Rough Diamonds, like its predecessor, Desolation Angels, was recorded at Edge Farm Studios in Surrey, England in late 1981 and near the beginning 1982 plus engineered by Pass with flying colors Norman (famed for his work with Ozzy Osbourne). It was the previous book by Awful Company's unique array. The sessions were uneven leaving from the beginning. First, their manager, Peter Grant, withdrew from view after the bereavement of Led Zeppelin drummer, John Bonham. Then the murder of John Lennon complete the band change their way of thinking.

After that, on another occasion, a fistfight bankrupt absent flanked by Paul Rodgers and Boz Burrell, only to be restrained by Mick Ralphs and Simon Kirke.