International guitar hero Walter Trout is back with a new album that overflows with bristling energy, unflagging virtuosity and lyrics that cut to the core of human hope and willpower.

Trout is the two-time winner of the British Blues Award for Overseas Artist Of The Year, and made the number six slot in BBC Radio 1’s Top 20 Guitarists, tying with Queen’s Brian May.

His latest album, Battle Scars, chronicles his horrific battle with liver failure. Joyful, energized guitar and vocal performances frame the dozen original songs that narrate his hard-won, life-or-death struggle waiting for, and ultimately receiving, a life-saving liver transplant. Playing and singing at the peak of his abilities, Battle Scars infuses even his darkest numbers with a creative joy that sweeps like a beacon.

£26 standing

www.exeterphoenix.org.uk