Chronicles of Rock

iHeartRadio

5.0 (7)
MUSIC COMMENTARY

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.

2D AGO

The Rock Opera That Caused a "Sensation"

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.

6 min
MAY 1

A 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Aerosmith Rocks Album

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.

6 min
APR 24

The 50th Anniversary of The Ramones Debut Album

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.

7 min
APR 17

A 55th Anniversary Celebration of Jim Morrison's Swan Song with the Doors

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.

7 min
APR 14

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 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

3 min
APR 10

A 55th Celebration of the Rolling Stones' Sticky Fingers

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.

6 min
APR 2

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 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.

2 min
JAN 13

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 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.

3 min
2025-12-19

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 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.

7 min

9 Episodes

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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.

Creator

iHeartRadio
Years Active

2022 - 2026
Episodes

9
Rating

Clean
Show Website

Chronicles of Rock

Personal Journals

Personal Journals

Updated Weekly