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.

Episodes

December 5, 2025 5 mins

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. 

Mark as Played

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 t...

Mark as Played

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. 

Mark as Played

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 b...

Mark as Played
June 24, 2025 7 mins

In late February, 1974, the first album from a brand-new Montreal band was released. It would help launch a Montreal musical renaissance, and lead to that band getting an invitation to tour Europe with Supertramp. Randy Renaud has the story behind Harmonium by Harmonium on the Chronicles of Rock.

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40 years ago this week, a band from Bath, England let out a musical shout that had fans around the world falling head over heels for them. And soon, Tears for Fears were ruling the world’s record charts. Randy Renaud revisits the story behind the creation of Songs From the Big Chair for its 40th anniversary, on the Chronicles of Rock. 

Mark as Played

In 1974, Led Zeppelin returned to the country manor where they had recorded their 4th album, to record their first album for their own new record label. The sessions went so well that they decided to expand the album into a 4-sided double album, which they entitled Physical Graffiti. And it was released 50 years ago this week, February 24, 1975.

Randy Renaud marks its 50th anniversary by telling the story behind its creation, on th...

Mark as Played

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. 

Mark as Played

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