Welsh rockers The Manic Street Preachers have written an emotional tribute to their missing guitarist Richey Edwards on their new album Life Blood.

The song Cardiff Afterlife is a "delayed reaction" to the mysterious disappearance of their founding member nine years ago and deals with their concern about his well-being, following Edward's notorious alcoholism, anorexia and self-harming.

Bassist Nicky Wire explains: "It's a delayed reaction. It just gushed out. It's tender but truthful, and I'm proud of that."

The eagerly-awaited album is due out in October.