Brian Doerner
Encyclopedia
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 parents, which Brian took from him. Brian has been playing drums since that time.
Brian Doerner also has a longstanding history with the Canadian rock band Helix
, joining them twice.
Brian has been recognized as "one of Canada's top drummers".
, Lee Aaron
, Ray Lyell
, and others.
Doerner played drums for Mitchell on his 1984 Akimbo Alogo
tour. Two years later he was drumming for Lee Aaron on her 1987 Powerline tour after Randy Cooke
departed her band.
at the behest of his brother Brent who joined them earlier in 1975. His recorded debut was on the first Helix album, 1978's Breaking Loose
. Brian was in Helix from 1976 to 1980 replacing original drummer Bruce Arnold, and then a second time from 2005 to 2006 replacing Glen "Archie" Gamble
. Even while out of the band, Doerner played session drums on such albums as Back for Another Taste
and It's a Business Doing Pleasure
. In 2004, Brian took part in Helix' 30th anniversary concert in Brantford, Ontario
, appearing on the DVDs 30th Anniversary Concert
and 30 Years Of Helix: No Rest For The Wicked.
drummer Steve Negus
left the band in 2003, Saga carried on with a series of session members until Doerner joined in 2006. Doerner appears on the albums Trust
from 2006, 10,000 Days
from 2007 and The Human Condition
from 2009.
On October 6, 2007, Brian Doerner suffered a heart attack. He was due to leave for a tour of Europe
. His life was saved, and eventually was able to return to drumming. Brian noted if the heart attack had happened a day later when he was leaving with Saga, "If I'd been on the plane, I'd be dead."
and Saga concurrently. He appeared on the debut Decibel album as a guest, and as a full-time member of the second CD Decibel Music.
Helix
Saga
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...
, 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...
, is the current drummer for progressive rock
Progressive rock
Progressive rock is a subgenre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s as part of a "mostly British attempt to elevate rock music to new levels of artistic credibility." John Covach, in Contemporary Music Review, says that many thought it would not just "succeed the pop of...
band 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...
, and 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...
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...
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 parents, which Brian took from him. Brian has been playing drums since that time.
Brian Doerner also has a longstanding history with the Canadian rock band Helix
Helix (band)
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...
, joining them twice.
Brian has been recognized as "one of Canada's top drummers".
Teaching and sessions
While not on the road or recording with his bands, Brian Doerner gives drum lessons, and plays studio and live sessions with other musicians. He has been teaching drums for 20 years. He has also been known for his session and touring work with Kim MitchellKim Mitchell
Joseph Kim Mitchell is a Canadian guitarist. He was the lead singer and guitarist for the band Max Webster before going on to lead a solo career. He is currently a radio show host for CILQ-FM in Toronto....
, Lee Aaron
Lee Aaron
Lee Aaron , is a Canadian rock and jazz singer. She had several hits in the 1980s and early 1990s such as "Metal Queen", "Whatcha Do to My Body", and "Sex with Love".- Background :...
, 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...
, and others.
Doerner played drums for Mitchell on his 1984 Akimbo Alogo
Akimbo Alogo
Akimbo Alogo is the first full-length solo album from Canadian singer and guitarist Kim Mitchell. It includes the only song of his to become a hit in the United States, "Go For Soda"....
tour. Two years later he was drumming for Lee Aaron on her 1987 Powerline tour after Randy Cooke
Randy Cooke
Randy Cooke is an established Canadian drummer, percussionist, session musician, and touring musician.-Biography:Influenced by his drummer father, Cooke picked up the drums as a child, learning and playing as part of a local drum corps before starting his own bands as a teenager...
departed her band.
With Helix
Brian first joined HelixHelix (band)
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...
at the behest of his brother Brent who joined them earlier in 1975. His recorded debut was on the first Helix album, 1978's 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...
. Brian was in Helix from 1976 to 1980 replacing original drummer Bruce Arnold, and then a second time from 2005 to 2006 replacing 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,...
. Even while out of the band, Doerner played session drums on such albums as Back for Another Taste
Back 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...
and 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...
. In 2004, Brian took part in Helix' 30th anniversary concert in Brantford, Ontario
Brantford, Ontario
Brantford is a city located on the Grand River in Southern Ontario, Canada. While geographically surrounded by the County of Brant, the city is politically independent...
, appearing on the DVDs 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...
and 30 Years Of Helix: No Rest For The Wicked.
With Saga
When original SagaSaga (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...
drummer Steve Negus
Steve Negus
Steve Negus is a Canadian drummer and songwriter who was a member of the progressive rock band Saga for twenty-six years.-Biography:While playing at Larry's Hideaway, a club in Toronto, Steve Negus' drumming came to the attention of the Canadian rock band, Fludd. The band was searching for a new...
left the band in 2003, Saga carried on with a series of session members until Doerner joined in 2006. Doerner appears on the albums Trust
Trust (Saga album)
Trust is a studio album by Saga, their seventeenth album of new material.-Track listing:# "That's As Far As I'll Go" – 4:36# "Back To The Shadows" – 5:16# "I'm OK" – 5:36# "Time To Play" – 3:31# "My Friend" – 3:19# "Trust" – 5:44...
from 2006, 10,000 Days
10,000 Days (Saga album)
-Personnel:* Michael Sadler – vocals, keyboards* Ian Crichton – guitars* Jim Crichton – bass, keyboards* Jim Gilmour – keyboards, vocals* Brian Doerner – drums...
from 2007 and The Human Condition
The Human Condition (album)
The Human Condition is a studio album by Saga, their nineteenth album of new material. All music is by Jim Gilmour, Ian Crichton and Jim Crichton. All lyrics are by Rob Moratti, except "Avalon", "A Number with a Name" and "You Look Good to Me" by Rob Moratti, Jim Crichton...
from 2009.
On October 6, 2007, Brian Doerner suffered a heart attack. He was due to leave for a tour of Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
. His life was saved, and eventually was able to return to drumming. Brian noted if the heart attack had happened a day later when he was leaving with Saga, "If I'd been on the plane, I'd be dead."
With My Wicked Twin
While the band was still named Brent Doerner's Decibel, Brian Doerner joined his brother Brent's band replacing original drummer Dan Laurin. Brian has since continued to play in both My Wicked TwinMy 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...
and Saga concurrently. He appeared on the debut Decibel album as a guest, and as a full-time member of the second CD Decibel Music.
HelixHelix (band)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...
- 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) (as member) - 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) (as guest) - Wild in the Streets (Helix album) (1987) (as guest)
- 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) (as guest) - 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) (as guest) - 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) (as guest)
SagaSaga (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...
- TrustTrust (Saga album)Trust is a studio album by Saga, their seventeenth album of new material.-Track listing:# "That's As Far As I'll Go" – 4:36# "Back To The Shadows" – 5:16# "I'm OK" – 5:36# "Time To Play" – 3:31# "My Friend" – 3:19# "Trust" – 5:44...
(2006) - 10,000 Days10,000 Days (Saga album)-Personnel:* Michael Sadler – vocals, keyboards* Ian Crichton – guitars* Jim Crichton – bass, keyboards* Jim Gilmour – keyboards, vocals* Brian Doerner – drums...
(2007) - The Human ConditionThe Human Condition (album)The Human Condition is a studio album by Saga, their nineteenth album of new material. All music is by Jim Gilmour, Ian Crichton and Jim Crichton. All lyrics are by Rob Moratti, except "Avalon", "A Number with a Name" and "You Look Good to Me" by Rob Moratti, Jim Crichton...
(2009) - Heads or Tales Live (2011)
Helix
- 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)