Synth-pop may have dominated 80's popular music, but at the end of that decade, a new music movement in the American Pacific Northwest returned rock to its gritty, edgy essence with growling guitars and heavy backbeats. And one of the very best bands to come out of that scene released their debut album 35 years ago this week: Pearl Jam - Ten. Randy Renaud revisits the story of the band's formation and how a San Diego surfer became their lead vocalist, and one of the leading frontmen in all of rock. 

Synth-pop may have dominated 80's popular music, but at the end of that decade, a new music movement in the American Pacific Northwest returned rock to its gritty, edgy essence with growling guitars and heavy backbeats. And one of the very best bands to come out of that scene released their debut album 35 years ago this week: Pearl Jam - Ten. Randy Renaud revisits the story of the band's formation and how a San Diego surfer became their lead vocalist, and one of the leading frontmen in all of rock.&nbsp;

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.

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.

Chronicles of Rock

The best moments from CHOM 97 7's broadcast day.

The best moments from CHOM 97 7's broadcast day.

The Best of CHOM 97 7

A 35th Anniversary Salute to Pearl Jam's Debut Album, Ten

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 Road Studios in April to record an album that would redefine what popular music could be. From radically new recording techniques to non-western musical influences, The Beatles raised the bar with Revolver. And Randy Renaud marks its 60th anniversary with the story behind its recording, on this week's edition of the Chronicles of Rock. 

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 Road Studios in April to record an album that would redefine what popular music could be. From radically new recording techniques to non-western musical influences, The Beatles raised the bar with Revolver. And Randy Renaud marks its 60th anniversary with the story behind its recording, on this week's edition of the Chronicles of Rock.&nbsp;

The Beatles Helped Rock "Evolve" with "Revolver"

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 August 7 at 9:15 p.m. at the corner of St. Laurent boulevard and Jean-Talon Street.

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 August 7 at 9:15 p.m. at the corner of St. Laurent boulevard and Jean-Talon Street.

Frank Marino shares his favourite guitar solos, previews free Montreal concert

In 1991, for their fifth album, Metallica teamed up with Canada's Bob Rock to create an album with more of a mainstream sheen, while still not sacrificing the band's dark undertones. The result was the massively successful self-titled album "Metallica" -- more commonly known as "the Black Album." It stands as one of the seminal albums of the 90's, and on August 12, it turns 35 years old. Randy Renaud celebrates its anniversary with the story behind it, on the Chronicles of Rock. 

In 1991, for their fifth album, Metallica teamed up with Canada's Bob Rock to create an album with more of a mainstream sheen, while still not sacrificing the band's dark undertones. The result was the massively successful self-titled album "Metallica" -- more commonly known as "the Black Album." It stands as one of the seminal albums of the 90's, and on August 12, it turns 35 years old. Randy Renaud celebrates its anniversary with the story behind it, on the Chronicles of Rock.&nbsp;

A 35th Anniversary Salute to Pearl Jam's Debut Album, Ten

Chronicles of Rock

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