Helix (band)
Encyclopedia
Helix are a Canadian
hard rock
/heavy metal
band. They formed in 1974, and are best known for their 1984 single "Rock You
". The original lineup was formed by drummer Bruce Arnold, and consisted of lead vocalist Brian Vollmer
, guitarists Ron Watson and Rick "Minstrel" Trembley, keyboardist Don Simmons, and bassist Keith "Bert" Zurbrigg. Their most well known lineup, however, and the one that recorded "Rock You", was the 80s version of the band: Vollmer on vocals, accompanied by guitarists Brent "The Doctor" Doerner and Paul Hackman
, bassist Daryl Gray, and drummer Greg "Fritz" Hinz. The history of the band has been marked by many lineup changes, with Vollmer being the sole constant member and only remaining member of the original lineup. Although guitarist Paul Hackman was killed in a tour bus accident in 1992, the surviving members of the 80s lineup reunited in 2009 for an album and continue to tour in 2011.
Helix have toured with bands such as KISS
, Aerosmith
, Rush
, Mötley Crüe
, Alice Cooper
, Whitesnake
, Night Ranger
, Heart
, Quiet Riot
, W.A.S.P., Ian Gillan
, and Motörhead among others.
Their most recent studio album
is 2009's Vagabond Bones
.
contest in Kitchener
, Ontario
, Canada
by drummer Bruce Arnold. They were originally a six-piece, consisting of Arnold, lead vocalist Brian Vollmer
, guitarists Ron Watson and Rick "Minstrel" Trembley, keyboardist Don Simmons, and bassist Keith "Bert" Zurbrigg, who always wore his trademark tuxedo
on stage. Their original name was The Helix Field Band, soon shortened to simply Helix. Trembley was fired after a few months, making the band a five-piece. Soon after, Helix scored some crucial shows as Del Shannon
's backing band on some Canadian dates. However, the original lineup dissolved by 1976, and three new members entered the fold. Replacing Simmons, Watson and Arnold were guitarists Brent "The Doctor" Doerner and Paul Hackman
, who would both remain with Helix through the 80s, and drummer Brian Doerner
, Brent's twin brother. Brian Doerner only stayed four years, but returned as a member and a guest several times before joining Saga
in 2005.
With new management under Kitchener's William Seip, Helix released two independent albums on their own H&S Records, entitled Breaking Loose
and White Lace & Black Leather
, in 1979 and 1981 respectively. During the sessions for Breaking Loose, Helix recorded a cover
of the Del Shannon hit "Thinkin' It Over", unreleased until the 1999 Helix CD B-Sides
. Their second album, White Lace & Black Leather saw more lineup changes, with bassist Mike Uzelac replacing Keith Zurbrigg, and drummer Leo Niebudek replacing Brian Doerner. With Zurbrigg gone, Brian Vollmer was now the last remaining original member.
after being rejected by them three times. In 1983 they released No Rest for the Wicked
, with Greg "Fritz" Hinz (ex-Starchild
) on drums. This album featured Canadian hit video
"Heavy Metal Love", which featured their new look. Under Seip's advice, Helix dropped their T-shirts and jeans in favour of leather clothing in order to stay current. The tour for this album cycle was not without drama. Mike Uzelac, whose drug use had become problematic, left the band to be replaced by a bass player named Peter Guy from London, Ontario
. Guy was unable to travel to the United States due to a previous drug conviction, and Uzelac came back to finish the tour. When Uzelac had fulfilled his commitment, Mark Rector of Kitchener
was hired on bass. He was let go at the conclusion of the tour. With the addition of bassist Daryl Gray completing the band's classic 80s lineup, they released Walkin' the Razor's Edge
in 1984. It sold over 100,000 copies in Canada, and over 400,000 internationally. The album also included their best known song "Rock You
" and a cover of A Foot in Coldwater
's "(Make Me Do) Anything You Want".
The band's also released a music video
for the Crazy Elephant
cover "Gimme Gimme Good Lovin'" the same year, creating a parody of the Miss America Pageant titled the "Miss Rock Fantasy" Pageant. Two versions were created: an uncensored version featuring semi-nude and topless women, and a censored version made available for the more mainstream media markets like MTV
. The ending of both versions of the video feature comedian Rip Taylor
seated on a motorcycle surrounded by the band and the models all waving goodbye. It caused some controversy several years after its initial release when it was learned that among the cast of porn stars
that appear topless in the uncensored version was a then-unknown 16-year-old Traci Lords
as "Miss Georgia". (This version was also featured in a pornographic video titled Electric Blue
26.)
In 1985, Helix released their fifth album Long Way to Heaven
, featuring the singles
"Deep Cuts The Knife" and "The Kids Are All Shakin'". The album allowed the band to tour Sweden, becoming the first Canadian rock band to do an extensive Swedish tour. The result was a #1 album in that country. The following year, their song "It's Too Late" was featured in the movie Iron Eagle
and its soundtrack
album (this was a completely different song than the track "It's Too Late" that appeared on their second album).
Long Way To Heaven was followed by the release of Wild in the Streets in 1987, featuring the title track and a cover of "Dream On" by Nazareth
. One song from that record, "She's Too Tough" was written by Joe Elliot, lead singer for Def Leppard
. Leppard also recorded their own version of "She's Too Tough" and released it as a B-side
and on their Retro Active
album. The recording of Wild in the Streets, done in England with producer Mike Stone, was plagued by extensive takes and remixes. Still, the album went gold in Canada, but only managed a disappointing #179 on the Billboard 200
in the United States
.
Capitol released the first Helix compilation album
Over 60 minutes with...
at the end of 1989, which featured new and unreleased material as well as the hits. At the end of the decade, Brent Doerner quit the band, tired of the grind of touring. Helix was left as a four piece.
, which Doerner contributed songwriting and guitar parts to. On tour, Helix brought in their first American
member, Denny Balicky. As a touring member, Balicky was not featured in any of their music videos, but he did make significant appearances in the MuchMusic
hourlong special Walzing With Helix, which documented Helix's European tour with Sacred Reich
and Ian Gillan
. Balicky later appeared in the retrospective documentary 30 Years Of Helix: No Rest For The Wicked after changing his name to Denny Blake.
After this tour, Vollmer and Hackman began writing songs with the intention of Hackman's material being used for the next Helix release, and Vollmer's going towards a solo album
. In the meantime, The Early Years
was released by A&M Records
, which compiled their first two independent albums on CD
for the first time. Helix toured sporadically during this time, including a special reunion show in Kitchener featuring Keith Zurbrigg and the Doerner brothers. A 1992 Western Canadian tour was booked, with Brian Doerner
filling in on drums for the unavailable Greg Hinz, and Brent Doerner filling in for Denny Balicki. It was during this tour when disaster struck.
On July 5, 1992, Paul Hackman
, not wearing a seatbelt, was killed when the group's van rolled down a 40-foot embankment after a concert in Vancouver
. Recovering from the shock of his death, Vollmer regrouped with Brent Doerner once again, and also recruited former Brighton Rock
guitarist Greg Fraser. Vollmer took the songs he had recorded for his solo album, and released them as the next Helix record, It's a Business Doing Pleasure
(released on Aquarius in 1993, their Capitol contract now finished). He included the song "That Day Is Gonna Come" as a tribute to Hackman, and the video for the song featured unique Super 8
and video
footage
shot by Vollmer on the road over the years. Brian Doerner
played drums on the album. Greg Fraser stated that no then-members of Helix aside from Vollmer himself actually played on the album, since it was in fact a solo album, although they were all pictured and credited in the packaging. Brian Vollmer would later call the album:
Brent Doerner left the band for the second time after a few shows supporting It's a Business Doing Pleasure. Helix were forced to carry on with a rapid succession of replacement guitar players: Gary Borden (ex-Ray Lyell
), Mark Chichkan (ex-Mindstorm), and Rick Mead (ex-Sire), a rotating cast who played at shows when they were available. By 1996, both Greg Fraser and "Fritz" Hinz had departed as well. Brian Vollmer and Daryl Gray carried on with new drummer Glen "Archie" Gamble
in 1997, who took on some of their workload such as road managing duties.
In order to keep new Helix product in stores, five new studio tracks were recorded and released in 1998 on half-ALIVE
, which compiled these with live tracks from previous tours. Vollmer also released compilations of hits and rare tracks, as well as his first official solo album (When Pigs Fly
, 1999) through his website. The band continued to play live through this period, recruiting new guitar players as they were available. At various times, Mike Hall and Gerry Finn, who were both in Killer Dwarfs
, joined Helix on the road, as did Darren Smith, the former Harem Scarem
drummer, who had switched to guitar. Periodically, the surviving members of the classic 80s lineup would reform, as they did on the B-Sides
CD to record three new songs. At the beginning of the new decade, Helix had to endure another major lineup change. Daryl Gray left the band in 2002 due to an increasingly strained relationship with Vollmer, leaving Brian as the sole member from their 80s heyday.
With Glen Gamble's help, Vollmer added three new members to bring some stability back to the lineup: Jeff "Stan" Fountain replacing Daryl Gray on bass, Dan Fawcett on guitar, and Shaun Sanders on guitar. All three had played together with Gamble in London's Buffalo Brothers.
. Two compilation CDs were also put together, Never Trust Anyone Over 30 in the US, and Rockin' You For 30 Years in Canada. These albums were marked by a new Helix lineup, and for the first time since 1974, a six-piece: Vollmer, Gamble, Fountain, and new members Jim Lawson (ex-Cherry Smash, guitar), and the husband and wife team of Rainer (guitar) and Cindy Wiechmann (acoustic guitar and vocals). Vollmer first encountered the Wiechmanns in Newfoundland
when their band, KAOS, opened for Helix on the Long Way To Heaven tour.
The band played a special 30th anniversary concert at Brantford Ontario's Sanderson Centre. The show featured the current band and past members. Guests included members of the original 1974 Helix lineup (Ron Watson, Bruce Arnold, Keith "Bert" Zurbrigg, and Don Simmons), as well as Brent Doerner, Brian Doerner
, Leo Niebudek, and Greg "Fritz" Hinz. The night was released on DVD
as the 30th Anniversary Concert
. Released at the same time was the documentary DVD 30 Years Of Helix: No Rest For The Wicked.
Helix experienced a slight resurgence in popularity at this point thanks to a third-season episode of the Trailer Park Boys
TV show ("Closer To The Heart"), in which Bubbles and Ricky discuss the merits of Helix compared to Rush
. Vollmer also filmed a cameo
during that season which was included as a DVD deleted scene. Helix was mentioned in several other episodes; it's revealed that Ricky especially favors attending, and selling marijuana at, their concerts.
In July 2005, Vollmer announced that Helix would be entering the studio to record another new album of original material as well as a cover
album. The cover album was intended to be released in spring 2006 and consist entirely of Canadian rock
songs. The tentative title was Many Are Cold But Few Are Frozen, but it never materialized.
Finally, Brian Vollmer published his autobiography
, Gimme An R, in December 2005. The book covered the numerous lineup changes and ups and downs of Helix through their 30 year career, along with many rare photos.
left Helix to form his own band, The Joys. Gamble was briefly replaced by a returning Brian Doerner
, who stayed with the band for several months. With Gamble gone, Brian Vollmer was left to manage every aspect of the Helix organization, from booking tours, to distributing Helix merchandise.
More lineup changes ensued in 2006: Brian Doerner again departed, this time to play in Saga. He was replaced by Brent "Ned" Niemi, who was a veteran of the Toronto progressive metal band THD that also featured former Slash Puppet vocalist Mif
. Helix toured with this new lineup, most notably opening for Alice Cooper
in Canada, before Rainer and Cindy Wiechmann left amicably and formed their own band Nail. Rainer was replaced on guitar by Kitchener's Rick VanDyk, formerly of Zero Option who had released an album in the early 90s. Finally, bassist Jeff Fountain left and was replaced by Paul Fonseca. VanDyk, Fonseca, and Niemi had all played together part-time in a Metallica
tribute band
called Sandman. With these musicians on board, Helix began augmenting their live setlist with Metallica's "Creeping Death
" riff to segue between songs. Recording for a new album began.
In October 2006, the song "Heavy Metal Love" was to be featured on the soundtrack for the Trailer Park Boys
movie The Big Dirty, however, at the last minute, the track was pulled by Dean Cameron, president of EMI
Canada, as distribution of the soundtrack was being handled by Universal
, and not EMI who owns the track. To make up for this, Helix re-recorded "Heavy Metal Love" and included it on their next release, the 2006 EP
Get Up! . The original song was still included in the movie even though it did not appear on the soundtrack CD. The Get Up! EP itself was hyped by Vollmer as "...very reminiscent of the No Rest For The Wicked album."
In 2007, Helix re-released all the tracks from Get Up! along with four new studio tracks on a full-length studio album called The Power of Rock and Roll
. Unlike the EP, this album received both US and UK releases. In June of that year, Helix played the 2007 Sweden Rock Festival. A new song from The Power Of Rock And Roll called "Fill Your Head With Rock" was chosen as the theme song of the festival.
Following this, in October 2008 Helix produced their first Christmas CD
.
Although Brian Vollmer has recorded Christmas songs before on a charity CD for his church called Raising The Roof on Mary Immaculate, A Heavy Mental Christmas was the first such release from the band.
By late 2008, Helix began working on a new studio album, their 12th, following up A Heavy Mental Christmas. These recording sessions coincided with another new Helix lineup: In February 2009, Brent "The Doctor" Doerner joined the band for the third time. Sean Kelly
, singer and lead guitarist of Toronto's Crash Kelly, joined as the new bass player. Brent Niemi was replaced on drums by former Sven Gali
member Rob MacEachern, who had actually played drums on Get Up! and The Power of Rock and Roll in Niemi's absence. Jim Lawson remained on guitar, VanDyk having departed to make room for the returning Brent Doerner. Work on the new studio CD progressed with Sean Kelly co-writing and co-producing.
In February 2009, Vollmer reunited the surviving members of the No Rest For The Wicked lineup (Brent Doerner, Mike Uzelac, and Greg Hinz) to record a new version of the AC/DC
classic "It's A Long Way To The Top", to be included on a compilation album. Concurrent to the new Helix lineup and CD, Brent Doerner formed his own band, My Wicked Twin
, featuring Brian Doerner
, Mike Uzelac, and Shane Schedler (formerly of Kitchener's Martyrs of Melody). They released their debut CD in January 2009.
performance, Sean Kelly
amicably gave notice that he was quitting Helix to be the new guitar player in Nelly Furtado
's band. His first date with Furtado was in Mexico City
in September 2009. After Kelly's departure, Brian Vollmer reunited the surviving members of the classic 80s lineup: Daryl Gray, Greg "Fritz" Hinz, and Brent Doerner. At their first rehearsal together, Hinz reported, "…it was like we had never left. We all fell right into the groove." In regards to reuniting the old band, Vollmer cited fatigue of the rotating Helix lineups:
Daryl Gray was the first member to play live with the band, appearing August 9, 2009 in Lewisporte, Newfoundland
. Jim Lawson's departure was announced on August 30, 2009. According to Vollmer, "Unfortunately the long distance between where he lives (Sudbury, Ontario) and where the band operates became a factor in Jim staying with us." Kitchener
's Kaleb "Duckman" Duck (of BraVurA), who played on Brent's My Wicked Twin CD, was hired on second guitar. Rob MacEachern amicably stepped down for Hinz to return.
The new Helix CD was tentatively titled It’s Rock Science, NOT Rocket Science!, before being changed to Vagabond Bones
after a song co-written by Kelly. Doerner, Gray and Hinz all appear on the album, along with Sean Kelly, Brent Niemi, Rob MacEachern and Russ "Dwarf" Graham of Moxy
and Killer Dwarfs
. The songs were described by Vollmer as music "which harkens back to our roots, yet sounds contemporary." A western Canadian tour was played in October 2009.
Brian Vollmer had a cameo appearance in the second Trailer Park Boys
movie Countdown To Liquor Day
, released September 25, 2009. Helix also performed at the opening gala of the premier of the movie at the Halifax Metro Centre
.
The reunion tour has lasted into 2010 including both Canadian and US dates. Brian Vollmer also implied that he would like to continue writing for future Helix albums with former member Sean Kelly. In regards to Kelly's departure in 2009, Vollmer stated, "I give Sean my blessings, no worries. As long as we continue to write together, I am happy."
On August 15, 2010, Vollmer announced the forthcoming release of two new Helix albums. The first, titled Smash Hits...Unplugged!
contains acoustic re-recorded versions of Helix hits and a cover of the late Canadian singer James Leroy's "Touch Of Magic". The second album is a compilation called Running Wild In The 21st Century
, containing Helix and Vollmer solo material from 1999–2010, including two unreleased tracks ("The William Tell Overture" and a new unnamed original song.) It was originally scheduled to be released in October 2010 but was delayed until 2011, due to problems getting permission to include the AC/DC
cover "It's A Long Way To The Top". It will be replaced by a new original song instead, causing the delay.
In November 2010, Vollmer announced that the band were filming a pilot episode for a Helix-based reality TV series.
maintain My Wicked Twin
as an ongoing prospect along side their main bands, Helix and Saga
. Brian Vollmer currently teaches the classical vocal technique, Bel canto
, in London, Ontario
, as well as singing classical music at weddings and funerals throughout southern Ontario. He has given vocal lessons to Mercedes Lander
of the heavy metal band Kittie
who also hail from London. His wife Lynda helps with the running of the Helix business from their home, which they have dubbed "Planet Helix". "Planet Helix" was featured in a 2007 episode of MTV Cribs
† - deceased
" was a topic of discussion by the Trailer Park Boys
. You can find the discussion here on Wikiquote.
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
hard rock
Hard rock
Hard rock is a loosely defined genre of rock music which has its earliest roots in mid-1960s garage rock, blues rock and psychedelic rock...
/heavy metal
Heavy metal music
Heavy metal is a genre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, largely in the Midlands of the United Kingdom and the United States...
band. They formed in 1974, and are best known for their 1984 single "Rock You
Rock You
Sum 41 covered this Helix song for the soundtrack to the movie Fubar. The soundtrack featured classic Canadian rock songs covered by current Canadian rock artists.-Personnel:* Steve Jocz - Vocals* Jason "Cone" McCaslin - Bass* Dave "Brownsound" Baksh - Guitar...
". The original lineup was formed by drummer Bruce Arnold, and consisted of lead vocalist Brian Vollmer
Brian Vollmer
Brian Vollmer is the lead singer and only remaining original member of Canadian hard rock group Helix. Helix was formed in 1974 by original drummer Bruce Arnold. Since that time, Vollmer had gone from lead singer to defacto leader of band, weathering numerous lineup changes...
, guitarists Ron Watson and Rick "Minstrel" Trembley, keyboardist Don Simmons, and bassist Keith "Bert" Zurbrigg. Their most well known lineup, however, and the one that recorded "Rock You", was the 80s version of the band: Vollmer on vocals, accompanied by guitarists Brent "The Doctor" Doerner and Paul Hackman
Paul Hackman
Paul Wayne Hackman was a Canadian guitarist who performed with the rock band Helix from 1976 until his death in a road accident...
, bassist Daryl Gray, and drummer Greg "Fritz" Hinz. The history of the band has been marked by many lineup changes, with Vollmer being the sole constant member and only remaining member of the original lineup. Although guitarist Paul Hackman was killed in a tour bus accident in 1992, the surviving members of the 80s lineup reunited in 2009 for an album and continue to tour in 2011.
Helix have toured with bands such as KISS
KISS (band)
Kiss is an American rock band formed in New York City in January 1973. Well-known for its members' face paint and flamboyant stage outfits, the group rose to prominence in the mid to late 1970s on the basis of their elaborate live performances, which featured fire breathing, blood spitting,...
, Aerosmith
Aerosmith
Aerosmith is an American rock band, sometimes referred to as "The Bad Boys from Boston" and "America's Greatest Rock and Roll Band". Their style, which is rooted in blues-based hard rock, has come to also incorporate elements of pop, heavy metal, and rhythm and blues, and has inspired many...
, Rush
Rush (band)
Rush is a Canadian rock band formed in August 1968, in the Willowdale neighbourhood of Toronto, Ontario. The band is composed of bassist, keyboardist, and lead vocalist Geddy Lee, guitarist Alex Lifeson, and drummer and lyricist Neil Peart...
, Mötley Crüe
Mötley Crüe
Mötley Crüe is an American heavy metal band formed in Los Angeles, California in 1981. The group was founded by bass guitarist Nikki Sixx and drummer Tommy Lee, who were later joined by lead guitarist Mick Mars and lead singer Vince Neil...
, Alice Cooper
Alice Cooper
Alice Cooper is an American rock singer, songwriter and musician whose career spans more than four decades...
, Whitesnake
Whitesnake
Whitesnake are an English rock band, founded in 1978 by David Coverdale after his departure from his previous band, Deep Purple. The band's early material has been compared by critics to Deep Purple, but by the mid 1980s they had moved to a more commercial hard rock style...
, Night Ranger
Night Ranger
Night Ranger is an American rock band from San Francisco that gained popularity during the 1980s with a series of albums and singles. The band's first five albums sold more than 10 million copies worldwide...
, Heart
Heart (band)
Heart is an American rock band who first found success in Canada. Throughout several lineup changes, the only two members remaining constant are sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson. The group rose to fame in the 1970s with their music being influenced by hard rock as well as folk music...
, Quiet Riot
Quiet Riot
Quiet Riot is an American Heavy Metal band. They are best known for their hit singles "Metal Health" and "Cum On Feel the Noize". They were founded in 1973 by guitarist Randy Rhoads and bassist Kelly Garni, under the original name Mach 1, before changing the name to Little Women and finally Quiet...
, W.A.S.P., Ian Gillan
Ian Gillan
Ian Gillan is an English rock music vocalist and songwriter, best known as the lead singer and lyricist for Deep Purple. During his career Gillan also fronted his own band, had a year-long stint as the vocalist for Black Sabbath, and sang the role of Jesus in the original recording of Andrew Lloyd...
, and Motörhead among others.
Their most recent studio album
Studio album
A studio album is an album made up of tracks recorded in the controlled environment of a recording studio. A studio album contains newly written and recorded or previously unreleased or remixed material, distinguishing itself from a compilation or reissue album of previously recorded material, or...
is 2009's Vagabond Bones
Vagabond Bones
Vagabond Bones is a studio album by heavy metal band Helix, released on November 17, 2009. It is Helix' 12th full length studio album and 21st album released overall. It contains performances from members of the 80's Helix lineup: Brian Vollmer, Brent Doerner, Daryl Gray, and Greg Hinz, as well...
.
Early years: 1974-1982
Helix were formed in 1974 for a battle of the bandsBattle of the Bands
Battle of Bands is a contest in which two or more bands compete for the title of "best band". The winner is determined by a panel of judges, the general response of the audience, or a combination. The winning band usually receives a prize in addition to bragging rights. Traditionally, battles of...
contest in Kitchener
Kitchener, Ontario
The City of Kitchener is a city in Southern Ontario, Canada. It was the Town of Berlin from 1854 until 1912 and the City of Berlin from 1912 until 1916. The city had a population of 204,668 in the Canada 2006 Census...
, Ontario
Ontario
Ontario is a province of Canada, located in east-central Canada. It is Canada's most populous province and second largest in total area. It is home to the nation's most populous city, Toronto, and the nation's capital, Ottawa....
, Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
by drummer Bruce Arnold. They were originally a six-piece, consisting of Arnold, lead vocalist Brian Vollmer
Brian Vollmer
Brian Vollmer is the lead singer and only remaining original member of Canadian hard rock group Helix. Helix was formed in 1974 by original drummer Bruce Arnold. Since that time, Vollmer had gone from lead singer to defacto leader of band, weathering numerous lineup changes...
, guitarists Ron Watson and Rick "Minstrel" Trembley, keyboardist Don Simmons, and bassist Keith "Bert" Zurbrigg, who always wore his trademark tuxedo
Tuxedo
A tuxedo is a type of semi-formal dress for men.Tuxedo may also refer to:-Places:Canada* Tuxedo, Winnipeg, Manitoba, a city neighborhood** Tuxedo , a provincial electoral district in Manitoba...
on stage. Their original name was The Helix Field Band, soon shortened to simply Helix. Trembley was fired after a few months, making the band a five-piece. Soon after, Helix scored some crucial shows as Del Shannon
Del Shannon
Del Shannon was an American rock and roll singer-songwriter who had a No. 1 hit, "Runaway", in 1961.- Biography :...
's backing band on some Canadian dates. However, the original lineup dissolved by 1976, and three new members entered the fold. Replacing Simmons, Watson and Arnold were guitarists Brent "The Doctor" Doerner and Paul Hackman
Paul Hackman
Paul Wayne Hackman was a Canadian guitarist who performed with the rock band Helix from 1976 until his death in a road accident...
, who would both remain with Helix through the 80s, and drummer Brian Doerner
Brian Doerner
Brian J. Doerner, from Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, is the current drummer for progressive rock band Saga, and hard rock band My Wicked Twin with his twin brother Brent Doerner. Brian has been playing music together with his brother since they were 8 years old. Brent was given a drum kit by their...
, Brent's twin brother. Brian Doerner only stayed four years, but returned as a member and a guest several times before joining Saga
Saga (band)
Saga is a progressive rock quintet, formed in Oakville, Ontario, Canada. Jim Crichton and Welsh-born vocalist Michael Sadler have been the principal songwriters for Saga. Ian Crichton is the band's guitarist; apart from his work with Saga, he has recorded several solo albums as well as sessions...
in 2005.
With new management under Kitchener's William Seip, Helix released two independent albums on their own H&S Records, entitled Breaking Loose
Breaking Loose (Helix album)
Breaking Loose was the first independent album by the Canadian rock band Helix. It was released in 1979. Joe Anthony from KISS FM in San Antonio, Texas began playing "You're A Woman Now" which enabled the band to play there for the first time. It also featured "Billy Oxygen" written and sung by...
and White Lace & Black Leather
White Lace & Black Leather
White Lace & Black Leather was the second independent album by the Canadian rock band Helix. It was released in 1981. It is their first album featuring bassist Mike Uzelac and only album with drummer Leo Niebudek...
, in 1979 and 1981 respectively. During the sessions for Breaking Loose, Helix recorded a cover
Cover version
In popular music, a cover version or cover song, or simply cover, is a new performance or recording of a contemporary or previously recorded, commercially released song or popular song...
of the Del Shannon hit "Thinkin' It Over", unreleased until the 1999 Helix CD B-Sides
B-Sides (Helix album)
B-Sides is a compilation album by the Canadian hard rock band Helix. It is their 13th official release, and their fourth compilation album. Despite the title, it actually consists of no b-sides. It was released in conjunction with the 25th anniversary of Helix, and featured a reunion of...
. Their second album, White Lace & Black Leather saw more lineup changes, with bassist Mike Uzelac replacing Keith Zurbrigg, and drummer Leo Niebudek replacing Brian Doerner. With Zurbrigg gone, Brian Vollmer was now the last remaining original member.
Commercial success: 1983-1989
Changing their image from that of a standard bar band to a more image-conscious metal band, Helix finally signed to Capitol RecordsCapitol Records
Capitol Records is a major United States based record label, formerly located in Los Angeles, but operating in New York City as part of Capitol Music Group. Its former headquarters building, the Capitol Tower, is a major landmark near the corner of Hollywood and Vine...
after being rejected by them three times. In 1983 they released No Rest for the Wicked
No Rest for the Wicked (Helix album)
No Rest for the Wicked is the third studio album by the Canadian rock band Helix. It is also their major label debut, on Capitol Records.- Track list :All songs written by Helix except where noted# "Does a Fool Ever Learn" No Rest for the Wicked is the third studio album by the Canadian rock band...
, with Greg "Fritz" Hinz (ex-Starchild
Starchild (band)
Starchild was a Canadian progressive rock band that released an LP record called Children of the Stars on the Toronto based Axe label in 1978, followed by a single “No Control for Rock-n-Roll” " a few years later...
) on drums. This album featured Canadian hit video
Music video
A music video or song video is a short film integrating a song and imagery, produced for promotional or artistic purposes. Modern music videos are primarily made and used as a marketing device intended to promote the sale of music recordings...
"Heavy Metal Love", which featured their new look. Under Seip's advice, Helix dropped their T-shirts and jeans in favour of leather clothing in order to stay current. The tour for this album cycle was not without drama. Mike Uzelac, whose drug use had become problematic, left the band to be replaced by a bass player named Peter Guy from London, Ontario
London, Ontario
London is a city in Southwestern Ontario, Canada, situated along the Quebec City – Windsor Corridor. The city has a population of 352,395, and the metropolitan area has a population of 457,720, according to the 2006 Canadian census; the metro population in 2009 was estimated at 489,274. The city...
. Guy was unable to travel to the United States due to a previous drug conviction, and Uzelac came back to finish the tour. When Uzelac had fulfilled his commitment, Mark Rector of Kitchener
Kitchener, Ontario
The City of Kitchener is a city in Southern Ontario, Canada. It was the Town of Berlin from 1854 until 1912 and the City of Berlin from 1912 until 1916. The city had a population of 204,668 in the Canada 2006 Census...
was hired on bass. He was let go at the conclusion of the tour. With the addition of bassist Daryl Gray completing the band's classic 80s lineup, they released Walkin' the Razor's Edge
Walkin' the Razor's Edge
Walkin' the Razor's Edge was the fourth album by the Canadian heavy metal band Helix. It was released on the Capitol Records label in 1984.A music video was made for the Crazy Elephant cover "Gimme Gimme Good Lovin'"...
in 1984. It sold over 100,000 copies in Canada, and over 400,000 internationally. The album also included their best known song "Rock You
Rock You
Sum 41 covered this Helix song for the soundtrack to the movie Fubar. The soundtrack featured classic Canadian rock songs covered by current Canadian rock artists.-Personnel:* Steve Jocz - Vocals* Jason "Cone" McCaslin - Bass* Dave "Brownsound" Baksh - Guitar...
" and a cover of A Foot in Coldwater
A Foot in Coldwater
A Foot in Coldwater is a Canadian rock band initially composed of Alex Machin , Bob Horne , Paul Naumann , Danny Taylor , and Hughie Leggat...
's "(Make Me Do) Anything You Want".
The band's also released a music video
Music video
A music video or song video is a short film integrating a song and imagery, produced for promotional or artistic purposes. Modern music videos are primarily made and used as a marketing device intended to promote the sale of music recordings...
for the Crazy Elephant
Crazy Elephant
Crazy Elephant was a short-lived American bubblegum pop band noted for their 1969 hit single, "Gimme Gimme Good Lovin'". Crazy Elephant was a studio concoction, created by Jerry Kasenetz and Jeff Katz of Super K Productions...
cover "Gimme Gimme Good Lovin'" the same year, creating a parody of the Miss America Pageant titled the "Miss Rock Fantasy" Pageant. Two versions were created: an uncensored version featuring semi-nude and topless women, and a censored version made available for the more mainstream media markets like MTV
MTV
MTV, formerly an initialism of Music Television, is an American network based in New York City that launched on August 1, 1981. The original purpose of the channel was to play music videos guided by on-air hosts known as VJs....
. The ending of both versions of the video feature comedian Rip Taylor
Rip Taylor
Charles Elmer "Rip" Taylor, Jr. is an American actor and comedian.-Early life:Taylor was born in Washington, D.C., the son of Elizabeth, a waitress, and Charles Elmer Taylor, Sr., a musician. As a young man, Taylor served in the Korean War while in the U.S...
seated on a motorcycle surrounded by the band and the models all waving goodbye. It caused some controversy several years after its initial release when it was learned that among the cast of porn stars
Pornographic actor
A pornographic actor/actress or a porn star is a person who appears in pornographic film. Most actors appear nude in films...
that appear topless in the uncensored version was a then-unknown 16-year-old Traci Lords
Traci Lords
Traci Lords , also known as Traci Elizabeth Lords and Tracy Lords, is an American film actress, producer, film director, writer and singer...
as "Miss Georgia". (This version was also featured in a pornographic video titled Electric Blue
Electric blue
Electric blue is a very bright color reminiscent of a spark, named after the color of an argon sign. It is very similar to cyan.Additionally, the term may refer to:-Biology:...
26.)
In 1985, Helix released their fifth album Long Way to Heaven
Long Way to Heaven
Long Way to Heaven is the fifth studio album by the Canadian heavy metal band Helix. This album was their third for Capitol Records, and there were bigger expectations from the band after the success of the previous Walkin' the Razor's Edge . The first single was "Deep Cuts the Knife", a co-write...
, featuring the singles
Single (music)
In music, a single or record single is a type of release, typically a recording of fewer tracks than an LP or a CD. This can be released for sale to the public in a variety of different formats. In most cases, the single is a song that is released separately from an album, but it can still appear...
"Deep Cuts The Knife" and "The Kids Are All Shakin'". The album allowed the band to tour Sweden, becoming the first Canadian rock band to do an extensive Swedish tour. The result was a #1 album in that country. The following year, their song "It's Too Late" was featured in the movie Iron Eagle
Iron Eagle
Iron Eagle is a 1986 action film directed by Sidney J. Furie and starring Jason Gedrick and Louis Gossett, Jr. While it received mixed reviews, the film earned US$24,159,872 at the U.S. box office. Iron Eagle was followed by three sequels: Iron Eagle II, Aces: Iron Eagle III and Iron Eagle on the...
and its soundtrack
Soundtrack
A soundtrack can be recorded music accompanying and synchronized to the images of a motion picture, book, television program or video game; a commercially released soundtrack album of music as featured in the soundtrack of a film or TV show; or the physical area of a film that contains the...
album (this was a completely different song than the track "It's Too Late" that appeared on their second album).
Long Way To Heaven was followed by the release of Wild in the Streets in 1987, featuring the title track and a cover of "Dream On" by Nazareth
Nazareth (band)
Nazareth is a Scottish hard rock band, founded in 1968, that had several hits in the UK in the early 1970s, and established an international audience with their 1975 album Hair of the Dog. Perhaps their best-known hit single was a cover of the ballad "Love Hurts", in 1975...
. One song from that record, "She's Too Tough" was written by Joe Elliot, lead singer for Def Leppard
Def Leppard
Def Leppard are an English rock band formed in 1977 in Sheffield as part of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement. Since 1992, the band have consisted of Joe Elliott , Rick Savage , Rick Allen , Phil Collen , and Vivian Campbell...
. Leppard also recorded their own version of "She's Too Tough" and released it as a B-side
A-side and B-side
A-side and B-side originally referred to the two sides of gramophone records on which singles were released beginning in the 1950s. The terms have come to refer to the types of song conventionally placed on each side of the record, with the A-side being the featured song , while the B-side, or...
and on their Retro Active
Retro Active
Retro Active is an album by British hard rock band Def Leppard, released in 1993. The album features touched-up versions of B-sides and previously unreleased recordings from the band's recording sessions between 1984 and 1993...
album. The recording of Wild in the Streets, done in England with producer Mike Stone, was plagued by extensive takes and remixes. Still, the album went gold in Canada, but only managed a disappointing #179 on the Billboard 200
Billboard 200
The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists...
in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
.
Capitol released the first Helix compilation album
Compilation album
A compilation album is an album featuring tracks from one or more performers, often culled from a variety of sources The tracks are usually collected according to a common characteristic, such as popularity, genre, source or subject matter...
Over 60 minutes with...
Over 60 minutes with...
Over 60 Minutes With... is the 7th album release by Canadian hard rock/heavy metal band Helix. Their first-ever compilation, it collects music from their first three Capitol Records albums but includes nothing from 1987's Wild in the Streets. It was released on CD only...
at the end of 1989, which featured new and unreleased material as well as the hits. At the end of the decade, Brent Doerner quit the band, tired of the grind of touring. Helix was left as a four piece.
Lineup changes and tragedy: 1990-2003
Helix began the 90s with Back for Another TasteBack for Another Taste
Back For Another Taste was the 7th Helix studio album and 8th album altogether. It was also their last album of their original Capitol Records contract...
, which Doerner contributed songwriting and guitar parts to. On tour, Helix brought in their first American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
member, Denny Balicky. As a touring member, Balicky was not featured in any of their music videos, but he did make significant appearances in the MuchMusic
MuchMusic
MuchMusic is a Canadian English language Category A specialty channel owned by Bell Media. MuchMusic is dedicated to music-related programs, pop and youth culture.-History:...
hourlong special Walzing With Helix, which documented Helix's European tour with Sacred Reich
Sacred Reich
Sacred Reich is a Phoenix, Arizona-based thrash metal band that formed in 1985. Singer/songwriter Phil Rind's interest was in socially conscious and political speed metal. After several records on Metal Blade Records, they signed to Hollywood Records for a short stint, but later returned to Metal...
and Ian Gillan
Ian Gillan
Ian Gillan is an English rock music vocalist and songwriter, best known as the lead singer and lyricist for Deep Purple. During his career Gillan also fronted his own band, had a year-long stint as the vocalist for Black Sabbath, and sang the role of Jesus in the original recording of Andrew Lloyd...
. Balicky later appeared in the retrospective documentary 30 Years Of Helix: No Rest For The Wicked after changing his name to Denny Blake.
After this tour, Vollmer and Hackman began writing songs with the intention of Hackman's material being used for the next Helix release, and Vollmer's going towards a solo album
Solo album
A solo album, in popular music, is an album headlined by a current or former member of a band. A solo album may feature simply one person performing all instruments, but typically features the work of other collaborators; rather, it may be made with different collaborators than the artist is...
. In the meantime, The Early Years
The Early Years (Helix album)
The Early Years was the ninth Helix album and their second compilation album, issued in 1991. It reissued all the tracks from the band's first two independent albums, Breaking Loose and White Lace & Black Leather , with new cover art...
was released by A&M Records
A&M Records
A&M Records is an American record label owned by Universal Music Group that operates under the mantle of its Interscope-Geffen-A&M division.-Beginnings:...
, which compiled their first two independent albums on CD
Compact Disc
The Compact Disc is an optical disc used to store digital data. It was originally developed to store and playback sound recordings exclusively, but later expanded to encompass data storage , write-once audio and data storage , rewritable media , Video Compact Discs , Super Video Compact Discs ,...
for the first time. Helix toured sporadically during this time, including a special reunion show in Kitchener featuring Keith Zurbrigg and the Doerner brothers. A 1992 Western Canadian tour was booked, with Brian Doerner
Brian Doerner
Brian J. Doerner, from Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, is the current drummer for progressive rock band Saga, and hard rock band My Wicked Twin with his twin brother Brent Doerner. Brian has been playing music together with his brother since they were 8 years old. Brent was given a drum kit by their...
filling in on drums for the unavailable Greg Hinz, and Brent Doerner filling in for Denny Balicki. It was during this tour when disaster struck.
On July 5, 1992, Paul Hackman
Paul Hackman
Paul Wayne Hackman was a Canadian guitarist who performed with the rock band Helix from 1976 until his death in a road accident...
, not wearing a seatbelt, was killed when the group's van rolled down a 40-foot embankment after a concert in Vancouver
Vancouver
Vancouver is a coastal seaport city on the mainland of British Columbia, Canada. It is the hub of Greater Vancouver, which, with over 2.3 million residents, is the third most populous metropolitan area in the country,...
. Recovering from the shock of his death, Vollmer regrouped with Brent Doerner once again, and also recruited former Brighton Rock
Brighton Rock (band)
Brighton Rock are a Canadian glam metal band who released three albums in their home country during the 1980s and 90s. They broke up in 1991 before reuniting and releasing a live album in 2002.-Biography:...
guitarist Greg Fraser. Vollmer took the songs he had recorded for his solo album, and released them as the next Helix record, It's a Business Doing Pleasure
It's a Business Doing Pleasure
-Credits:Produced by Marc Ribler & Tom TreumuthRecorded at Hypnotic Studios, Toronto, November 1992-Helix:* Brian Vollmer - lead vocals* Brent "The Doctor" Doerner - lead, rhythm & acoustic guitars, background vocals...
(released on Aquarius in 1993, their Capitol contract now finished). He included the song "That Day Is Gonna Come" as a tribute to Hackman, and the video for the song featured unique Super 8
Super 8 mm film
Super 8 mm film is a motion picture film format released in 1965 by Eastman Kodak as an improvement of the older "Double" or "Regular" 8 mm home movie format....
and video
Video
Video is the technology of electronically capturing, recording, processing, storing, transmitting, and reconstructing a sequence of still images representing scenes in motion.- History :...
footage
Footage
In filmmaking and video production, footage is the raw, unedited material as it had been originally filmed by movie camera or recorded by a video camera which usually must be edited to create a motion picture, video clip, television show or similar completed work...
shot by Vollmer on the road over the years. Brian Doerner
Brian Doerner
Brian J. Doerner, from Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, is the current drummer for progressive rock band Saga, and hard rock band My Wicked Twin with his twin brother Brent Doerner. Brian has been playing music together with his brother since they were 8 years old. Brent was given a drum kit by their...
played drums on the album. Greg Fraser stated that no then-members of Helix aside from Vollmer himself actually played on the album, since it was in fact a solo album, although they were all pictured and credited in the packaging. Brian Vollmer would later call the album:
Brent Doerner left the band for the second time after a few shows supporting It's a Business Doing Pleasure. Helix were forced to carry on with a rapid succession of replacement guitar players: Gary Borden (ex-Ray Lyell
Ray Lyell
Ray Lyell is a Canadian singer, songwriter, and vocal coach.-Career:Ray Lyell came to prominence with his band, The Storm, in the late 1980s. Ray Lyell and the Storm released their self-titled debut album in 1989. Its first single, Another Man's Gun, scored No. 6 on the AOR charts...
), Mark Chichkan (ex-Mindstorm), and Rick Mead (ex-Sire), a rotating cast who played at shows when they were available. By 1996, both Greg Fraser and "Fritz" Hinz had departed as well. Brian Vollmer and Daryl Gray carried on with new drummer Glen "Archie" Gamble
Glen "Archie" Gamble
Glen "Archie" Gamble is a drummer from London, Ontario, Canada and is best known for his tenure in Helix. He has played with some classic rock bands, both as a side-man and in an opening capacity: Kiss, Alice Cooper, Vince Neil, Paul Rodgers, Robert Plant, as well as some younger bands: Sum 41,...
in 1997, who took on some of their workload such as road managing duties.
In order to keep new Helix product in stores, five new studio tracks were recorded and released in 1998 on half-ALIVE
Half-ALIVE
half-ALIVE was the first official live album by Canadian heavy metal band Helix, following the promotional-only Live At The Marquee. It was also their 11th album altogether and featured five new studio songs...
, which compiled these with live tracks from previous tours. Vollmer also released compilations of hits and rare tracks, as well as his first official solo album (When Pigs Fly
When Pigs Fly (Vollmer album)
When Pigs Fly is a solo album by Brian Vollmer, lead vocalist of the Canadian heavy metal band Helix. It was released in 1999 and features ex-Helix and current Saga/My Wicked Twin drummer Brian Doerner. It was released under the band name Vollmer and is Brian Vollmer's only solo release to date...
, 1999) through his website. The band continued to play live through this period, recruiting new guitar players as they were available. At various times, Mike Hall and Gerry Finn, who were both in Killer Dwarfs
Killer Dwarfs
Killer Dwarfs were a heavy metal band who formed in late 1981 in Oshawa, Ontario. Though they were known for their off beat sense of humor , they were nominated for two Juno Awards....
, joined Helix on the road, as did Darren Smith, the former Harem Scarem
Harem Scarem
Harem Scarem were a Canadian melodic rock band from Toronto, ON. Harem Scarem achieved popularity in Japan and their native Canada in the early 1990s. Harem Scarem were active from 1987 to 2008...
drummer, who had switched to guitar. Periodically, the surviving members of the classic 80s lineup would reform, as they did on the B-Sides
B-Sides (Helix album)
B-Sides is a compilation album by the Canadian hard rock band Helix. It is their 13th official release, and their fourth compilation album. Despite the title, it actually consists of no b-sides. It was released in conjunction with the 25th anniversary of Helix, and featured a reunion of...
CD to record three new songs. At the beginning of the new decade, Helix had to endure another major lineup change. Daryl Gray left the band in 2002 due to an increasingly strained relationship with Vollmer, leaving Brian as the sole member from their 80s heyday.
With Glen Gamble's help, Vollmer added three new members to bring some stability back to the lineup: Jeff "Stan" Fountain replacing Daryl Gray on bass, Dan Fawcett on guitar, and Shaun Sanders on guitar. All three had played together with Gamble in London's Buffalo Brothers.
30th Anniversary
In 2004, the 30th anniversary of Helix, the band released several titles to mark the occasion. Their first new studio album of all-original material in over a decade came out, titled Rockin' in My Outer SpaceRockin' in My Outer Space
Rockin' in My Outer Space is a CD released by hard rock/heavy metal band Helix on May 24, 2004. It is Helix' 9th full length studio album, and 15th official album release...
. Two compilation CDs were also put together, Never Trust Anyone Over 30 in the US, and Rockin' You For 30 Years in Canada. These albums were marked by a new Helix lineup, and for the first time since 1974, a six-piece: Vollmer, Gamble, Fountain, and new members Jim Lawson (ex-Cherry Smash, guitar), and the husband and wife team of Rainer (guitar) and Cindy Wiechmann (acoustic guitar and vocals). Vollmer first encountered the Wiechmanns in Newfoundland
Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador is the easternmost province of Canada. Situated in the country's Atlantic region, it incorporates the island of Newfoundland and mainland Labrador with a combined area of . As of April 2011, the province's estimated population is 508,400...
when their band, KAOS, opened for Helix on the Long Way To Heaven tour.
The band played a special 30th anniversary concert at Brantford Ontario's Sanderson Centre. The show featured the current band and past members. Guests included members of the original 1974 Helix lineup (Ron Watson, Bruce Arnold, Keith "Bert" Zurbrigg, and Don Simmons), as well as Brent Doerner, Brian Doerner
Brian Doerner
Brian J. Doerner, from Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, is the current drummer for progressive rock band Saga, and hard rock band My Wicked Twin with his twin brother Brent Doerner. Brian has been playing music together with his brother since they were 8 years old. Brent was given a drum kit by their...
, Leo Niebudek, and Greg "Fritz" Hinz. The night was released on DVD
DVD
A DVD is an optical disc storage media format, invented and developed by Philips, Sony, Toshiba, and Panasonic in 1995. DVDs offer higher storage capacity than Compact Discs while having the same dimensions....
as the 30th Anniversary Concert
30th Anniversary Concert
30th Anniversary Concert is a DVD release by Canadian hard rock band Helix. It is a live concert recorded on July 17, 2004 at the Brantford, Ontario Sanderson Centre. It is a complete concert and it features appearances from band members past and present to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the...
. Released at the same time was the documentary DVD 30 Years Of Helix: No Rest For The Wicked.
Helix experienced a slight resurgence in popularity at this point thanks to a third-season episode of the Trailer Park Boys
Trailer Park Boys
Trailer Park Boys is a Canadian comedy mockumentary television series created and directed by Mike Clattenburg that focuses on the misadventures of a group of trailer park residents, some of whom are ex-convicts, living in the fictional Sunnyvale Trailer Park in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. The...
TV show ("Closer To The Heart"), in which Bubbles and Ricky discuss the merits of Helix compared to Rush
Rush (band)
Rush is a Canadian rock band formed in August 1968, in the Willowdale neighbourhood of Toronto, Ontario. The band is composed of bassist, keyboardist, and lead vocalist Geddy Lee, guitarist Alex Lifeson, and drummer and lyricist Neil Peart...
. Vollmer also filmed a cameo
Cameo appearance
A cameo role or cameo appearance is a brief appearance of a known person in a work of the performing arts, such as plays, films, video games and television...
during that season which was included as a DVD deleted scene. Helix was mentioned in several other episodes; it's revealed that Ricky especially favors attending, and selling marijuana at, their concerts.
In July 2005, Vollmer announced that Helix would be entering the studio to record another new album of original material as well as a cover
Cover version
In popular music, a cover version or cover song, or simply cover, is a new performance or recording of a contemporary or previously recorded, commercially released song or popular song...
album. The cover album was intended to be released in spring 2006 and consist entirely of Canadian rock
Canadian rock
Canadian rock describes a wide and diverse variety of music produced by Canadians, beginning with American style rock 'n' roll in the mid-20th century. Since then Canada has had a considerable impact on the development of the modern popular music called rock...
songs. The tentative title was Many Are Cold But Few Are Frozen, but it never materialized.
Finally, Brian Vollmer published his autobiography
Autobiography
An autobiography is a book about the life of a person, written by that person.-Origin of the term:...
, Gimme An R, in December 2005. The book covered the numerous lineup changes and ups and downs of Helix through their 30 year career, along with many rare photos.
Increased activity: 2005-July 2009
In late 2005, Glen GambleGlen "Archie" Gamble
Glen "Archie" Gamble is a drummer from London, Ontario, Canada and is best known for his tenure in Helix. He has played with some classic rock bands, both as a side-man and in an opening capacity: Kiss, Alice Cooper, Vince Neil, Paul Rodgers, Robert Plant, as well as some younger bands: Sum 41,...
left Helix to form his own band, The Joys. Gamble was briefly replaced by a returning Brian Doerner
Brian Doerner
Brian J. Doerner, from Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, is the current drummer for progressive rock band Saga, and hard rock band My Wicked Twin with his twin brother Brent Doerner. Brian has been playing music together with his brother since they were 8 years old. Brent was given a drum kit by their...
, who stayed with the band for several months. With Gamble gone, Brian Vollmer was left to manage every aspect of the Helix organization, from booking tours, to distributing Helix merchandise.
More lineup changes ensued in 2006: Brian Doerner again departed, this time to play in Saga. He was replaced by Brent "Ned" Niemi, who was a veteran of the Toronto progressive metal band THD that also featured former Slash Puppet vocalist Mif
Anthony J. Mifsud
Anthony J. Mifsud is a Maltese-born Canadian actor, singer and songwriter. He performs professionally under the moniker Mif.Mif began his entertainment career as the front man and vocalist for the award-winning Canadian hard rock/heavy metal musical group Slash Puppet , originally under the stage...
. Helix toured with this new lineup, most notably opening for Alice Cooper
Alice Cooper
Alice Cooper is an American rock singer, songwriter and musician whose career spans more than four decades...
in Canada, before Rainer and Cindy Wiechmann left amicably and formed their own band Nail. Rainer was replaced on guitar by Kitchener's Rick VanDyk, formerly of Zero Option who had released an album in the early 90s. Finally, bassist Jeff Fountain left and was replaced by Paul Fonseca. VanDyk, Fonseca, and Niemi had all played together part-time in a Metallica
Metallica
Metallica is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1981 when James Hetfield responded to an advertisement that drummer Lars Ulrich had posted in a local newspaper. The current line-up features long-time lead guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo ...
tribute band
Tribute band
A tribute act is a music group, singer, or musician who specifically plays the music of a well-known music act - sometimes one which has disbanded, ceased touring or is deceased. Probably the largest class of tributes acts are Elvis impersonators, individual performers who mimic the songs and style...
called Sandman. With these musicians on board, Helix began augmenting their live setlist with Metallica's "Creeping Death
Creeping Death
-Covers:* New Jersey Hardcore band Shattered Realm includes a cover of "Creeping Death" on the reissue of their 2002 album "Broken Ties Spoken Lies"* Plays Metallica by Four Cellos by Apocalyptica.* During Ozzfest 2002 by Drowning Pool....
" riff to segue between songs. Recording for a new album began.
In October 2006, the song "Heavy Metal Love" was to be featured on the soundtrack for the Trailer Park Boys
Trailer Park Boys
Trailer Park Boys is a Canadian comedy mockumentary television series created and directed by Mike Clattenburg that focuses on the misadventures of a group of trailer park residents, some of whom are ex-convicts, living in the fictional Sunnyvale Trailer Park in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. The...
movie The Big Dirty, however, at the last minute, the track was pulled by Dean Cameron, president of EMI
EMI
The EMI Group, also known as EMI Music or simply EMI, is a multinational music company headquartered in London, United Kingdom. It is the fourth-largest business group and family of record labels in the recording industry and one of the "big four" record companies. EMI Group also has a major...
Canada, as distribution of the soundtrack was being handled by Universal
Universal Music Group
Universal Music Group is an American music group, the largest of the "big four" record companies by its commanding market share and its multitude of global operations...
, and not EMI who owns the track. To make up for this, Helix re-recorded "Heavy Metal Love" and included it on their next release, the 2006 EP
Extended play
An EP is a musical recording which contains more music than a single, but is too short to qualify as a full album or LP. The term EP originally referred only to specific types of vinyl records other than 78 rpm standard play records and LP records, but it is now applied to mid-length Compact...
Get Up! . The original song was still included in the movie even though it did not appear on the soundtrack CD. The Get Up! EP itself was hyped by Vollmer as "...very reminiscent of the No Rest For The Wicked album."
In 2007, Helix re-released all the tracks from Get Up! along with four new studio tracks on a full-length studio album called The Power of Rock and Roll
The Power of Rock and Roll
The Power of Rock and Roll is a CD released by heavy metal band Helix in 2007. It is Helix' 10th full length studio album and 19th album released overall. It compiled all 7 tracks from their previous independent release, the EP Get Up! and four new songs. It was released by EMI on July 21, 2007...
. Unlike the EP, this album received both US and UK releases. In June of that year, Helix played the 2007 Sweden Rock Festival. A new song from The Power Of Rock And Roll called "Fill Your Head With Rock" was chosen as the theme song of the festival.
Following this, in October 2008 Helix produced their first Christmas CD
Christmas music
Christmas music comprises a variety of genres of music normally performed or heard around the Christmas season, which tends to begin in the months leading up the actual holiday and end in the weeks shortly thereafter.-Early:...
.
Although Brian Vollmer has recorded Christmas songs before on a charity CD for his church called Raising The Roof on Mary Immaculate, A Heavy Mental Christmas was the first such release from the band.
By late 2008, Helix began working on a new studio album, their 12th, following up A Heavy Mental Christmas. These recording sessions coincided with another new Helix lineup: In February 2009, Brent "The Doctor" Doerner joined the band for the third time. Sean Kelly
Sean Kelly (Canadian musician)
Sean Kelly is a Canadian musician, currently playing guitar in the band with Nelly Furtado. He founded the Toronto-based glam rock band Crash Kelly, and is the band's lead singer and guitarist. Kelly was a member of Canadian rock band Helix, playing bass guitar. He stayed with them for most of...
, singer and lead guitarist of Toronto's Crash Kelly, joined as the new bass player. Brent Niemi was replaced on drums by former Sven Gali
Sven Gali
Sven Gali is a hard rock/glam metal band which originally started as a cover band in 1987 in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Their original lineup consisted of Dave Wanless , Dee Cernile , Andy Frank , Shawn T.T. Mahar , and Steve Macgregor .-Early days and Sven Gali: 1987-1993:Sven Gali played covers...
member Rob MacEachern, who had actually played drums on Get Up! and The Power of Rock and Roll in Niemi's absence. Jim Lawson remained on guitar, VanDyk having departed to make room for the returning Brent Doerner. Work on the new studio CD progressed with Sean Kelly co-writing and co-producing.
In February 2009, Vollmer reunited the surviving members of the No Rest For The Wicked lineup (Brent Doerner, Mike Uzelac, and Greg Hinz) to record a new version of the AC/DC
AC/DC
AC/DC are an Australian rock band, formed in 1973 by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young. Commonly classified as hard rock, they are considered pioneers of heavy metal, though they themselves have always classified their music as simply "rock and roll"...
classic "It's A Long Way To The Top", to be included on a compilation album. Concurrent to the new Helix lineup and CD, Brent Doerner formed his own band, My Wicked Twin
My Wicked Twin
My Wicked Twin are a Canadian hard rock band from Kitchener, Ontario that formed in 2008. They have their genesis in an earlier band called Brent Doerner's Decibel, which suffered from less than satisfactory sales...
, featuring Brian Doerner
Brian Doerner
Brian J. Doerner, from Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, is the current drummer for progressive rock band Saga, and hard rock band My Wicked Twin with his twin brother Brent Doerner. Brian has been playing music together with his brother since they were 8 years old. Brent was given a drum kit by their...
, Mike Uzelac, and Shane Schedler (formerly of Kitchener's Martyrs of Melody). They released their debut CD in January 2009.
Current and 80s band reunion: July 2009-present
In an unexpected turn of events, after their July 10, 2009 RocklahomaRocklahoma
Rocklahoma is an annual hard rock music festival held in Pryor, Oklahoma...
performance, Sean Kelly
Sean Kelly (Canadian musician)
Sean Kelly is a Canadian musician, currently playing guitar in the band with Nelly Furtado. He founded the Toronto-based glam rock band Crash Kelly, and is the band's lead singer and guitarist. Kelly was a member of Canadian rock band Helix, playing bass guitar. He stayed with them for most of...
amicably gave notice that he was quitting Helix to be the new guitar player in Nelly Furtado
Nelly Furtado
Nelly Kim Furtado is a Canadian singer-songwriter, record producer and actress. Furtado grew up in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.Furtado first gained fame with her debut album, Whoa, Nelly!, and its single "I'm Like a Bird", which won a 2001 Juno Award for Single of the Year and a 2002 Grammy...
's band. His first date with Furtado was in Mexico City
Mexico City
Mexico City is the Federal District , capital of Mexico and seat of the federal powers of the Mexican Union. It is a federal entity within Mexico which is not part of any one of the 31 Mexican states but belongs to the federation as a whole...
in September 2009. After Kelly's departure, Brian Vollmer reunited the surviving members of the classic 80s lineup: Daryl Gray, Greg "Fritz" Hinz, and Brent Doerner. At their first rehearsal together, Hinz reported, "…it was like we had never left. We all fell right into the groove." In regards to reuniting the old band, Vollmer cited fatigue of the rotating Helix lineups:
Daryl Gray was the first member to play live with the band, appearing August 9, 2009 in Lewisporte, Newfoundland
Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador is the easternmost province of Canada. Situated in the country's Atlantic region, it incorporates the island of Newfoundland and mainland Labrador with a combined area of . As of April 2011, the province's estimated population is 508,400...
. Jim Lawson's departure was announced on August 30, 2009. According to Vollmer, "Unfortunately the long distance between where he lives (Sudbury, Ontario) and where the band operates became a factor in Jim staying with us." Kitchener
Kitchener, Ontario
The City of Kitchener is a city in Southern Ontario, Canada. It was the Town of Berlin from 1854 until 1912 and the City of Berlin from 1912 until 1916. The city had a population of 204,668 in the Canada 2006 Census...
's Kaleb "Duckman" Duck (of BraVurA), who played on Brent's My Wicked Twin CD, was hired on second guitar. Rob MacEachern amicably stepped down for Hinz to return.
The new Helix CD was tentatively titled It’s Rock Science, NOT Rocket Science!, before being changed to Vagabond Bones
Vagabond Bones
Vagabond Bones is a studio album by heavy metal band Helix, released on November 17, 2009. It is Helix' 12th full length studio album and 21st album released overall. It contains performances from members of the 80's Helix lineup: Brian Vollmer, Brent Doerner, Daryl Gray, and Greg Hinz, as well...
after a song co-written by Kelly. Doerner, Gray and Hinz all appear on the album, along with Sean Kelly, Brent Niemi, Rob MacEachern and Russ "Dwarf" Graham of Moxy
Moxy (band)
Moxy was a Canadian hard rock and heavy metal band, formed in Toronto, Ontario in 1974, from previous members of the rock group, Leigh Ashford — which included singer Douglas "Buzz" Shearman Earl Johnson , Bill Wade Moxy was a Canadian hard rock and heavy metal band, formed in Toronto, Ontario in...
and Killer Dwarfs
Killer Dwarfs
Killer Dwarfs were a heavy metal band who formed in late 1981 in Oshawa, Ontario. Though they were known for their off beat sense of humor , they were nominated for two Juno Awards....
. The songs were described by Vollmer as music "which harkens back to our roots, yet sounds contemporary." A western Canadian tour was played in October 2009.
Brian Vollmer had a cameo appearance in the second Trailer Park Boys
Trailer Park Boys
Trailer Park Boys is a Canadian comedy mockumentary television series created and directed by Mike Clattenburg that focuses on the misadventures of a group of trailer park residents, some of whom are ex-convicts, living in the fictional Sunnyvale Trailer Park in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. The...
movie Countdown To Liquor Day
Trailer Park Boys: Countdown to Liquor Day
Trailer Park Boys: Countdown to Liquor Day is a 2009 Canadian mockumentary comedy/crime film directed by Mike Clattenburg. It is the second film based on the Canadian television series Trailer Park Boys, following 2005's Trailer Park Boys: The Movie...
, released September 25, 2009. Helix also performed at the opening gala of the premier of the movie at the Halifax Metro Centre
Halifax Metro Centre
The Halifax Metro Centre was built in 1978, in downtown Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. The building is next to the World Trade and Convention Centre, at the foot of Citadel Hill. It is the largest arena in Halifax. It originally featured a full ring of bright orange seats around the playing surface,...
.
The reunion tour has lasted into 2010 including both Canadian and US dates. Brian Vollmer also implied that he would like to continue writing for future Helix albums with former member Sean Kelly. In regards to Kelly's departure in 2009, Vollmer stated, "I give Sean my blessings, no worries. As long as we continue to write together, I am happy."
On August 15, 2010, Vollmer announced the forthcoming release of two new Helix albums. The first, titled Smash Hits...Unplugged!
Smash Hits...Unplugged!
Smash Hits...Unplugged! is an acoustic studio album by the heavy metal band Helix. It was released in November 2010 via the band's official site and at shows, with a wider release via EMI in January 2011. It is composed of acoustic versions of Helix hits from albums past as well as a new cover...
contains acoustic re-recorded versions of Helix hits and a cover of the late Canadian singer James Leroy's "Touch Of Magic". The second album is a compilation called Running Wild In The 21st Century
Running Wild In The 21st Century
Running Wild In The 21st Century is a compilation album by the Canadian hard rock band Helix originally to be released in October 2010, but now delayed until spring 2011. Although not on the album, it takes its name from the 1990 Helix song "Running Wild In The 21st Century". It will be their...
, containing Helix and Vollmer solo material from 1999–2010, including two unreleased tracks ("The William Tell Overture" and a new unnamed original song.) It was originally scheduled to be released in October 2010 but was delayed until 2011, due to problems getting permission to include the AC/DC
AC/DC
AC/DC are an Australian rock band, formed in 1973 by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young. Commonly classified as hard rock, they are considered pioneers of heavy metal, though they themselves have always classified their music as simply "rock and roll"...
cover "It's A Long Way To The Top". It will be replaced by a new original song instead, causing the delay.
In November 2010, Vollmer announced that the band were filming a pilot episode for a Helix-based reality TV series.
Outside Helix
Brent and Brian DoernerBrian Doerner
Brian J. Doerner, from Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, is the current drummer for progressive rock band Saga, and hard rock band My Wicked Twin with his twin brother Brent Doerner. Brian has been playing music together with his brother since they were 8 years old. Brent was given a drum kit by their...
maintain My Wicked Twin
My Wicked Twin
My Wicked Twin are a Canadian hard rock band from Kitchener, Ontario that formed in 2008. They have their genesis in an earlier band called Brent Doerner's Decibel, which suffered from less than satisfactory sales...
as an ongoing prospect along side their main bands, Helix and Saga
Saga (band)
Saga is a progressive rock quintet, formed in Oakville, Ontario, Canada. Jim Crichton and Welsh-born vocalist Michael Sadler have been the principal songwriters for Saga. Ian Crichton is the band's guitarist; apart from his work with Saga, he has recorded several solo albums as well as sessions...
. Brian Vollmer currently teaches the classical vocal technique, Bel canto
Bel canto
Bel canto , along with a number of similar constructions , is an Italian opera term...
, in London, Ontario
London, Ontario
London is a city in Southwestern Ontario, Canada, situated along the Quebec City – Windsor Corridor. The city has a population of 352,395, and the metropolitan area has a population of 457,720, according to the 2006 Canadian census; the metro population in 2009 was estimated at 489,274. The city...
, as well as singing classical music at weddings and funerals throughout southern Ontario. He has given vocal lessons to Mercedes Lander
Mercedes Lander
Mercedes Sherida Lander is the drummer and backing vocalist for the Canadian alternative metal group Kittie. Her sister, Morgan Lander, also sings and plays guitar for Kittie. Other than Morgan she is the only other original member of Kittie.She was also the leading vocals for a small Canadian...
of the heavy metal band Kittie
Kittie
Kittie is a Canadian heavy metal band formed in London, Ontario in 1996. A quartet of women, the group rose to success in 1999 when the track "Brackish" from their debut album Spit became a hit single...
who also hail from London. His wife Lynda helps with the running of the Helix business from their home, which they have dubbed "Planet Helix". "Planet Helix" was featured in a 2007 episode of MTV Cribs
MTV Cribs
MTV Cribs and CMT Cribs, depending on which channel it airs, is a franchise reality television program that originated on the MTV Networks' MTV. It later aired on its CMT channel that features tours of the houses and mansions of celebrities. The first show aired September 2000...
Current members
- Brian VollmerBrian VollmerBrian Vollmer is the lead singer and only remaining original member of Canadian hard rock group Helix. Helix was formed in 1974 by original drummer Bruce Arnold. Since that time, Vollmer had gone from lead singer to defacto leader of band, weathering numerous lineup changes...
- lead vocals (1974–present) - Brent "The Doctor" Doerner - guitar, vocals (1975–1989, 1993, February 2009–present)
- Greg "Fritz" Hinz - drums (1982–1996, August 2009–present)
- Daryl Gray - bass, keyboards (1984–2002, August 2009–present)
- Kaleb "Duckman" Duck - guitar (September 2009–present)
Former members
- Bruce Arnold - drums (1974–1976)
- Ron Watson - guitar (1974–1975)
- Rick "Minstrel" Trembley - guitar (1974)
- Don Simmons - keyboards (1974–1976)
- Keith "Bert" Zurbrigg - bass (1974–1980)
- Paul HackmanPaul HackmanPaul Wayne Hackman was a Canadian guitarist who performed with the rock band Helix from 1976 until his death in a road accident...
- guitar (1976–1992) † - Brian DoernerBrian DoernerBrian J. Doerner, from Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, is the current drummer for progressive rock band Saga, and hard rock band My Wicked Twin with his twin brother Brent Doerner. Brian has been playing music together with his brother since they were 8 years old. Brent was given a drum kit by their...
- drums (1976–1980, 2005–2006) - Leo Niebudek - drums (1980–1982)
- Mike Uzelac - bass (1980–1983)
- Peter Guy - touring bassist (1983)
- Mark Rector - touring bassist (1983)
- Denny Balicky (Blake) - touring guitarist (1990–1991)
- Greg "Shredder" Fraser - guitar (1992–1996)
- Rick Mead - guitar (1993–1999, various shows)
- Gary Borden - guitar (1996–1998, various shows)
- Mark Chichkan - guitar (1996–1999, various shows)
- Glen "Archie" GambleGlen "Archie" GambleGlen "Archie" Gamble is a drummer from London, Ontario, Canada and is best known for his tenure in Helix. He has played with some classic rock bands, both as a side-man and in an opening capacity: Kiss, Alice Cooper, Vince Neil, Paul Rodgers, Robert Plant, as well as some younger bands: Sum 41,...
- drums (1997–2005) - Gerry Finn - guitar (1998–2002, various shows)
- Mike Hall - guitar (1999–2002, various shows)
- Darren Smith - guitar (2001–2002, various shows)
- Dan Fawcett - guitar (2002–2004)
- Martin ITFOR - guitar (2002–2004, various shows)
- Shaun Sanders - guitar (2002–2004)
- Jeff "Stan" Fountain - bass (2002–2007)
- Jim Lawson - guitar (2004-August 2009)
- Cindy Wiechmann - backup and lead vocals, keyboards, percussion and acoustic guitar (2004–2007)
- Rainer Wiechmann - guitar (2004–2007)
- Paul Fonseca - bass (2007–2009)
- Brent "Ned" Niemi - drums (2007–2009)
- Rick VanDyk - guitar (2007–2009)
- Sean KellySean Kelly (Canadian musician)Sean Kelly is a Canadian musician, currently playing guitar in the band with Nelly Furtado. He founded the Toronto-based glam rock band Crash Kelly, and is the band's lead singer and guitarist. Kelly was a member of Canadian rock band Helix, playing bass guitar. He stayed with them for most of...
- bass (February 2009-August 2009) - Rob MacEachern - drums (February 2009-August 2009)
† - deceased
Albums
- Breaking LooseBreaking Loose (Helix album)Breaking Loose was the first independent album by the Canadian rock band Helix. It was released in 1979. Joe Anthony from KISS FM in San Antonio, Texas began playing "You're A Woman Now" which enabled the band to play there for the first time. It also featured "Billy Oxygen" written and sung by...
(1979) - White Lace & Black LeatherWhite Lace & Black LeatherWhite Lace & Black Leather was the second independent album by the Canadian rock band Helix. It was released in 1981. It is their first album featuring bassist Mike Uzelac and only album with drummer Leo Niebudek...
(1981) - No Rest for the WickedNo Rest for the Wicked (Helix album)No Rest for the Wicked is the third studio album by the Canadian rock band Helix. It is also their major label debut, on Capitol Records.- Track list :All songs written by Helix except where noted# "Does a Fool Ever Learn" No Rest for the Wicked is the third studio album by the Canadian rock band...
(1983) - Walkin' the Razor's EdgeWalkin' the Razor's EdgeWalkin' the Razor's Edge was the fourth album by the Canadian heavy metal band Helix. It was released on the Capitol Records label in 1984.A music video was made for the Crazy Elephant cover "Gimme Gimme Good Lovin'"...
(1984) - Live At The Marquee (1984) (Promotional live EPExtended playAn EP is a musical recording which contains more music than a single, but is too short to qualify as a full album or LP. The term EP originally referred only to specific types of vinyl records other than 78 rpm standard play records and LP records, but it is now applied to mid-length Compact...
) - Long Way to HeavenLong Way to HeavenLong Way to Heaven is the fifth studio album by the Canadian heavy metal band Helix. This album was their third for Capitol Records, and there were bigger expectations from the band after the success of the previous Walkin' the Razor's Edge . The first single was "Deep Cuts the Knife", a co-write...
(1985) - Wild in the Streets (1987)
- Over 60 minutes with...Over 60 minutes with...Over 60 Minutes With... is the 7th album release by Canadian hard rock/heavy metal band Helix. Their first-ever compilation, it collects music from their first three Capitol Records albums but includes nothing from 1987's Wild in the Streets. It was released on CD only...
(1989) (Compilation) - Back for Another TasteBack for Another TasteBack For Another Taste was the 7th Helix studio album and 8th album altogether. It was also their last album of their original Capitol Records contract...
(1990) - The Early YearsThe Early Years (Helix album)The Early Years was the ninth Helix album and their second compilation album, issued in 1991. It reissued all the tracks from the band's first two independent albums, Breaking Loose and White Lace & Black Leather , with new cover art...
(1991) (Reissue of first two albums) - It's a Business Doing PleasureIt's a Business Doing Pleasure-Credits:Produced by Marc Ribler & Tom TreumuthRecorded at Hypnotic Studios, Toronto, November 1992-Helix:* Brian Vollmer - lead vocals* Brent "The Doctor" Doerner - lead, rhythm & acoustic guitars, background vocals...
(1993) - half-ALIVEHalf-ALIVEhalf-ALIVE was the first official live album by Canadian heavy metal band Helix, following the promotional-only Live At The Marquee. It was also their 11th album altogether and featured five new studio songs...
(1998) - Deep Cuts: the Best OfDeep Cuts: the Best OfDeep Cuts is a compilation album by the Canadian hard rock band Helix. It is their 12th official release, and their third compilation album...
(1999) (Compilation) - B-SidesB-Sides (Helix album)B-Sides is a compilation album by the Canadian hard rock band Helix. It is their 13th official release, and their fourth compilation album. Despite the title, it actually consists of no b-sides. It was released in conjunction with the 25th anniversary of Helix, and featured a reunion of...
(1999) - Live! in BuffaloLive! in BuffaloLive! in Buffalo is a live album by Canadian hard rock/heavy metal band Helix. It was recorded on September 29, 1983 in Buffalo, New York. It is their 14th official release. It includes several songs that were road-tested versions of new tracks that were written for 1984's Walkin' the Razor's...
(2001) (Live) - Rockin' in My Outer SpaceRockin' in My Outer SpaceRockin' in My Outer Space is a CD released by hard rock/heavy metal band Helix on May 24, 2004. It is Helix' 9th full length studio album, and 15th official album release...
(2004) - Never Trust Anyone Over 30 (2004) (US Compilation)
- Rockin' You for 30 Years (2004) (Canadian Compilation)
- Get Up! (2006) (EP)
- The Power of Rock and RollThe Power of Rock and RollThe Power of Rock and Roll is a CD released by heavy metal band Helix in 2007. It is Helix' 10th full length studio album and 19th album released overall. It compiled all 7 tracks from their previous independent release, the EP Get Up! and four new songs. It was released by EMI on July 21, 2007...
(2007) - A Heavy Mental Christmas (2008)
- Vagabond BonesVagabond BonesVagabond Bones is a studio album by heavy metal band Helix, released on November 17, 2009. It is Helix' 12th full length studio album and 21st album released overall. It contains performances from members of the 80's Helix lineup: Brian Vollmer, Brent Doerner, Daryl Gray, and Greg Hinz, as well...
(2009) - Smash Hits...Unplugged!Smash Hits...Unplugged!Smash Hits...Unplugged! is an acoustic studio album by the heavy metal band Helix. It was released in November 2010 via the band's official site and at shows, with a wider release via EMI in January 2011. It is composed of acoustic versions of Helix hits from albums past as well as a new cover...
(November 2010) - Running Wild In The 21st CenturyRunning Wild In The 21st CenturyRunning Wild In The 21st Century is a compilation album by the Canadian hard rock band Helix originally to be released in October 2010, but now delayed until spring 2011. Although not on the album, it takes its name from the 1990 Helix song "Running Wild In The 21st Century". It will be their...
(spring 2011) (Compilation)
Unofficial compilation albums
- VixenVixen (band)Vixen is an all-female American hard rock band which achieved some commercial success during the late 1980s and early 1990s as part of the Los Angeles, California glam metal scene.-Early years:...
and Helix: Back 2 Back Hits (2000) (Split compilation CD from RecordsEMIThe EMI Group, also known as EMI Music or simply EMI, is a multinational music company headquartered in London, United Kingdom. It is the fourth-largest business group and family of record labels in the recording industry and one of the "big four" record companies. EMI Group also has a major...
Special Products)
Singles
- Don't Hide Your Love (1979)
- Heavy Metal Love (1983)
- Rock YouRock YouSum 41 covered this Helix song for the soundtrack to the movie Fubar. The soundtrack featured classic Canadian rock songs covered by current Canadian rock artists.-Personnel:* Steve Jocz - Vocals* Jason "Cone" McCaslin - Bass* Dave "Brownsound" Baksh - Guitar...
(1984) - Gimme Gimme Good Lovin (1984)
- (Make Me Do) Anything You Want (1984)
- The Kids Are All Shakin (1985)
- Deep Cuts The Knife (1985)
- It's Too Late (1986)
- Wild In The Streets (1987)
- Dream On (1987)
- The Storm (1990)
- Running Wild In The 21st Century (1990)
- Good To The Last Drop (1990)
- That Day Is Gonna Come (1992)
- Make 'Em Dance (2010)
DVD and VHS
- S.E.X. Rated (DVD 2001, VHS 1991)
- 30th Anniversary Concert30th Anniversary Concert30th Anniversary Concert is a DVD release by Canadian hard rock band Helix. It is a live concert recorded on July 17, 2004 at the Brantford, Ontario Sanderson Centre. It is a complete concert and it features appearances from band members past and present to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the...
(DVD 2004) - 30 Years Of Helix: No Rest For The Wicked (DVD 2004)
Non-album tracks
- Original soundtrack: Iron Eagle (1986) - featuring "It's Too Late", later released on the Helix compilation CD Deep Cuts: the Best OfDeep Cuts: the Best OfDeep Cuts is a compilation album by the Canadian hard rock band Helix. It is their 12th official release, and their third compilation album...
. - "S.E.X. Rated" (1990) - B-side on the "Good To The Last Drop" cassette single only. This recording, thus far only released on the cassette B-side, is a completely different recording than the one on the B-Sides CD. According to lead vocalist Brian Vollmer, there are currently no plans to re-release this rare version which, unlike the B-Sides version, includes a performance by late guitarist Paul HackmanPaul HackmanPaul Wayne Hackman was a Canadian guitarist who performed with the rock band Helix from 1976 until his death in a road accident...
. - Various artists - Got Ya Covered!! (1996) - featuring Helix's cover of "Set Me Free" by SweetSweet (band)Sweet was a British rock band that rose to worldwide fame in the 1970s as one of the most prominent glam rock acts, with the classic line-up of lead vocalist Brian Connolly, bass player Steve Priest, guitarist Andy Scott, and drummer Mick Tucker.Sweet was formed in 1968 and achieved their first...
. This was a compilation of independent artists from London, OntarioLondon, OntarioLondon is a city in Southwestern Ontario, Canada, situated along the Quebec City – Windsor Corridor. The city has a population of 352,395, and the metropolitan area has a population of 457,720, according to the 2006 Canadian census; the metro population in 2009 was estimated at 489,274. The city...
. The Helix lineup on this song includes only one actual Helix member, Brian Vollmer himself, backed by members of the band S.F.H. - Various artists - Sweden Rock FestivalSweden Rock FestivalSweden Rock Festival is an annual rock/metal festival held in Sweden since 6 June 1992. While having a clear rock/metal focus, the festival is noted for its diversity across these genres, having featured southern rock bands such as Molly Hatchet to death metal legends like Obituary.The first...
2005 (2005) - featuring live version of "Rock YouRock YouSum 41 covered this Helix song for the soundtrack to the movie Fubar. The soundtrack featured classic Canadian rock songs covered by current Canadian rock artists.-Personnel:* Steve Jocz - Vocals* Jason "Cone" McCaslin - Bass* Dave "Brownsound" Baksh - Guitar...
", and the only official recording by the VollmerBrian VollmerBrian Vollmer is the lead singer and only remaining original member of Canadian hard rock group Helix. Helix was formed in 1974 by original drummer Bruce Arnold. Since that time, Vollmer had gone from lead singer to defacto leader of band, weathering numerous lineup changes...
/Weichmann/Weichmann/Lawson/Fountain/Brian DoernerBrian DoernerBrian J. Doerner, from Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, is the current drummer for progressive rock band Saga, and hard rock band My Wicked Twin with his twin brother Brent Doerner. Brian has been playing music together with his brother since they were 8 years old. Brent was given a drum kit by their...
lineup.
Solo albums
- Vollmer - When Pigs FlyWhen Pigs Fly (Vollmer album)When Pigs Fly is a solo album by Brian Vollmer, lead vocalist of the Canadian heavy metal band Helix. It was released in 1999 and features ex-Helix and current Saga/My Wicked Twin drummer Brian Doerner. It was released under the band name Vollmer and is Brian Vollmer's only solo release to date...
(1999) - solo album by Brian VollmerBrian VollmerBrian Vollmer is the lead singer and only remaining original member of Canadian hard rock group Helix. Helix was formed in 1974 by original drummer Bruce Arnold. Since that time, Vollmer had gone from lead singer to defacto leader of band, weathering numerous lineup changes...
. - Raising The Roof on Mary Immaculate (2005) - charity CD featuring Brian Vollmer and Cindy Wiechmann.
- Brent Doerner's DecibelMy Wicked TwinMy Wicked Twin are a Canadian hard rock band from Kitchener, Ontario that formed in 2008. They have their genesis in an earlier band called Brent Doerner's Decibel, which suffered from less than satisfactory sales...
- Brent Doerner's Decibel (2006) - solo album by Brent Doerner. - My Wicked TwinMy Wicked TwinMy Wicked Twin are a Canadian hard rock band from Kitchener, Ontario that formed in 2008. They have their genesis in an earlier band called Brent Doerner's Decibel, which suffered from less than satisfactory sales...
- Decibel Music (2009) - includes three past/present Helix members in Brent & Brian Doerner, and Mike Uzelac going under the name "Uzi".
Helix in popular culture
Helix and "Rock YouRock You
Sum 41 covered this Helix song for the soundtrack to the movie Fubar. The soundtrack featured classic Canadian rock songs covered by current Canadian rock artists.-Personnel:* Steve Jocz - Vocals* Jason "Cone" McCaslin - Bass* Dave "Brownsound" Baksh - Guitar...
" was a topic of discussion by the Trailer Park Boys
Trailer Park Boys
Trailer Park Boys is a Canadian comedy mockumentary television series created and directed by Mike Clattenburg that focuses on the misadventures of a group of trailer park residents, some of whom are ex-convicts, living in the fictional Sunnyvale Trailer Park in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. The...
. You can find the discussion here on Wikiquote.