ROX Interview: Brian Vollmer of Helix

 ROX Interviews Helix vocalist Brian Vollmer

Formed way back in 1974, Canadian metal band Helix are one of those bands that survive, evolve and and are still around in 2022 (mostly) to tell the tale. Back with new single "Not My Circus, Not My Clowns" they show no sign of quitting any time soon. We caught up with volcalist and sole original member Brian Vollmer recently....

How’s life been treating you during the last two crazy years?

Brain: Lots still happening with the band and with me in general.  I have several properties I’ve been working on-actually one just went on sale this week.  We released NOT MY CIRCUS NOT MY CLOWNS and are working on another HELIX track called “Brother from a Different Mother.”   As well, I’m also recording 2 tracks I wrote with Marc Ribler back in the early 90’s for a vinyl album I’ll be releasing called “It’s a Pleasure Doing Business”-a take on “It’s a Business Doing Pleasure.”  Long story, but that album (IBDP) should have been a VOLLMER album all along, so I’m going to be bringing it out on vinyl under the VOLLMER moniker, only I’ll be taking a few tracks off and putting a few on.  Sound confusing?  It is!!!

 Any changes to the band line-up?

Yes.   Kaleb left the band at the end of 2019, although we still write together.  He’s like a son to me.  Gary Borden  (previously with us during the 90’s and after that with Sass Jordan for many years) joined for a brief period but left to pursue his own project Van Gogh.  He’s been replaced by Mark Chichken.

 It’s been a long time since you formed in 1974!

Yes it has.  I’m the only original member left.  However, the time has gone very quickly.  I’ve been very lucky with my career.  I’ve lived the life and met some amazing people like Robin Williams, Richard Pryor, Ronnie James Dio, Lemmy, and hundreds more.

 

How do you feel the music industry and rock world has changed?

There is no training ground for bands anymore.  Presently I’m working on a book entitled “The Golden Age of the Canadian Bar Circuit.”  Back in the 70’s & 80’s we had a much closer connection to the street and fans than bands do nowadays. 

 

Over the years, your music has evolved. Are the band still evolving?

Well, if you mean “continuing to write songs”-then yes!  But we’ve NEVER been the flavor of the week.  Your first influences are what you draw from for the rest of your career-at least that’s my take on it.

 
Tell us about your new single “Not My Circus, Not My Clowns” on Perris Records?

The lyrics of the song were written almost 2 years ago but are poignant today, especially the line “Those who ignore what history has taught us are doomed to repeat the past.” Ain’t it the truth?!!!

Is it taken from a forthcoming album?

Yes, although I’ve got to say we need to speed things up.  With COVID it’s been really hard to get together to write.  I’ve never been the guy to write over ZOOM.  I like the vibe of being in the same room with whomever I’m writing with.

 

Any live dates planned?

Yes.  We’re playing in PROVOST, Alberta in May with Honeymoon Suite.   We also have dates in Menendosa, Manitoba (w/Great White/Foghat/Nazareth), Saskatoon (w/Kim Mitchell/Little River Band/Lee Aaron) and in Prince George (w/Tom Cochrane).  Looks like a fun summer-and dates are just now beginning to trickle in.  I also have our U.S./European agent Danny Stanton looking for U.S. and European gigs as well.

 

What advice would you give a new band just starting out?

Do it for the right reasons-the love of music!

 

Is there anything you would like to say to your many fans out there?

Thanks for the support.  Rumors of our death have been greatly exaggerated!  LOL.

https://www.planethelix.com/