Chronicles of Rock

As the winter of 1973-74 began to thaw, and spring began to dawn, so too did the Quebec music scene, with the sudden emergence of bands like Beau Dommage, Octobre, and Harmonium. Harmonium's debut album, released in February 1974, made them not only one of Montreal's leading bands, but one of the most celebrated bands in all of prog-rock -- even going on tour with Supertramp. Randy Renaud revisits the story behind a true classic of Quebec's rich musical history on the Chronicles of Rock.

It was a blow that would have finished most bands. But AC/DC rebounded from the death of their frontman, Bon Scott, by recruiting a new lead singer, and recording the biggest album of their career, and one of the best-selling records in music history. Randy Renaud has the story behind Back In Black on the Chronicles 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.

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.

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.