15 summers ago, in July 2011, U2 came to Montreal on their 360 Degrees tour. But unlike their previous show in 1997, this time, they wouldn't be playing at Olympic Stadium. It was deemed unsafe, and there was nowhere else large enough to accommodate the band's massive stage structure, nicknamed "The Claw." So the band spent their own money to adapt the old Blue Bonnets racetrack into a world-class concert venue. And the resulting shows would become two of the most memorable shows in Montreal concert history. Randy Renaud revisits that magical weekend on the Chronicles of Rock.

Photo: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson

At the start of 1982, the Glasgow band, Simple Minds, were deeply in debt and contemplating breaking up. But a surprise hit single in the spring of that year changed their minds and their fortunes. They then went into the studio that summer to record the album that would become their masterpiece. To herald the arrival of summer, Randy Renaud has the story behind an album that radiates summer warmth: Simple Minds' New Gold Dream 81-82-83-84.

Sting, Stewart Copeland, and Andy Summers came to Morin Heights, in the Laurentians, to do some skiing and to record their fifth album. It would become the most successful of their career, reaching number one on record charts around the world. But it would also prove to be their last. Randy Renaud revisits the story behind its creation and the tensions that pulled the band apart 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

In early 1970, a quartet from Winnipeg released an album that would become an all-time rock classic. It raced up the charts in both Canada and the U.S., and was so successful that it earned the band an invitation to perform at the White House. Ironically, the inspiration for the title track came from an unpleasant encounter with American border authorities. To welcome the Guess Who back to Montreal, Randy Renaud has the story behind the great album American Woman 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 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.