Rock Legends At Rockfield
by Jeff Collins

Access all areas, but don’t let the cows escape

Many have knocked on the door of Rockfield’s Kingsley Ward over the years, proposing books on his legendary residential studios, and you can see why. Its most notable claim to fame might be as the birthplace of Bohemian Rhapsody, but it’s also been second home to the likes of Budgie and Hawkwind, seen the faltering first steps of Motörhead, the start of Robert Plant’s solo career and the recording of (What’s the Story) Morning Glory. BBC Wales journalist Collins has secured the gig of writing up the highs and lows, the successes and the excesses created at the former Monmouthshire farm. It’s a lively, chatty account, fuelled by musicians, roadies and producers, engaging and readable, if rather drawn towards bands that loom large in Collins’ preferences. Leaning to rock’s heavy/progressive wing, it skirts over the many visiting punk bands and rather hastily surveys the last couple of decades. There’s a limit to the number of times you need to be told about Rockfield’s countryside ambience or the quality of public houses in nearby Monmouth, but as a love letter to one of the most fondly considered studios in Britain, it’s worth making space for on the bedside table.

3 stars 3 stars 3 stars

ISBN 9780708320976

Reviewed by Ian Abrahams
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