In review: My Family and Other Rock Stars

Tiffany Murray grew up in the late 70’s at Rockfield, the iconic recording studios situated on a farm in the Welsh countryside. Here, her mother Joan was the cordon bleu chef for the bands that arrived to record - David Bowie, Freddie Mercury, Simple Minds and Lemmy to name a few. This warm, amusing and touching memoir recalls Tiff’s childhood, from roaming the fields with her dog to hiding on the stairs and watching the stars record, a freewheeling, bohemian lifestyle befitting the 70s. Her childish joy is palpable and interspersed with her amusing recollections of rock stars are recipes and memories from her mother – it is through these that we gain a wonderful picture of the fiercely independent Joan and the lifestyle she embodied.

Seen through Tiff’s innocent eyes, Roger Taylor from Queen is described as ‘pretty as my Tiny Tears’ and Brian May as ‘tall and thin as a silver birch’. Freddie Mercury meanwhile loves her Great Dane, and there’s a grainy black and white photo to prove it. Ozzy Osbourne scares her one night, then sends a Harrods van full of toys to make it up to her. Unlike the usual rock memoir, this is written by a bystander, not a musician, giving us a unique insight into this world of eccentricity and talent.

The book is beautifully written, enveloping you into life at Rockfield and without realising it, you will have taken both Tiff and Joan to heart. Wonderfully engaging, it is a journey, like a great meal or a groovy song, that you won’t want to finish when it ends. Whether you are a child of the era, a fan of the golden days of rock, interested in food or simply fascinated by a memoir, this book will bring you great joy.