Mamy Rock: The Interview

Mamy Rock is a busy woman. The 69 year-old DJ is in the middle of a European tour and about to release her first single, Still Rocking. The snowy-haired grandmother (real name, Ruth Flowers) lives in Bristol but travels the continent playing her trademark mix of old and new sounds to a lively young audience. Fortunately, she found time for a quick chat with That's Not My Age:

TNMA: Did you go clubbing as a teenager?

MR: My teen years are in the distant past! We looked forward to the Saturday night dance , it was always a crowded affair, with energetic young people ready to jive or jitterbug or even do the quickstep or waltz. My sister and I knew all the latest songs, we spent our money on sheet music from Woolworths which cost one shilling (about five pence now).

TNMA: Do friends your own age come to see you DJ? What do they think of Mamy Rock?

MR: My friends love what I'm doing, they think as a DJ I'm just the greatest. I hope to be performing at some special venue in the UK soon so they can come and enjoy an evening dancing to my music.

TNMA: How would you describe the Mamy Rock look?

Casual with a bit of bling. My look is probably a bit OTT for many ladies of my age - I do like a satin or sequinned blouson - but it is very comfortable for prancing about in, and I love it!

TNMA: Can you give my readers some tips for stylish dressing?

MR: I wouldn't like to suggest how anyone else should dress, each one of us is different. Just dress for yourself, your style is right for you. If the young ones wish to copy my style, I consider it a compliment.

TNMA: What's on your playlist at the moment?

MR: I use a base of electro rock and house music mixed with some of my favourite older sounds (if the beat is right for moving to) like Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Perry Como, Brenda Lee. But I also like; Elton John, James Brown, Freddie Mercury, Leona Lewis, Michael Jackson, some remixed Lady Gaga, David Guetta, Deadmau5, Lenny Kravitz, IMFAO and Daft Punk.

TNMA: What kind of music do you listen to in your spare time?

MR: I like to relax to classical music and sometimes traditional jazz too. I do appreciate a good voice, so it could be Freddie Mercury, Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, or Placido Domingo.

TNMA: DJ-ing must be quite full-on, how do you relax?

MR: I enjoy walking, swimming and of course I love to dance - I have a dance tape that I use at home. I've always exercised. I did the London Marathon when I was 57 years-old!

TNMA: I have Blogger's Wrist which means I have to keep resting my right hand. Do you have any age-related problems that affect your DJ-ing?

MR: No, fortunately I am blessed with good health, otherwise it would be quite impossible to do what I do. My health is my first priority - long may it continue!

TNMA: Hear, hear!


Click here to see Mamy Rock behind the decks.

www.mamyrock.com

Quote of the week: Mamy Rock

The 69-year old DJ and That's Not My Age regular, who says, 'I'd rather sign a contract with a record company than sign-up for a nursing home,' is playing at my next big birthday party, alright?

What do you think's on Mamy Rock's playlist?




PS Thanks to Advanced Style for drawing my attention to the fabulous photo gallery at www.mamyrock.com.

Why I love Paris

There are two reasons That's Not My Age wants to visit Paris at the moment - and neither of them include the words fashion and week. No. I want to go to Paris to see Eric Cantona, 43, making his stage debut, followed by a spot of nightclubbing at Queen, where Mamy Rock, a 69 year-old DJ is er, rocking la maison.

If we're talking heroes, then Monsieur Cantona is mine. That's Not My Age saw the French footballer play many times for Manchester United, and can confirm that he's worthy of the title, Eric the King. So regal. And now I'm past caring about live football and couldn't afford it anyway, monsieur is the star of stage and screen. How thoughtful. Last year, Mr TNMA bought tickets to see a special screening of Ken Loach's Looking for Eric, followed by a Q&A session with Cantona and Loach. Now, I may be a little bit biased, but the film, a heart-warming tale of love, loss and legends, was brilliant. When Cantona walked into the cinema afterwards, there was a collective gasp, quickly followed by a standing ovation - and a few tears! Even Mr TNMA (a Chelsea fan) got a bit emotional. I was desperate to ask Monsieur C a question, but 'Will you go out with me?' didn't feel appropriate. So, even though I won't be able to keep up with the French dialogue, I'd still like to see my hero perform in Face au Paradis. Oh yes, whether it's on screen, stage or soccer pitch, I love to spend 90 minutes with Eric Cantona.

And then when I've recovered my composure, it'll be off to see Mamy Rock. The superstar DJ who's hot news in Paris. " I like to mix old and new,' says Ruth Flowers (real name) from Bristol, 'so I might put electro alongside the Rolling Stones.' The glamorous grandma started clubbing after her husband died, and may be the oldest DJ in town but in super-sized sunglasses, metallic bomber jacket and tracksuit bottoms, she rocks.



Face au Paradis is on at Théatre Mariguy, Paris.



Photos

Eric Cantona from The Mirror
Mamy Rock from The Guardian