Bridge might be on the way out. Instead they regrouped, faced the dark side of our times, put their foot on the gas and recorded a brilliant new album.

A key figure in 70s pub rock is back with more songs “about politics or idiots with fingers on buttons”.