ROCKFIELD Studios is known around the world for playing a part in some of the finest albums ever made.

Artists to have graced the converted farmhouse in Monmouth come straight from the top of rock's hierarchy, such as Queen, Robert Plant, The Stone Roses, and Oasis.

But a new book lifts the lid on some of the more infamous moments in the studios' 44-year history.

Rock Legends at Rockfield delves behind the scenes to find out what rock stars really got up to during and after those famous recording sessions.

Crazy antics highlighted in Jeff Collins's book include Ozzy Osbourne being chased by a swan, Phil Collins throwing up after allegedly over-indulging, Shakin' Stevens ordering beers by the crate, and Liam Gallagher losing it when a rival musician asked why Oasis always "ripped off The Beatles".

Jeff, a freelance writer and broadcaster, said his fascination with Rockfield began in his early teens when he first got into music.

"Nearly every record I saw - Black Sabbath, Queen, Rush, Hawkwind - was recorded just down the road from where I lived," said the 40-year-old from Cardiff.

An experienced journalist who has worked for the BBC and ITN in both news and sport, he spent a year gleaning stories from not only band members themselves but producers, roadies, and hangers-on.

One raucous incident involved a band who the book claims "trashed" the bands' living quarters during one visit in the mid-1990s.

"They broke the beds and left a TV hanging outside the window but still plugged in," said Jeff.

"Their manager apologised for the mess, but Otto the handyman, who's been there for years, simply said: Mess, what mess? You should have seen it when Ozzy Osbourne was here.'"

Other anecdotes dwelt on the inspirational qualities of Rockfield, with its peaceful setting in the Wye Valley.

Jeff, who graduated from the University of Wales, Newport in 1988, also tells the story behind the lyrics from Coldplay's breakthrough single, Yellow.

"The bass player Guy Berryman was standing outside in the courtyard one night in 2000 and looked up at the stars, which were beautiful that night," he said.

"He went back inside and said to the others, Look at the stars, look how they shine.' That was the start of one of their biggest hits."

Jeff said the job of writing about one of the world's best-known recording studios was a fascinating experience.

"I absolutely loved it," he added. "My proudest moments were interviewing Robert Plant at the studio itself, and Lemmy from Motorhead."

Rock Legends At Rockfield is out on September 15, published by University of Wales Press.

For more information visit www.myspace.com/rockfieldbook