Chronicles of Rock

In the late 90's, the California band Weezer had, for all intents and purposes, called it quits. But Rivers Cuomo was coaxed back by fans, so he reformed Weezer and they recorded a third album that sparkled with sunshine and inescapable pop hooks. It was released on May 15, 2001 and became known simply by the colour of its cover -- the Green album. Thanks to hits like Hash Pipe, Photograph, and Island in the Sun, the album went to number 2 in Canada. And Randy Renaud revisits the story behind it for the Chronicles of Rock.

In May 1969, with the Who on the brink of bankruptcy, Pete Townshend decided to risk it all with an extremely ambitious project -- arguably the most ambitious undertaking in rock to that point -- a 4-sided rock opera about a sight and hearing-impaired young man named Tommy who becomes a kind of messiah figure. The album became a true sensation, especially after The Who performed it at Woodstock. It would end being adapted into a movie, a stage musical, and even a ballet by a Montreal dance troupe. And it would influence the course of rock that followed.

On the heels of a break-through album, Toys in the Attic, and three hit singles -- Walk This Way, Sweet Emotion, and the re-released Dream On -- Aerosmith sought to record an album that would capture the electrifying power of their live shows. So they brought a mobile recording studio to their rehearsal space outside Boston, and laid down the tracks for one of rock's greatest-ever albums, Rocks. Released on May 3, 1976, it proved to be a huge success, reaching number 3 on the Billboard charts and being named by James Hetfield, Slash, and Kurt Cobain as one of their all-time favouroite records. Randy Renaud marks its 50th anniversary on the Chronicles of Rock.

On April 23, 1976, four friends from Queens, New York released an album that helped trigger a whole new rock movement called "punk." It only took them four days to record with songs inspired by such diverse influences as The Beatles, MC5 and the Bay City Rollers. Randy Renaud celebrates the 50th anniversary of The Ramones debut album, on the Chronicles of Rock.

In 1971, with Jim Morrison facing the possibility of jail time, and after the band's producer quit, the Doors managed to rally themselves to create one of rock's all-time great albums. Sadly, it would prove to be Jim Morrison's last. Randy Renaud marks the 55th anniversary of L.A. Woman (released on April 19, 1971) on this week's edition of the Chronicles of Rock.

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 Stones and the Who. He also helped create the Aquarius record label featuring artists like April Wine, Corey Hart and Sum 41. In the year 2000, he was selected as a Member of the Order of Canada. Here he is in conversation with CHOM deejay Live Earl Jive in 1974 talking about a new Canadian band who were coming to Montreal for the first time, named not Mahogany Rush, but "Rush." CP PHOTO/Adrian Wyld

On April 23rd, 1971, armed with a brand new guitarist, a sound punched up by a pair of American horn players, and a controversial album cover, The Rolling Stones released their ninth and possibly best album ever. Randy Renaud celebrates the 55th anniversary of Sticky Fingers on the Chronicles of Rock.

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 Mitchell, and Noel Redding arrived in town the night before, and ended up in an Irish pub. Randy Renaud has the story on today's episode of For The Record.

In 1990, before embarking on a new chapter for a new decade, David Bowie decided to give his fans a treat: a greatest-hits-only tour. And for it, he enlisted the help of a Montreal dance troupe, and he came to Montreal to rehearse for it. He would tour through 27 countries, but it began in Quebec City and Montreal in March. Randy Renaud takes you back to 36 years ago when David Bowie reaffirmed his special connection to Montreal.

On March 19, 1971, as "flowers bloomed like madness in the spring," Jethro Tull released their masterpiece, Aqualung. Randy Renaud revisits the story behind its creation, and why Ian Anderson decided to put down the guitar and pick up a flute, on this week's edition of the Chronicles of Rock.

After a lengthy world tour in 1973, Led Zeppelin had a rest and then returned to the old (possibly haunted) country manor house, Headley Grange, where they'd written and recorded many times. Songs began pouring out and soon they had more than enough for a single album. So, they created their first double album, called Physical Graffiti. Randy Renaud revisits the story of its creation on the Chronicles of Rock.

After an 18 month tour following their debut album, the Tragically Hip travelled to a city they'd been singing about on one of their best-known songs at that point, New Orleans, to record their follow-up album. But its songs were full of nods to their homeland, and its title was an inside joke that only Canadians would get. Randy Renaud marks the 35th anniversary of the release of the Tragically Hip's second album, Road Apples, on the Chronicles of Rock.

45 years ago this week, Rush released the most successful album of their entire stellar career, featuring classics like Tom Sawyer, Limelight and YYZ. For it, they embraced the musical sensibilities of the era, with the rise of the New Wave movement, and made their arrangements tighter and more focused. The result was a number 1 album in Canada, and top 5 in the U.S.& U.K., Randy Renaud revisits the story behind it on this week's edition of the Chronicles of Rock.

After Peter Gabriel announced that he was leaving Genesis, fans worried that it was the death knell for the band. But Banks, Rutherford, Hackett and Collins proved that not only were they far from finished, but that they had some magic up their sleeves. The album, Trick of the Tail, with Phil Collins now on lead vocals, is hailed today as one of their all-time best. Randy Renaud revisits its creation for its 50th anniversary (released Feb. 2, 1976) on the Chronicles of Rock.

After years of dominating American rock in the early 90's, Grunge was replaced in 1994 by a new musical movement coming out of the California Bay Area: Pop-Punk. And leading the way was the Berkley band, Green Day, whose third album, Dookie, went to the top of the charts and even won them a Grammy. Randy Renaud revisits the story behind it for the 32nd anniversary of its release (Feb. 1).

After trying his hand at acting in a movie for the first time, David Bowie then returned to the recording studio to record yet another innovative album -- this time marrying the soul and funk of his previous album with the new electronic music coming out of Germany. He was dangerously thin, sleep-deprived and suffering from cocaine addiction. And yet, the resulting album is considered one of his all-time best. Randy Renaud celebrates the 50th anniversary of Station to Station on the Chronicles of Rock.

This week in 1983, the lads from Sheffield released their third album -- an album that took them to the top of the charts and turned them into global superstars. It's the story of Def Leppard's Pyromania on the Chronicles of Rock.

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 chord structure from that 80's song he'd loved. But he made up for it by making sure the original writer got a special payday. Randy Renaud has that story on today's edition of For The Record, featured Monday through Thursday at 2pm.

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 England, including a brilliant guitarist and arranger named Mick Ronson. And together they created an album called Hunky Dory. It laid the groundwork for his big breakthrough album to follow. But it is recognized today as one of his best-ever albums. Randy Renaud has the story behind its creation on the Chronicles of Rock.

In December 1976, the California band, Eagles, released their 5th studio album -- an album that shone a critical eye on American society in the late Seventies. It would become an instant sensation, and is today one of the best-selling albums in music history. Randy Renaud checks in to the Hotel California for this week's edition of the Chronicles of Rock.

In November 1973, while the Who were playing in San Francisco, drummer Keith Moon collapsed on stage, and when roadies were unable to rouse him, Pete Townshend turned to the audience for a fill-in. And a 19-year old Who fan and aspiring drummer got to live out a rock & roll fantasy by manning the drum kit for three songs. Randy has the whole story on this week's Chronicles of Rock.

In 1975, the members of Queen were broke and in debt, despite three critically-acclaimed albums. But thanks to the backing of Elton John's manager, they set about recording an epic album -- one of the most expensive albums ever recorded. And suddenly, mamma mia, they were the toast of the rock world. Randy Renaud has the story behind the making of A Night at the Opera for the 50th anniversary of its release (November 21, 1975) on the Chronicles of Rock.

This week in 1991, U2 released their first album of the 90's, featuring explorations of new musical influences and styles. It became one of the biggest albums of the 90's, and it may also have saved the band from breaking up. Randy Renaud has the story behind it on the Chronicles of Rock.

In November 1972, a new California band suddenly burst onto the scene with a brilliant debut album. But that band was really just a recording vehicle for two songwriters from New York, Donald Fagan and Walter Becker, who would go on to create some of the finest albums of the Seventies and get inducted into the Rock Hall of Fame in 2001. But this first one has gone down in history as one of rock's finest. Randy Renaud revisits the birth of Steely Dan on this week's edition of the Chronicles of Rock.

In November of 1988, there was optimism in the air as the Cold War was thawing, and words like "glasnost" and "perestroika" were part of the parlance of the age. And R.E.M., for their 6th album, reflected that optimism on the album Green. It was one of their most overtly political albums with songs like "Orange Crush," "Stand" and "World Leader Pretend." Randy tells the story behind it, and how Montreal's own Leonard Cohen inspired one of its songs, on the Chronicles of Rock.

CHOM's original studios were at 1355 Greene Avenue in an old manour home that CHOM staff was convinced was haunted. Eerie sounds were heard at night, a large mirror at the top of the stairs kept cracking, and a spectral presence was spotted by many employees. Staff refused to work overnight, and it got so bad that an emergency seance was held. For Halloween, Randy revisits the chilling tale of the CHOM Ghost -- the original "spirit" of rock.

In 1995, the Smashing Pumpkins were on top of the rock world with the release of a double album that leader Billy Corgan likened to the Beatles' White Album, or Pink Floyd's The Wall. And despite it being a double album, it debuted at number 1 on the Billboard 200 album chart, and earned the band 7 Grammy nominations. To mark the album's 30th anniversary, Randy Renaud revisits the story behind the making of Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness on the Chronicles of Rock.

It began with the theft of a bunch of their instruments, continued with writing sessions in a rat-infested (and possibly haunted) old house, and finished in a race to meet a deadline. But the result was one of Prog-Rock's greatest concept albums. It would also prove to be the last with lead singer Peter Gabriel. To mark the release of the new box set and Dolby Atmos mix of the album, Randy traces the story behind The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway by Genesis on the Chronicles of Rock.

In celebration of David Lee Roth's 71st birthday, and in commemoration of Eddie Van Halen, who passed away 5 years ago this week, Randy Renaud revisits the birth of the band Van Halen and the creation of their debut album, on this week's edition of the Chronicles of Rock.

In October, 1970, Led Zeppelin revealed just how diverse was their musical palette with their third album, featuring more delicate numbers inspired by Jimmy Page and Robert Plant's love of English folk music. And so to celebrate the 55th anniversary of that great album, Randy Renaud has the story behind its creation on this week's edition of the Chronicles of Rock.

By 1973, after two albums, it looked like the career of Rick Davies and Supertramp was over. But with the addition of new members, Supertramp set about creating an album that would turn their fortunes around and that would go on to be recognized as an all-time classic. In remembrance of Rick Davies who passed away on September 6, 2025, at the age of 81, Randy Renaud revisits the story behind that brilliant album on the Chronicles of Rock.

Exhausted and frustrated with his career, Jimi Hendrix retreated to London in September of 1970 to recover and reset. However, on September 18, he was found dead in his rented apartment at the age of 27. For the 55th anniversary of his passing, Randy Renaud revisits the strange circumstances of his death on the latest edition of the Chronicles of Rock.

38 years ago this week, Pink Floyd embarked on their first tour in 6 years, but now without Roger Waters. And they launched their world tour, first with a show in Ottawa, and then the official launch with 3 concerts at the Montreal Forum. Press from all over the world flew into town to witness whether or not they could do it without Waters. And despite the band members being very nervous, the shows were a triumph. Randy Renaud takes you back to those monumental shows on this week's edition of the Chronicles of Rock.

In September 1981, Genesis recorded their 11th album. And for the first time, they utilized guest musicians and the newly developed drum machines. They adapted their sound to the rising New Wave movement in music, and scored their best-selling album to that point in their career. Randy Renaud has the story behind Abacab on the Chronicles of Rock.

35 years ago, after a triumphant performance at a music festival in Wisconsin alongside many other rock & blues greats, the 35 year old Stevie Ray Vaughan died in a helicopter crash, thus cutting short one of the most remarkable careers and talents in the history of rock. Randy Renaud pays tribute to the guy who even blues giants like Buddy Guy and B.B. King revered on the latest edition of the Chronicles of Rock.

In the summer of 1975, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band released an album that saved their careers. In jeopardy of being dropped by their record company, they came up with a masterpiece of an album that now ranks as one of rock's all-time greatest. Randy Renaud looks back at the story behind its creation on the Chronicles of Rock.

Following the immense success of the concept album/rock opera Tommy, Pete Townshend had an even more ambitious project in mind for the Who's next studio album -- one that would connect the band and listeners via computer technology and the newly invented synthesizers, long before the creation of the internet or virtual reality. But it proved to be TOO ambitious, so the band abandoned it. But the leftover songs formed the basis of one of the greatest rock albums in history. Randy Renaud revisits the summer of 1971 and the story behind Who's Next on the Chronicles of Rock.

In August 1977, Emerson, Lake and Palmer brought a very ambitious concert tour to Montreal, to Olympic Stadium backed by a 60-piece orchestra. But before the tour began, the three bandmates lived and rehearsed here in Montreal. On this week's edition of the Chronicles of Rock, Randy Renaud revisits that incredible concert event, and Carl Palmer explains what happened just 15 minutes before showtime, almost derailing the whole show.

43 years ago, a band from Birmingham, England, became a sensation with an album that fused Bowie & Roxy Music influences with American soul & funk, and delivered it with a sunny sheen that helped make it the soundtrack of the summer of '82. And so, for this summer weekend, Randy revisits the making and impact of Duran Duran's album Rio, on the Chronicles of Rock.

In the early 1980’s, rock’s New Wave washed away many of the bands from the previous decade. But one Canadian band adapted and rode the tide to even greater success. For their 8th album, Rush pared down their sound and integrated ska and afro-beat rhythms to create the most successful album of their career. Randy Renaud has the story of Moving Pictures on the Chronicles of Rock.

It may well be the greatest album in the career of one of rock’s greatest bands. With the help of a brand new guitarist recruited from John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, and through recording sessions at the legendary Muscle Shoals studios, The Rolling Stones created the masterpiece, Sticky Fingers. Randy Renaud unzips the tale on Chronicles of Rock.

With Ozzy Osbourne performing what looks to be his final concert ever, Randy looks back at one of the most infamous concert moments of Ozzy's remarkable career -- the time he bit into a bat onstage. All the bloody details, and how the bats got their revenge later, on this week's edition of the Chronicles of Rock.