Chronicles of Rock
Chronicles of Rock
Randy Renaud uses his unique storytelling ability to relive some of the biggest and most important moments in the history of rock 'n' roll. Important albums, legendary concerts and nights of debauchery all make up the Chronicles of Rock.Social links:
The Album That Caused the Rock World to Fall in 'Love' with The Cult
In mid-October, 1985, a great new rock band from the north of England blazed onto the scene featuring a lead singer who'd been raised in Hamilton, Ontario. Marrying elements of 60's psychedelic rock, 70's hard rock, and 80's post-punk rock, The Cult crafted an album that served notice that heavy gu…
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The Tragically Hip Album That Celebrated Canadian Folklore
In early October, 1992, that little ol' band from Kingston, the Tragically Hip, released their third album, Fully Completely. It featured a heavier sound and lyrics inspired by Canadian culture and history. It went straight to number one in Canada, and became one of THE defining albums of Canadian …
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Music for Both the Head and the Heart: The Story Behind the Debut Album by Tears For Fears
The early 80's was a new era for both technology (the internet and personal computers) and music (synthesizers and drum machines). It gave rise to a new form of popular music called "synth-pop," and one of the best examples of that came in the spring of 1983 with the release of the debut album by T…
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A 35th Anniversary Celebration of Nirvana's Nevermind
It was 35 years ago on September 24th that the rock world was energized by a new revolution in sound, style and attitude. The Nirvana album Nevermind kicked open the door for alternative rock and became one of the best-selling albums of all time. Celebrate 35 years of Nevermind with Randy Renaud on…
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A Celebration of a True Quebec Classic: Harmonium's Debut Album
As the winter of 1973-74 began to thaw, and spring began to dawn, so too did the Quebec music scene, with the sudden emergence of bands like Beau Dommage, Octobre, and Harmonium. Harmonium's debut album, released in February 1974, made them not only one of Montreal's leading bands, but one of the m…
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The Tragedy and Triumph of AC/DC and Back In Black
It was a blow that would have finished most bands. But AC/DC rebounded from the death of their frontman, Bon Scott, by recruiting a new lead singer, and recording the biggest album of their career, and one of the best-selling records in music history. Randy Renaud has the story behind Back In Black…
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The Beatles Helped Rock "Evolve" with "Revolver"
60 years ago, in August 1966, London was being called "Swinging London" -- the home of Twiggy, James Bond, Pop Art, mini-skirts, and the site of England's only World Cup championship (in July). It was also the home of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr who went into Abbey …
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Frank Marino shares his favourite guitar solos, previews free Montreal concert
Randy Renaud caught up with Frank Marino, legendary musician and frontman of Mahogany Rush. He discusses his early career, shares his favourite guitar solos and chats about Angine de Poitrine's success. Frank Marino will be playing a free outdoor concert at the 2026 edition of Italfest MTL on Augu…
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Back to the Garden: The Story of Woodstock
One hot and stormy weekend in the summer of 1969, a half a million people gathered at a pig farm in upstate New York to experience an incredible event -- one of the greatest collections of rock performers in history, and a remarkable example of collective harmony and cooperation. Randy Renaud revis…
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Donald K. Donald on CHOM in 1974 Running Down the Year's Big Concerts
Donald Tarlton was one of the most important figures in not only the history of popular music here in Montreal, but in Canada. He founded the concert promotion and booking company Donald K. Donald (or DKD) in 1966, and was instrumental in bringing to Montreal bands like Led Zeppelin, The Rolling St…
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