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

October 10, 2025 7 mins

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. 

Mark as Played

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.

Mark as Played

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 o...

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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. 

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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 take...

Mark as Played

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. 

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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.

Mark as Played
June 24, 2025 7 mins

One November night in 1973, a group of musicians without even a band name yet, performed 3 songs live on CHOM. Soon after a recording contract followed, and then a debut album that would make the name Harmonium a cultural milestone in Quebec and Canadian music history. Randy Renaud has the story of the birth of Harmonium on the latest edition of the Chronicles of Rock. 

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It was a bold move, and a desperate one, when David Bowie, struggling to make a go of it as a rock musician, adopted a pseudonym and donned a wild outfit in 1972. It was the birth of Ziggy Stardust, and it worked. The look and sound of Ziggy took the rock world by storm, and Bowie's concept album based on the character, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, released on June 16, 1972, marked the beginning of...

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One April evening 60 years ago, John Lennon and George Harrison ingested something that they'd never experienced before, and didn't even know they were consuming. It would be the start of a wild night out on the town, and the beginning of the transformation of the sound of the Beatles; and, by extension, it would help create a new genre called "acid-rock." Randy Renaud revisits that crazy night on this week's edition of the Chronic...

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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

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