L.A. Beat

There is no dust on Helix frontman Brian Vollmer, who is excited to return to Lethbridge for Whoop Up Days, Aug. 25.
 In addition to touring all over the world with Helix, he released  a solo album “Vollmer,” teaches Bel Canto vocal style, toured with the Trailer Park Boys, appeared in a new animated version of the popular Canadian TV series and even voiced a video game “Concert Kings.”

“ When you’ve been in the business as long as I have, you get a reputation for being reliable and professional and that leads to opportunities, said Vollmer from his home in Kitchener.
 He formed Helix in 1974, and eventually found success in the ’80s. They independently released their first album in 1979, but didn’t hit it big until their third CD “No Rest For the Wicked,” which spawned the hits “Heavy Metal Love” and “Don’t Get Mad Get Even.”

 They are best known for their breakthrough hit “Rock You,” from their next album “Walking the Razor’s Edge” which was followed up by “Gimmie Gimmie Good Love’ and a cover of A Foot in Cold Water’s ’70s hit  “(Make Me Do) Anything You Want.”  They toured Canada  extensively including  some memorable shows  in Lethbridge at the Alec Arms.

“I remember the first time we played there we told them we were an original band but they weren’t interested. We convinced them to let us play, and said if the people don’t like it you don’t have to pay us. But they liked us a lot and we played for the rest of the shows there,” he said.

 He recorded his solo CD “ Get Yer Hands Dirty” with producer and drummer Gavin Brown, who has played with Sarah Harmer, Big Sugar, Great Big Sea and the Skydiggers. He included some of his favourite obscure blues and  R and B songs including Peter Green era Fleetwood Mac’s “Oh Well,” Wilson Pickett’s “If You Need Me,” and other songs he enjoys plus a couple of originals.
“ I also recorded ‘Rock and Roll,” which Lou Reed recorded and which Mitch Ryder did a version of,” he said.

 
But he doesn’t plan on playing any of them with Helix.

“People buy their tickets to hear the hits, so that’s what we’ll be doing,” he said.

“But it’s important to make new music, that’s why I got into the business,” he said, adding he is pleased the new record has been released on vinyl.

He will be joined by most of Helix’s best known  ’80s lineup includingdrummer Greg“ Fritz” Hinz, bassist Daryl Gray and lead guitarist Kaleb Duck, who took over the lead guitarist’s chair when Brent Doerner retired in 2014.
Helix’s fans are important.

“ So we’re always around at the merch tent after the show to sign autographs and meet people,” he said.

Admission to Helix and Lee Aaron is free with whoop Up Days gate admission.