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…

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…

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 …

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…

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…

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…

For the Record: Jimi Hendrix in Montreal

On April 2, 1968, Jimi Hendrix came to Montreal to perform for the one and only time. He and the Experience did a concert at the Paul Sauvé arena (that's Jimi backstage at the arena in the photo), but unruly fans kept invading the stage and even  stole some of the band's equipment. Jimi, Mitch Mitc…

The 80's song that Inspired Eddie Vedder to Write Better Man

In 1982, Eddie Vedder was working at a San Diego radio station, and he fell in love with a new song they were playing from a British band. Many years later, he and Pearl Jam recorded their song "Better Man," and once it became a hit, Vedder suddenly realized that he had unintentionally borrowed the…

David Bowie's First Great Album

As 1971 was coming to a close, David Bowie was going through some "Changes" -- from a Dylan-inspired singer-songwriter to the space-age rock star named Ziggy Stardust. He was broke, a new father, and in desperate need of some commercial success. So he recruited a band of musicians from Northern Eng…