The following interview was done over e-mail.
An exclusive interview with singer/song-writer Brian Vollmer of Helix, who has been a driving force in the band for over 30 years. Helix played at The Roi in Oshawa, Ontario on June 17th 2011 through WeRock Entertainment. Exhibiting both fortitude and stamina, the band has been writing, playing, and performing music since 1979 - with 22 albums to prove it and more to come. The band has had over 30 members but Vollmer has been the lead vocalist since the beginning.
How did you feel about the show and venue itself?
How did you feel about the show and venue itself?
I thought the band played well and the people who were there rocked. A bigger crowd would have been nice, but we play for the people who come, not the ones that don't.
Would you ever work with WeRock Entertainment again? Either at The Roi or a different venue?
Promoter was nice. Totally together. The bar on the other hand was out of sync with the promoter. The guy couldn't get supper together for my guys. That's pretty basic.
I understand that the turn out at The Roi wasn’t particularly booming, does this affect your performance at all?
No. We play the same regardless.
Helix has obviously been around for a long time; did you ever think you would have so many albums out?
No. I thought I'd be dead by 40. LOL.
Which of your albums holds the most importance to you and why?
The next one because I haven't written it yet.
It’s my understanding that Helix has had a lot of members over the past several years, this generally cracks the foundation of a band, what compelled you to keep making music? What makes Helix different?
I've always been the captain of this ship regardless of who the crew is. Two years ago I got the original band back together minus Paul Hackman, who is dead. We've never looked back. As for why I keep writing music-that's what I do. I'm a song writer. That's what gives me my biggest high- even more than being onstage. What makes Helix different? The guys in the band who have been individually doing this for over 30 years. You can't get showmanship/musicianship like that in 2 months or 2 years. It takes a lifetime.
What is your inspiration?
Personal experience and things I pick up from everyday speech or in the newspaper/on radio.
Who are your influences?
Robert Planet, Rod Stewart, John Kay, Steve Marriot, David Bowie, Mick Jagger, Bonn Scott, Brian Johnson, Johnny Cash
What was a pivotal moment in your career? When did you realize that you were on the right path and that this was something you really wanted to continue doing?
Dunno. I knew I wanted to be a performer from a very early age. I was a pimply fat kid who couldn't get a date. It was the only thing I could do half assed well and which attracted attention to myself.
Do you have any on-the-road stories? Care to share?
You can read 'em all in my autobiography "Gimme an R" or by going to www.planethelix.com and reading the interesting facts and stories.
Any last parting words for our readers?
There are a lot of Canadian classic artists out there still producing music. I think the way Canadian radio ignores us is shameful. I'm not asking for any special treatment- I just want program directors to base whether or not they play our music on the strength of the songs, not our age. Many stations won't give us the time of day and don't even listen to new releases by classic rock artists. If the Canadian content ruling of the CRTC is to get more exposure for Canadian music, then please explain to me how playing "Here for a Good Time" by Trooper or "Oowhatanight" by April Wine to fill that music quota on Classic Rock playlists does that. Listen, if you haven't bought Hot Shots or Stand Back by now (they've been out over 30 years) then you're never going to buy them! Also explain to me how we can't get airplay in our own hometown of London, Ontario and yet we sell out here everytime we play the city. Bullshit.
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As Brian mentioned above, you can read more here about himself and the band here:
The band's website also includes updates on the band's progress, their schedule, merchandise, band bios, history, music, videos, photos and more.
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