Book Review: From Cradle to Stage by Virginia Hanlon Grohl

As soon as I saw this book was about to be published I had to have it. I usually struggle through non-fiction, especially biographies but this book is different.

From Cradle to Stage is written by the mother of rock-legend Dave Grohl (the multi-talented musician of Nirvana and Foo Fighters fame). His MOTHER. Imagine all the hilarious stories she must have, the perspectives of Dave (or David, as she calls him) that she has seen from the trenches. You don't have to imagine. She delivers.

Along with tales from her own past, Dave's childhood and his early career, Virginia decided that she wanted to hear other rock-mother's stories. Others who have navigated that crazy lifestyle that she had never thought possible for her son. It turns out that there were plenty of other mothers that were willing to share their stories including Dr Dre's mother, Pharell William's mother, Amy Winehouse's mother, Adam Levine's mother and Josh Groban's mother. These stories are told by Virginia from the visits she had with each of these amazing ladies. Interspersed through the individual stories are vignettes of reflection and even some snippets of the early Nirvana years.

There is a familiar trend that runs through most of these musicians: school was not always the place that nurtured the creative spirit, much to the dismay of the mothers. Each story describes the moment when the musician realized that music was an achievable goal, and when their mother finally accepted this revelation. Often times their family is their biggest cheerleader, becoming manager/roadie/merch seller in the early days.

Some stories tell of pain, sorrow and heartbreak on the journey, others highlight the toll that this life can take on a family but every mother is so darn proud of their children that they would do it all again in a heartbeat.

I have picked up and put down this book, the stories are short, just enough to sit down with a cup of tea and read for 10 minutes. It means that it has taken me a while to get through but I think there is nothing wrong with that. It is well written, Virginia has a lovely storytelling style and is very humble. I love that there is a picture of her with each mother she meets and you can just imagine them sitting down and chatting the afternoon away. The stories are raw and real though and they don't gloss over the realities of the lives that have resulted from the fame. This makes each mother so much more relatable and you realize that behind every rock star is a mother who loves, cares and worries.

If you have ever dreamed of being a rock-star, if you have a mother, if you ARE a mother, or if you are just curious about the lives of some of these big names then get your hands on this book.

Available from April 26, 2017 in paperback and e-book formats.

Thanks to Hachette for my review copy of this book.