144. Brian Vollmer - Helix

144. Brian Vollmer - Helix

Author: VRP Rocks December 22, 2025 Duration: 24:08
In this episode of VRP Rocks, Paul chats with the voice of Canadian hard rock legends Helix – frontman Brian Vollmer. With a career spanning over 50 years, Helix have lived through the highs and lows of the rock world — and Brian’s been there for every single step. From the band's humble beginnings in 1974, through their breakthrough success with Heavy Metal Love, to tours alongside Motörhead, Kiss, Aerosmith and Mötley Crüe — Brian shares it all. You'll hear stories about: The truth behind the story of Michael J. Fox trying out for Helix What it was like touring the U.S. in the ’80s with little money but big ambition How “Rock You” almost didn’t make the album The chaos around a beer commercial that nearly derailed a hit single And we dig into Helix’s brand-new album, Scrap Metal — out January 23rd — including how it evolved from unfinished demos, the emotional ties to late drummer Fritz Hinz, and the stories behind key tracks like “Stuck in the 80s” and “Fast and Furious.” Whether you’ve followed Helix from the early days or you’re just discovering them now, this is a deep, honest and engaging look at one of Canada’s hardest-working rock bands — and the man who kept it all going. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There’s a certain magic in hearing the stories behind the music directly from the people who created it. VRP Rocks-Classic Rock Interviews is built on that simple idea, offering long-form conversations with the legendary artists who defined an era. Each episode features a different iconic figure, with an impressive roster that includes more than thirty Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees. Hosted by UK radio veteran Paul Stephenson, the discussions go beyond the greatest hits to explore the personal memories, studio sessions, and touring tales from the heart of rock's glory days. You’ll hear firsthand accounts of the creativity, chaos, and camaraderie that fueled classic rock, all presented with a deep respect for the genre and its history. This isn't just a series of quick promotional chats; it's a thoughtfully produced podcast dedicated to preserving these narratives. For anyone who has ever wondered about the real stories behind the anthems, this podcast serves as an essential oral history, recorded for fans who want to listen closely.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

VRP Rocks - Classic Rock Interviews
Podcast Episodes
141. Greg T. Walker - Blackfoot / Lynyrd Skynyrd [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:07
In this brand-new episode of VRP Rocks, legendary bassist Greg T. Walker (Blackfoot, Lynyrd Skynyrd) joins Paul for an epic two-part conversation you won't want to miss. First, we dive into Greg’s new band, Two Wolf, who…
Vinny Appice - My 5 Favourite... [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:16
Legendary drummer Vinny Appice (Black Sabbath, Dio) returns to VRP Rocks to reveal his 5 favourite albums from his own incredible career. From iconic metal milestones to hidden gems, Vinny shares the stories behind the m…
Carmine & Vinny Appice - Share Memories of Rick Derringer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:20
In this special episode of VRP Rocks, legendary drummers Carmine and Vinny Appice pay tribute to their friend and former bandmate, Rick Derringer, who sadly passed away just a few weeks ago. The brothers share personal s…
Rick Derringer Remembered  - Interview with his Drummer Kenn Moutenot [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:06
This week on VRP Rocks, we pay tribute to the late Rick Derringer, the iconic guitarist, singer and songwriter behind Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo and countless other rock staples. Joining me is Kenn Moutenot, Rick’s long-…
Supergroups Only Rock Experts Will Remember [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:02
This week on VRP Rocks, things take a slightly different turn! With a couple of last-minute interview cancellations and a holiday just around the corner, Paul dives into a really fun topic — "10 Supergroups and Side Proj…
Simon Kirke - My 5 Favourite Bad Company Songs! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:27
He’s back! Legendary drummer Simon Kirke returns to VRP Rocks for the third time, and this time it’s all about the songs that defined a band and a legacy. In this special edition of My 5 Favourite, Simon takes us inside…
140. Steve Postell - David Crosby / The Immediate Family [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:15
In this special episode of VRP Rocks, guitarist, singer, songwriter and producer Steve Postell joins Paul Stephenson to talk about his incredible musical journey. From his deep personal and creative connection with David…
Nathan East - My 5 Favourite... [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:10
He’s back! After a brilliant deep-dive into his incredible career on last week’s episode, legendary bassist Nathan East returns to VRP Rocks – this time to take on My 5 Favourite. In this special episode, Nathan reveals…
139. Nathan East - Eric Clapton/Phil Collins [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:54
You've heard his basslines your whole life — you just didn’t know it. In this incredible episode, Nathan joins Paul to share jaw-dropping stories from his decades at the top of the music industry. Hear how he got his sta…
138. Russ Ballard - Breaks Down His Iconic Hits [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:49
Russ Ballard is back on VRP Rocks! In this exclusive interview, the legendary singer, songwriter, and musician talks to Paul about his brand new double album Songs from the Warehouse: The Hits Rewired. Russ opens up abou…