Brian Vollmer
Encyclopedia
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. Vollmer was born in Listowel, Ontario before relocating to Kitchener
. He currently resides in London, Ontario
with his wife, Lynda.
contest in Kitchener
, Ontario
, Canada
by drummer Bruce Arnold. Their original name was The Helix Field Band, soon shortened to simply Helix. By 1976 the band lineup had solidified to include twins Brent "The Doctor" Doerner (guitar) & Brian Doerner
(drums), as well as Paul Hackman
(guitar) and Keith "Bert" Zurbrigg (bass). With 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. Their second album, White Lace & Black Leather saw more lineup changes, with Brian Vollmer now the last remaining original member.
In 1983, Helix finally signed to Capitol Records
after being rejected by them three times. In 1983 they released No Rest for the Wicked
, their major label debut. The "classic" '80s lineup of Helix formed after this, now consisting of Brent Doerner, Paul Hackman, Greg "Fritz" Hinz (drums) and Daryl Gray (bass). This lineup recorded three more records for Capitol: Walkin' the Razor's Edge
(1984), Long Way to Heaven
(1985), and Wild in the Streets (1987). By 1990, Brent Doerner had left the band, setting of a chain of member changes that would leave Vollmer as the soul constant member.
The 1990s started off with the Back for Another Taste
CD, and a special reunion show in Kitchener featuring Keith Zurbrigg and the Doerner brothers. At this time Brian Vollmer began working on his first solo album. However in 1992, Vollmer's longtime bandmate Paul Hackman
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, he 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. Vollmer would later call the album, "a huge mistake on my part, and I take full credit for the blunder. The really sad thing about it all was that I was really proud of all those songs on the album and they were wasted because they did not fit under the Helix name."
Helix continued to tour after this tragedy, with new drummer Glen "Archie" Gamble
, bassist Daryl Gray, and a rotating lineup of guitar players. In 1999, he released his first proper solo album featuring Brian Doerner
on drums, called When Pigs Fly
. This was released under the band name "Vollmer". In 2004, the 30th anniversary of Helix, the band played a special concert at Brantford, Ontario's Sanderson Centre. The then-current lineup of Helix played a short set, followed by members of the original 1974 Helix lineup. Other past members made appearances on hits and rarely played songs from the independent albums.
Around this time, Vollmer filmed a cameo
(as himself) during the fourth season of the Canadian TV show Trailer Park Boys
that was included on that DVD as a deleted scene. Helix was mentioned in several other episodes after this as well, as it was revealed they are one of the characters' favourite concerts to see, and sell marijuana at. Vollmer also 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.
In 2009, Brian Vollmer reunited the surviving members of the classic '80s lineup: Daryl Gray, Greg "Fritz" Hinz, and Brent Doerner. Vollmer cited fatigue of the rotating Helix lineups: “Daryl, Brent and Fritz have all ‘been there, done that, got the T-shirt.’ So I thought, ‘What the hell? Why not just get the original band back together and save myself a big headache?’...We just realized we’re better as a unit — and I got sick of working in new people.”
Brian Vollmer had a cameo appearance in the 2009 Trailer Park Boys
movie Countdown To Liquor Day
, released September 25, 2009. Helix also performed at the opening gala of the premier of the new Trailer Park Boys movie at the Halifax Metro Center.
Since 2008, Vollmer has co-produced every Helix release alongside Aaron Murray, and occasionally his co-writers Sean Kelly
, Steve Georgakopoulos and Gord Prior.
, which saw the band playing smaller venues, Vollmer again talked to Seip about folding the band. Seip's advice was to keep this information to himself, so he could either quit and do something else, or come back to Helix later. With the 2002 departure of Daryl Gray, who was like a partner in the Helix business, Vollmer again pondered quitting the band. Each time, he decided to keep going.
In the late 80's, living in Kitchener, Ontario
, Vollmer was divorced and working at a convenience store
to make ends meet. It was during this time that he was mugged and decided to make the move to London, Ontario
to live with friends and make a fresh start. His vocal cords, however, were in very bad shape due to years of touring and no vocal training. He met a vocal coach, Ed Johnson, who taught him the techniques of Bel canto
, which helped to restore his voice to full strength.
, 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 now helps with the running of the business from their home, which they have dubbed "Planet Helix". "Planet Helix" was featured in a 2007 episode of MTV Cribs
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...
group 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...
. 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. Vollmer was born in Listowel, Ontario before relocating to 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...
. He currently resides 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...
with his wife, Lynda.
Helix
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. Their original name was The Helix Field Band, soon shortened to simply Helix. By 1976 the band lineup had solidified to include twins Brent "The Doctor" Doerner (guitar) & 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...
(drums), as well as 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...
(guitar) and Keith "Bert" Zurbrigg (bass). With 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. Their second album, White Lace & Black Leather saw more lineup changes, with Brian Vollmer now the last remaining original member.
In 1983, Helix finally signed to Capitol Records
Capitol 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...
, their major label debut. The "classic" '80s lineup of Helix formed after this, now consisting of Brent Doerner, Paul Hackman, Greg "Fritz" Hinz (drums) and Daryl Gray (bass). This lineup recorded three more records for Capitol: 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'"...
(1984), 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...
(1985), and Wild in the Streets (1987). By 1990, Brent Doerner had left the band, setting of a chain of member changes that would leave Vollmer as the soul constant member.
The 1990s started off with the 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...
CD, and a special reunion show in Kitchener featuring Keith Zurbrigg and the Doerner brothers. At this time Brian Vollmer began working on his first solo album. However in 1992, Vollmer's longtime bandmate 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...
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, he 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. Vollmer would later call the album, "a huge mistake on my part, and I take full credit for the blunder. The really sad thing about it all was that I was really proud of all those songs on the album and they were wasted because they did not fit under the Helix name."
Helix continued to tour after this tragedy, 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,...
, bassist Daryl Gray, and a rotating lineup of guitar players. In 1999, he released his first proper solo album 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...
on drums, called 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...
. This was released under the band name "Vollmer". In 2004, the 30th anniversary of Helix, the band played a special concert at Brantford, Ontario's Sanderson Centre. The then-current lineup of Helix played a short set, followed by members of the original 1974 Helix lineup. Other past members made appearances on hits and rarely played songs from the independent albums.
Around this time, Vollmer 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...
(as himself) during the fourth season of the Canadian TV show 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...
that was included on that DVD as a deleted scene. Helix was mentioned in several other episodes after this as well, as it was revealed they are one of the characters' favourite concerts to see, and sell marijuana at. Vollmer also 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.
In 2009, Brian Vollmer reunited the surviving members of the classic '80s lineup: Daryl Gray, Greg "Fritz" Hinz, and Brent Doerner. Vollmer cited fatigue of the rotating Helix lineups: “Daryl, Brent and Fritz have all ‘been there, done that, got the T-shirt.’ So I thought, ‘What the hell? Why not just get the original band back together and save myself a big headache?’...We just realized we’re better as a unit — and I got sick of working in new people.”
Brian Vollmer had a cameo appearance in the 2009 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 new Trailer Park Boys movie at the Halifax Metro Center.
Since 2008, Vollmer has co-produced every Helix release alongside Aaron Murray, and occasionally his co-writers 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...
, Steve Georgakopoulos and Gord Prior.
Personal life
At various stages of his career, Brian Vollmer thought seriously of folding Helix. The first time came at the end of 1989 when Brent Doerner quit the band. Vollmer and manager Bill Seip decided to keep the band going despite the loss. After the 1990/1991 tour for 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 saw the band playing smaller venues, Vollmer again talked to Seip about folding the band. Seip's advice was to keep this information to himself, so he could either quit and do something else, or come back to Helix later. With the 2002 departure of Daryl Gray, who was like a partner in the Helix business, Vollmer again pondered quitting the band. Each time, he decided to keep going.
In the late 80's, living in Kitchener, Ontario
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...
, Vollmer was divorced and working at a convenience store
Convenience store
A convenience store, corner store, corner shop, commonly called a bodega in Spanish-speaking areas of the United States, is a small store or shop in a built up area that stocks a range of everyday items such as groceries, toiletries, alcoholic and soft drinks, and may also offer money order and...
to make ends meet. It was during this time that he was mugged and decided to make the move to 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...
to live with friends and make a fresh start. His vocal cords, however, were in very bad shape due to years of touring and no vocal training. He met a vocal coach, Ed Johnson, who taught him the techniques of Bel canto
Bel canto
Bel canto , along with a number of similar constructions , is an Italian opera term...
, which helped to restore his voice to full strength.
Teaching and Planet Helix
In addition to running the Helix business, Brian Vollmer also currently teaches the classical vocal technique, Bel cantoBel 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 now helps with the running of the 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...
With Helix
For a more comprehensive list, see Helix discography.- 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) - 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)
- 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) - 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) - 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...
(2002) (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) - 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)
Related Recordings
- Raising The Roof on Mary Immaculate (2005) - charity CD featuring Brian Vollmer