Podcast appearances and mentions of brian vollmer

Sean Kelly is a longtime musician and the author of Don't Call It Hair Metal: Art in the Excess of '80s Rock (ECW Press, 2023). He joins me to talk about why people dismiss hair metal, Sean's "duality of mind" regarding problematic lyrics, Brian Vollmer of Helix, our shared love of Sammy Hagar-era Van Halen, metal's prejudice against keyboards, the lines between musical taste, identity and insecurity, and a whole bunch of 80s rock talk. Check out Sean's Spotify playlist documenting the history of hair metal, one song per year from 1978-1991.

Hi everyone and welcome back to THE TALK MUSIC podcast, part 2 with BRIAN VOLLMER, lead singer of Canadian rock band HELIX. In this riveting episode, besides a fun GENE SIMMONS story and another when ROBIN WILLIAMS dropped in to say hi during a video shoot in LA, we talk about how Brian hit rock bottom and how he wound up sleeping on sofas, working as a clerk in a convenience store and getting beat up (and then he was accused of murder!), when one minute before he was living the High life after Platinum albums and touring around the world with the likes of Motorhead, KISS, Motley Crue, Accept, Girlschool, Heart, Whitesnake, The Scorpions, Megadeth, Mercyful Fate, Quiet Riot, Meatloaf and Ronnie James Dio. Follow Us And subscribe to the THE TALK MUSIC podcast so that you ever miss out.

This week's interview is yet another really special one for me and The Talk Music podcast as it's with singer BRIAN VOLLMER from HELIX. I truly regard them as another fantastic band that I owe my success to as a producer as I was fortunate to produce 4 albums for them. I am so grateful that one went double platinum and two others platinum in Canada. We also had success around the world including a #1 album in Sweden for the album LONG WAY TO HEAVEN due to a major commitment from the US and Europe when their manager Bill Seip and I got them signed to Capitol Records in Los Angeles. The key to that happening was that Dean Cameron from Capitol Canada was a major cheerleader for the band as was international head of Capitol/EMI David Munns from the UK. After opening for KISS on their European tour and getting heavy video rotation on MTV for the song “HEAVY METAL LOVE” from the album NO REST FOR THE WICKED, the band started to blow up worldwide. Their signature song Gimme an R, Gimme a O…..  what ya got “ROCK YOU” from the album WALKING THE RAZOR'S EDGE also received tons of play on MTV. I LOVED all my times working closely with HELIX, so this long entertaining chat with BRIAN will be my first interview in TWO PARTS. In Part ONE, we cover what HELIX is up to currently, Brian's early music beginnings, his mentors, the formation of HELIX, how he attracted Bill Seip (a booking agent at the time) to become his manager and some banter about how the song ROCK YOU came about. HELIX are still going as strong as ever and approaching their 50th Anniversary as a band! Kudos to them! 

This is the eighth episode of our special series ‘Guest Glimpses', short bits from longer conversations with previous guests. You'll hear about 10 minutes of each guest's 60+ minute chat with show host Dan Hare. Featured guests this week are:ROBERT LAWSON, author of ‘Wheatfield Empire' the definitive comprehensive history on The Guess Who discusses what his book is - and isn't, including the “revolving door” nature of the members, Kurt Winter's unsung contribution, the misconception about why Burton Cummings joined the band and the relationship between Burton and Randy Bachman.JIM FOSTER, singer/songwriter and founder of the band Fosterchild talks about his early days in the Edmonton music scene, being on the same bill with iconic bands such as The Byrds, the lesson he learned from Roger McGuinn, the rise and fall of Fosterchild and his solo career.BRIAN VOLLMER, rock and roll soldier and founder of the band Helix, talks about how he captured the bands career on film, video and mini discs, the rigours of touring, various record deals and his outlook on his career and life.ANDREW JOHNS, keyboardist, vocalist and member of the band Boulevard talks about how the band formed in Calgary and why they moved to Vancouver and what happened that stopped their progress in the U.S. market, being booed when opening for Boston and the padded expenses of making music videos. Listen to the full interview of each guest @ www.linernotes.ca

In this episode of Toronto Mike'd, Mike chats with Helix founder and lead singer Brian Vollmer about the rise of the band, Heavy Metal Love, Rock You, getting mugged working at a Hasty Market, members who have passed, real estate, Bel canto, and being a rock 'n roll survivor. Toronto Mike'd is proudly brought to you by Great Lakes Brewery, Palma Pasta, Canna Cabana, StickerYou, Ridley Funeral Home and Patrons like you.

Brent "The Doctor" Doerner is a founding member and guitarist of the great Canadian rock band Helix. Brent spent over 18 years with the platinum selling band and appears on all of their classic albums from the 70's, 80's, and 90's. Brent is a passionate songwriter, and today, along with his twin brother Brian (also a Helix alum) on drums, leads the band My Wicked Twin based out of Kitchener Ontario. This was a fun and insightful conversation with Brent going deep about Helix's humble beginnings, coming up in the clubs in the 70's, auditioning Michael J. Fox, getting signed to Capital records, tour stories from Helix's heydays, meeting many of his heroes on the road, his relationship with Helix frontman, Brian Vollmer, his approach to songwriting today, and much more...SOUND MATTERS Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/soundmatters Inside the Interview:Genesis of the nickname "The Doctor"?Songwriting in Helix and the "hair metal" formula pushed by Capital RecordsGold and Platinum albumsClub days gigging in CanadaJoining the "Helix Field Band"Learning how to write original musicTour stories with Black Sabbath, Kiss, Dio, etc.Auditioning Michael J. Fox for HelixRecording the "No Rest for the Wicked" albumApproach to guitar solosThe moments when Helix records first went Gold and PlatinumAlmost dying on tour in Trinidad"Rock You" video w/cameo from former porn star Traci Lords"Mailbox money" and ongoing music royaltiesMy Wicked Twin (with Brent's twin brother and drummer, Brian Doerner)Approach to recording and writing music and lyrics todayConnect with Brent "The Doctor" Doerner:Facebook: www.facebook.com/reddfilmFacebook: www.facebook.com/groups/mywickedtwinConnect with TOM LEU:Websites: www.SoundMatters.tv | www.16Imaging.com Twitter: www.twitter.com/tomleuInstagram: www.instagram.com/tomleuYouTube: www.tomleu.tv"Sound Matters Show" Episode 112 at www.SoundMatters.tv/sound-matters-radio-112/

Brian Vollmer is a rock 'n roll soldier who's seen and done it all - recording, touring, producing and performing. He's been the lead singer of the band Helix for over 45 years and the unofficial memorabilia music mogul for the past 50 years. In this chat Brian pulls no punches as he shares: the down side of touring; the ups and downs of Helix's career; the stress placed on lead singers; the inside scoop on Capital records and the 'cattle prod caper'; why audiences threw ashtrays at the band; the tragic death of friend and band mate Paul Hackman; his experiences in the business and marketing end; his latest project and so much more. NOTE: language warning.

What is it we do here at InObscuria? Every show Kevin opens the crypt to exhume and dissect from his personal collection; an artist, album, or collection of tunes from the broad spectrum of rock, punk, and metal. This week we let you hear a very special tape of true Heavy Metal before it splintered into a million sub-genres. These are the bands that carried the hard rock banner out of the 70s into the Heavy Metal 80s! This is true metal that helped push the genre to the mainstream. Our hope is that we turn you on to something new.Songs this week include:Heavy Pettin' - “Shout It Out” from Lettin' Loose (1983)Helix - “Heavy Metal Love” from No Rest For The Wicked (1983)Loudness - “Angel Dust” from Devil Soldier (1982)Vandenberg - “Lost In A City” from Vandenberg (1982)Krokus - “To The Top” from One Vice At A Time (1982)Riot - “Heavy Metal Machine” from Born In America (1983)Raven - “Mind Over Metal” from All For One (1983)Please subscribe everywhere that you listen to podcasts!Visit us: https://inobscuria.com/https://www.facebook.com/InObscuriahttps://twitter.com/inobscuriahttps://www.instagram.com/inobscuria/Buy cool stuff with our logo on it!: https://www.redbubble.com/people/InObscuria?asc=uIf you'd like to check out Kevin's band THE SWEAR, take a listen on all streaming services or pick up a digital copy of their latest release here: https://theswear.bandcamp.com/If you want to hear Robert and Kevin's band from the late 90s – early 00s BIG JACK PNEUMATIC, check it out here: https://bigjackpnuematic.bandcamp.com/Check out Robert's amazing fire sculptures and metal workings here: http://flamewerx.com/

Is it just me or are fans of 80s rock the best of all time? the tattoos, the tribute acts, the makeup.  You just don't see dedication like that any more.  This podcast joined by Brian Vollmer from Helix along with one of his biggest fans Andrew Libby who's got Brian's signature tattooed on his arm next to all the members of Motley Crue, Lee Aaron, Limp Bizket to name a few.  Ryan Carrol from 'What The Rock' podcast and BIG FM Kingston also on the panel to share the name of his son, who he named after a member of Guns n' Roses.

A Scott Thompson Show bonus podcast! Scott welcomed Brian Vollmer to the show, to talk about Helix's upcoming show with Monster Truck as well as how the pandemic has affected the band. Guest: Brian Vollmer, lead singer of Helix Like what you hear? Subscribe to the Scott Thompson Show wherever you get your favourite podcasts! https://curiouscast.ca/podcast/189/the-scott-thompson-show/   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode we talk with Brian Vollmer, front man for the Canadian band Helix!If you'd like to watch this episode as it streamed live, you can click on the link below...https://youtu.be/XGmGceolbLoHelix Website

Helix's Brian Vollmer joins Rock Talk With Mitch Lafon and talks touring with KISS in the '80s, how the current health situation has affected the band, how he wanted to quit the band - but ended up staying, their latest singles and more... Also, available of all PODCAST platforms.   Follow Mitch on Twitter: @mitchlafon   RECORDED - January 11th 2021 Help support the show. Please consider a donation: https://www.paypal.me/MitchLafon See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join the Sly Dog as he interview Brian Vollmer of Canadian metal legends Helix. We discuss the new album Eat Sleep Rock, touch on the history of the band a bit, and talk about the benefits of being on an independent VS a major label!   Tune in and turn it up!

Brian Vollmer drops by the SOM Session virtual studio to chat about Eddie Van Halen (RIP), staying true to the classic rock vibe and some words of wisdom from a man who's been at it for over 40 years!

Hard to believe Helix started back in 1974 as "The Helix Field Band". As 50 years is fast approaching Founder/Singer and CEO Brian Vollmer continues to forge ahead with new music! The bands latest EAT, SLEEP and ROCK is out now! a song co-written by Sean Kelly (Who has played with pretty much every Canadian Rock band --BTW check out his book too "Metal on Ice") Brian and Shane chat about the beginnings with "ROCK YOU" the bands first hit to hit MTV and MuchMusic in 1984 and of course "DEEP CUTS THE KNIFE" from Long Way to Heaven album in 1985.  Mike Stone over Mutt Lang, Tug O War and the fact HELIX has had more than 30 members in the band over the years.https://www.planethelix.com

Hair Metal Mixtape #147 - We are either all getting wasted from extra curricular activities or are just wasted tired. Thanks for listening. But first, some NEWS… NEWS Helix unveil video for title track of new album ‘Eat Sleep Rock’ Canadian veteran rockers Helix consisting of long-time frontman Brian Vollmer, guitarists Chris Julke and Gary Borden, bassist Daryl Gray and drummer Greg “Fritz” Hinz have released a video for their new single “Eat Sleep Rock” from their new compilation album of the same name. You can purchase the album Eat Sleep Rock directly from Perris Records‘ website and Helix‘s Eat Sleep Rock CD Merch Bundle from the band’s website. Hear ’N Tell Helix - ‘Eat Sleep Rock’ (Video) …And that was your NEWS! This is Hair Metal Mixtape where I bring you a half hour plus of my favorite and hopefully your favorite 70's Glam Rock, 80’s Heavy Metal, 90’s Hair Metal and some New Wave of Hair Metal, Sleaze Rock and everything that orbits around the universe in which we fondly call HAIR METAL. I hope you are maintaining your physical distance from your friends and loved ones for now and yet also engaging in social connectivity forever. Be kind, rewind. Peace, Love, Hair Metal! Welcome to the Zero DB Podcast Feed. Listen where all podcasts are heard. For more info or to reach out go to https://zerodbpodcast.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/zerodbpodcast or https://www.instagram.com/zerodbpodcast/ or write to me at gabrielomar23@gmail.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/hairmetalmixtape/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/hairmetalmixtape/support

Guitarist Sean Kelly hops on board the podcast to chat about all things rock - Dio, Dee Snider, Billy Gibbons, Lee Aaron, Helix, Brian Vollmer, classical guitar albums and his book - Metal On Ice.

Gimme me an R! O! C! K!, What you got? Well tonight you get a Canadian Geek interview with legendary Helix vocalist, Mr. Brian Vollmer! For over 40 years now Helix, have been tearing up stages and eardrums of rock fans worldwide. They are definitely contenders in the” hardest working band” category and with the touring schedule they have planned this summer it seems they have no intention of slowing down anytime soon. This time out they will be supporting a brand new Helix album, “Old School! Some may argue it’s actually an old album, doesn’t matter “Old School” is now available here in Canada and will be released in the US and Europe on July 14th through Parris records. Brian was gracious enough to join the Canadian Geeks on the phone to discuss this somewhat unique album of from Helix. As the story goes, Brian uncovered a collection of tapes containing unreleased songs that were written and recorded between 1981 and 1989. A Helix fan’s treasure chest and the decision was made to release this music, aptly titled “Old School”. Ten tracks, many written by Brian and the late, great Paul Hackman including three songs that were originally written for 1987’s Back For Another Taste record. During the interview, we get a good news update on the condition of Helix drummer “Fritz”, some track by track synopsis of the album and a thorough list of upcoming Helix live shows. Best of all Brian encourages us to spin the new music with our listeners. It’s an amazing trip back in time with some instant (new?) Helix classics. Standout tracks include “Whiskey Bent & Hell Bound”, “If Tears Could Talk” and the smoking track “Games Mother Never Taught You” featuring the aforementioned Paul Hackman on guitar. Canada’s heavy metal cowboys continue to deliver. Pick up your copy of Old School and be sure to catch them live this summer!

Frontman from the Canadian Hard Rock band Helix, Brian Vollmer talks with David Ward on "Talk to Me". Vollmer discusses how the band got their start in Ontario, Canada, the record industry in the 1980's, and he also tells us a few fun stories from the road. SEE THE VIDEO OF THIS: https://youtu.be/3ImZCMJRubw

The final match-up of the second round of the B.B.B. Playlist Tournament starts now! Also known as the battle of Helix as vocalist Brian Vollmer goes toe to toe against his bandmate, bassist Daryl Gray. the year up for grabs? 1985! As always the episode will feature 2 separate playlists, "A" and "B". You, the listener do not know who submitted which list. You simply vote for the playlist you like better, not knowing which is Brian's and which is Daryl's. Your votes determine who advances to the quarter finals! Get a cold beer and open your ears real wide! 1985 provided us with some awesome tunes and some interesting choices are found within. Listen and VOTE!!

Today we have one of Ricky’s favourite rock stars in to talk about breaking legs on tour, favourite tour spots, and all the things he’s pissed on in his life. Greasy! Episode 154 is brought to you by the official Trailer Park Boys Store, SwearNet.com (the only place to watch the video of this podcash), Liquormen's Ol' Dirty Canadian Whisky, and the Boys' own Freedom 35 lager!

Lead Singer from Canadian Rock band Helix, Brian Vollmer is joining the conversation on Cue To Cue today! Brian is opening up about his artist’s journey and relaying his experience of 40 plus years in the music business! So much to be gained from Brian’s, wisdom, knowledge! Do not miss this one! In this Episode:   The importance of strong vocal technique and the key to maintaining vocal health Why he doesn’t recommend taking the route of vocal competition shows like American Idol or The Voice Why he believes the desire to be an artist wins over talent The outlook every artist needs to have in order to have longevity in their career The importance of playing live as a performer   A little about Brian:   Brian Vollmer began his singing career in the Listowel Choir, a consistent winner each year under at the annual Kiwanas Festival in Toronto under famous London, Ontario conductor Gerry Fagan.   After graduating from Listowel High School, he auditioned for and was accepted by The Ontario Youth Choir.   Those chosen (50 approx) were from the 500 of the best high school and university students across the province of Ontario.   The choir performed classical music plus opening up the famous Hamilton Place, singing an original piece of music by Galt McDermott, the same person who had written HAIR.  Also in the show were Salome Baie, Al Nickleson, and Nel Carter.   Although his career in music started in the choir, Vollmer’s passion became rock and roll.  The next year Vollmer moved to Kitchener, Ontario to work at Schneider’s Meats.  It was there where he and 4 other long-haired guys got together in a little practice hall on Margaret Avenue and formed the “Helix Field Band”, which was later shortened to “Helix”.   The year was 1974.   Over his 40 years plus years as the singer of Helix, Vollmer has toured the world, played with over 200 of the world’s biggest recording acts (everyone from KISS to MOTORHEAD), earned himself 2 platinum & 4 gold albums,  a #1 album in the country of Sweden, sold over a million albums, and the list goes on. On his own, Vollmer has released several solo albums, the last being “Get Yer Hands Dirty”, released in 2017.  The album was produced by Juno/Grammy-winning Gavin Brown, who also played drums on the album.      Vollmer has also released his own videos and been involved in several other projects outside his normal “Helix duties.”   For instance, this year he was the voice behind the new video game CONCERT KINGS.   He also had a part in voicing the new Trailer Park Boy’s adult cartoon show (he’s a cartwheeling caricature on the show)  and a couple of years ago was a judge on the CBC show “Cover Me Canada” where he was a mentor for runner-up Melanie Morgan.    In between Helix gigs, Vollmer teaches the old Italian method of singing called, “Bel Canto.”  In fact, he is one of the last people in the world to teach it, and his students include Canadian country superstar TIM HICKS (7 Top 10 country singles) Mercedes & Morgan Lander from the platinum-selling heavy metal girl band KITTIE, and local London sensation Sarah Smith, who has several albums to her credit, and who tours frequently in the U.S. & Europe.      Follow Brian and Helix!   Website: http://planethelix.com Instagram: @officialhelixband

Episode #006, with Brian Vollmer, lead singer for Helix and a pioneer in Hard Rock in Canada

Our first interview today is with STEEL PANTHER drummer Stix Zadinia. We discuss their new deluxe Lower The Bar Bitchin' Edition, KISS KRUISE VII, Rob Halford, Van Halen, L.A. Guns, working at Ralph's, touring, seeing Thornbirds live and much more. Our second interview is with Canadian icon, BRIAN VOLLMER, of the band HELIX. We discuss the band's long standing career, Brian's new solo album Get Yer Hands Dirty, the Helix Christmas album - A Heavy Mental Christmas, the Toronto Maple Leafs and much much more. And we end this episode with a sobering chat with 'Rehab Bob' Forrest. We talk about his music career, addiction, Dr. Drew, Celebrity Rehab and the Alo House Rehab center (alorecovery.com) Help support the show. Please consider a donation: https://www.paypal.me/MitchLafon See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Helix frontman has been there and done that and shares the highs and lows plus we hear his serious chops with a surprise performance.

Danko journeyed to London, Ontario to speak to Brian Vollmer, lead singer of Helix. Talk ranged from their classic song – “Rock You”, Lemmy Kilmister, Brian Robertson & Motorhead, independent records, cover bands, Traci Lords, Richard Pryor, Rip Taylor, Mike … Continued The post Episode #103: Brian Vollmer appeared first on Danko Jones.

This week we chat with Brent Butt, Brian Vollmer of Helix drops by and a new game called "Poem Sayin" is born. 

This week on the Decibel Geek Podcast, the boys, Chris and Aaron take the week off to enjoy some football and turkey for Thanksgiving.  In their place the Hoser Heavy Metal Twins of Wally “Wallygator” Norton and Rich “The Meister” Dillon step in to host the episode. Rich and Wally performed a hostile takeover last Thanksgiving when they hijacked the broadcast, but this year they have been invited back to cover the boys holiday.  Chris and Aaron have delivered funny, entertaining and informative broadcasts each and every week without fail for 111 episodes now….enjoy your well deserved break my friends. Wally kept his song selections to a “Radio Sucks Theme” while Rich went more in the “Fresh Blood” vein to gather the ten songs that they introduce to the audience this week.  First up Wally made an excellent selection from The Killer Dwarfs new release Start @ One, but not before announcing that this week’s “Geek of the Week” was none other than our “Crack-smoking,  among other things” Mayor of Toronto, Rob Ford, who admitted that he has listened to The Decibel Geek Podcast albeit in a drunken stupor….stupor….stupor, what a fun word to say!  Wally dedicated "The Sky Is Falling" to the troubled Mayor and Rich  excitedly mentioned the The KiLLeR DWaRfs have now been announced as participating in the Monsters of Rock Cruise 2014. For The Meister’s first selection he went with a band out of St. Catharines Ontario, Step Echo.  Chuckling at the name of their recording studio where they recorded their album which was called “Fecal Noir”….which the Hosers can only deduce means….”black poop:…..c’mon now you just chuckled as well didn’t ya?  "Crazy" was the song taken from their Jagged CD. Keeping on the string of awesome new releases this fall from Canadian bands Wally opted for "Boys Club" off Coney Hatch’s new effort, Four, the band’s first since Friction in 1985.  As they discussed when previously hosting the podcast, at a concert Carl Dixon had left the song lyrics to newly penned song, "Blown Away", taped to a stage monitor and thinking it was a great souvenir of the show, The Meister pro-cured them.  Days later it was discovered that that was the only copy as they had just been written the night before the show and Carl was frantically searching for their whereabouts.  The song appears on the album, so you  know that The Meister returned them promptly. One Bad Son originally from Saskatoon Saskatchewan, but now relocated to Vancouver B.C. provided the next choice for Rich with their song “Gringo” from 2007's Orange City release. The song is not from the latest self-titled OBS release, but an earlier album and is perhaps the heaviest in their repertoire.  Radio stations across Canada are playing OBS tracks from the latest album, so as you see even though radio sucks, sometimes they do have brief shining moments of glory. Afraid that Wally was going to get “weird” Rich was apprehensive of Wally’s next pick.  Last time they hosted the podcast Wally did the absolutely unthinkable and played a ballad!!  While it was a great song from a talented band, Gypsy Rose, Rich was not sure he was in a ballad mood today and warned Wally.  Wally assured him that all would be fine and it was about time to work some KISS into the show as always. He spun Brighton Rock’s absolutely creepy and totally different from the original rendition of "Creatures of The Night" off the double cancer benefit KISS tribute CD A World Without Heroes….and although it was a ballad, now at least, Rich deemed it an acceptable choice. Coming home to Toronto, Meister’s next band is called Twitch that has played a few shows at the becoming famous Rockpile Club.  He chose to feature "Walk" from the Revolution CD, talking about how good this band is live and the covers that they often throw into the set.  Last show they broke into the Four Horsemen’s "Rockin’ Is Ma Business" and you may remember Meister’s story from the Monsters of Rock Cruise last year when he was wearing a Four Horsemen Canada ’94 tour shirt that someone steadily increased their purchase offer on ending at $120 when his wife dragged him away. West Memphis Suicide is a band that has been featured on the podcast in the past, on the last Hoser Takeover episode for one.  Well, West Memphis are no more Wally informed a rather shocked Meister, but no fear they have regrouped with a new bass player and changed their name to A Rebel Few.  Barry the guitarist was incredibly kind enough to forward a brand new, as yet unavailable track to Rich and Wally for airplay on the show.  In perhaps a world premiere the boys heard "Empire Falls". Only discovering this group himself recently, Rich introduced Wally to Ottawa based band Shock.  A band that formed in 1985 and disbanded in 1990, never releasing an album.  Once considered "the best band to never release an album", they lost that moniker when the début, Once Denied came out earlier this year.  One of the best unsigned bands of the time, this release is their first coming almost 30 years after their formation.  Wally enjoyed the "Flaming Towards Earth" track, commenting on it’s Judas Priest like qualities. Wally deemed that he wanted to jump the order of picks here and have Meister make his final selection back to back with the Shock pick, proclaiming that he had a surprise in order for the last song of the week.  Rich chose to feature "Skipping Stones" from J'nai, another Toronto area band that the Decibel Geeks and friends have seen live many, many times.  This band has to be seen, no ifs, ands, or buts about it!  They are a bunch of college age kids who are extremely hard working and exhibit a stage presence like none other.  The guys discuss one of their many well choreographed stage tricks, the guitar toss in which the two guitarists switch their instruments by hurling them towards each other mid song, catching them and continuing to play.  Only once have they seen a fumble.  An upcoming J'nai show, opening for Slaughter on April 4th at The Rockpile West on the day that Meister returns from the Monsters of Rock Cruise is also a great time to celebrate Wally and Rich's birthdays of April 10th.  Wally invited all Toronto area Decibel Geeks to come to the party at the Rockpile. Wally’s last song was not so much of a surprise, but certainly a fitting end to Hoser Heavy Metal #2 as he spun a song from the new Metal On Ice EP.  Metal On Ice started out as a book written by Canadian Guitarist (Helix, Crash Kelly, Nelly Furtado) Sean Kelly about his interviews and playing in a band in Canada.  The album displays the talents of many of the hottest Canadian stars in the metal business in the 80’s including, Russ Dwarf, Nick Walsh, Darby Mills, Daryl Gray, Brian Vollmer, Lee Aaron and more.  The song chosen was "Metal On Ice" written by Nick Walsh, who’s former band, Slik Toxik was a choice on the previous Hoser Hijack and he’s now the frontman for a new band Famous Underground. Thanks for joining these two Hosers and allowing us to play some of our favorite Canadian artists this week.  Chris and Aaron will be back at the helm next time after the turkey sweats wear off….cheers, eh!  BUY MUSIC! Killer Dwarfs Step Echo Coney Hatch One Bad Son Brighton Rock Twitch A Rebel Few Shock J'Nai Metal on Ice Contact Us! Rate, Review, and Subscribe in iTunes Join the Fan Page Follow on Twitter E-mail Us Comment Below Call us on the Hotline! (540) DBGeek - 1 or (540) 324-3351 Direct Download

Back in March of 2013, Decibel Geek writer Rich "Meister" Dillon attended the Monsters of Rock Cruise. But, his reporting on the events and artists of this tour-de-rock on the seas goes back further than that. Remembering how great a time he had on the 2012 Cruise, Meister started his "Views of the Cruise" series in advance, interviewing artists that would be aboard as well as giving previews of the bands playing. Of course, while on the cruise, Meister kept a diary and reported back to us at DBG headquarters. In all, the Views of the Cruise series swelled to 19 volumes!  Aaron and Chris were so impressed with Rich's amazing documentation of the MOR Cruise that we wanted to give our listeners a first-hand account from Meister himself. So, Rich sent us his Monsters of Rock Cruise Top 20 Memories and we got him on the horn (ie. Skype) from Canada to recount his days of debauchery on the high seas. Below you will see the actual Top 20 that Meister sent us so you can read along with us as we recount his Monsters of Rock Cruise Memories.   20-The whole damn thing!   19-JSRG(Vixen)-The biggest pleasant surprise of the cruise. They were astoundingly awesome at the pre party show. I did not expect them to rock like that! Gina is an excellent guitar player and there was a decided absence of the keyboards that make the records kind of flaccid. Their pool stage set was the same although you could see they were tired (it was a 1am show). These girls kicked my ass!   18-The guy at the pool party who started at a $20 offer for my 20 year old Four Horsemen t-shirt and was up to $115 when his wife dragged him away. Talking to same guy at Saxon pool deck show, laughing about shirt I pass him a card and he stops and looks at me and says "are you The Meister? I've been following your blog!" Holy crap....lol   17-Helix-my fellow countrymen always put on a great show and they rocked the Zebra Lounge Set on the last day.   16-Keel-both of their shows aboard ship in the Theatre and Zebra Lounge. Awesome band live. Other performers often join the stage for Right to Rock-Zebra was Steve Riley and Lita Ford, theatre was Oz Fox, Brian Vollmer, Ted Poley and Jason McMaster. Many pics from all players too and autographed set list.   15-Making tons of new friends in the rock & roll party environment and meeting and chatting however briefly with performers like Jason McMaster, Share Ross, Nikki Blakk, Russ Dwarf, Brian, Kaleb and Fritz of Helix, Lorraine Lewis, Courtney Cox, Graham Bonnet, Nigel, Biff, Doug and Paul of Saxon, Dave Meniketti, Gina Stile, Georg and Brian of Rhino Bucket, Maz Mazza, Pat Fontaine and of course Ron, Dwain, Geno, Brian and Marc of Keel.   14-Alcatrazz-also a surprise. They were quite good both shows in the theatre and the Zebra. I would certainly go see them again if I had the opportunity.   13-TNT-their show in the theatre was surprisingly awesome. I was not sure what to expect and they were great. I caught a bit of their second set another day in the Zebra Lounge and they were not as good. Singer Tony Mills looked angry or drunk not sure.   12-My "in progress" sleeve tattoo-a guitar case with all my favourite band logos. Keel, Saxon, Russ Dwarf and Helix all took pictures of their logo and asked for pics when it's finished. Dave Meniketti looked unimpressed, but he was extremely drunk at the time.   11-Having the pleasure of introducing Dwain Miller (Keel drummer) to his hero, Nigel Glockler (Saxon drummer). A fun night drinking with Nigel and Biff and Doug of Saxon, Dave Meniketti, Ron, Geno and Dwain of Keel. Watching the two drummers chat and also watching Ron Keel interview Biff Byford for his radio show.   10-DangerousToys-closing the pool stage. Many are putting them up as the best show on the boat, incredible, yes but I think Saxon was better. I was distracted by beers and a young lady during this set however, so I may not have been paying full attention.   9-The Mojito Bar-on the top deck this is the spot to be late at night after all the performances as cruisers and performers alike drink until the wee hours, especially on the last night aboard ship.   8-Loudness-I only caught half to 3/4 of this show on the pool deck and I'm not a huge fan of their newer material, but they were unbelievably tight and Akira Takasaki's solos were blistering. They sounded awesome. Also a highlight-Akira Takasaki's hair!   7-Breasts-A young lady asking me to autograph her breasts before the first Saxon show. I don't know if she thought I was someone important, but I happily obliged. Also another young lady in a teal blue bathing suit exposing her magnificent breasts to a crowd of male onlookers during Cinderella and friends!   6-Y&T-their show the first night on the pool deck is something I have long looked forward to, tragically missing them last year. They were blistering and as their latest album says, Facemelting. Also leaning on front of stage for this show.   5-The AC/DC Beer Can Guy-this is a bit of nonsense, but still fun and a cool idea. AC/DC marketed a beer and this guy has started a FB page and is taking the empty AC/DC brand beer can to see the world. I met the can and had my pic with it. It has been as far as the south pole to date.   4-RhinoBucket-both of their shows in the small Zebra and Pigalle Lounges were flawless. Straight ahead rock, no gimmicks, call themselves "The last real rock & roll band". Got Forsythe pics and drumstick at Zebra show.   3-The island of Coco Cay-I'm not an overly "beach type" of guy, but this place was beautiful and quiet, private for our cruise ship. It was great to see stars like members of Helix, Keel, Queensryche, Wendy Dio, Loudness, Femme Fatale and others enjoying themselves on the beach.   2-Keel-riding in a limo with 3 of them to watch their rehearsal prior to cruising and singing a line of Speed Demon with Ron and later Right to Rock with Brian Jay. Totally incredible day!   1-Saxon-their show on the pool deck on Sunday-I was front row, leaning on the stage and lost my voice after that show. They were awesome, borderline erotic! If you've been won over, book your spot on the 2014 Monsters of Rock Cruse HERE! Monsters of Rock Cruise Official Facebook Page Contact Us!   Rate, Review, and Subscribe in iTunes Join the Fan Page Follow on Twitter E-mail Us Comment Below   Call us on the Hotline! (540) DBGeek - 1 or (540) 342-3351

In this podcast: an ethics expert on the importance of hate speech, eco-defenders stand up to corporate greenwashing, talking access to content with Canada's Pirate Party, and truckers with something to say. Not to mention some hard rock from the '80s, and a delicious taste of Montreal hip-hop! It's been a little while since Ann Coulter's speech at the University of Ottawa was cancelled because of concerns for her safety due to angry crowds. Coulter herself was the one who pulled the plug on her appearance, but she's filing a human rights complaint because of the experience which, she says, violated her freedom of speech. The ordeal has gotten people talking about what types of speech should and shouldn't be allowed a soapbox in public discourse. And beyond that – whether the banning of any kind of speech is something we should condone. Professor Arthur Schafer is Director of the Centre for Professional and Applied Ethics at the University of Manitoba. In his opinion, even hate speech plays an important role in public dialogue. Here's what he had to say about the topic, in an interview with Canadian Dimension's Jeff Hughes. Recently, Greenpeace hired Tzeporah Berman as its new Climate Energy director. The move has caused outrage among activists – especially ones in British Columbia, who are familiar with Berman's history of corporate collaboration. Dru Oja Jay is a member of The Dominion editorial collective in Montreal, and co-founded SaveGreenpeace.Org in light of the organization's growing flirtation with big business. Here's part of what he had to say in an interview with Redeye… Even if she isn't here to play co-host this week, Meagan Perry's still making an appearance. For the latest episode of The Ruckus, Meagan had a chat with Brian Vollmer of Helix – one of Canada's most well-known hard rock bands. They talked about everything from Helix's three-decade history to women in music videos, with a few of the band's tracks thrown in for good measure – including this one. From 1983, here's Helix with “Heavy Metal Love.” If listening to music is something you're passionate about, you probably get it any way you can. Maybe you head to the nearest record store and pay for it at the counter, the good old fashioned way. Or perhaps you opt for buying individual songs on iTunes. Or maybe – just maybe – you don't pay at all. With advances in technology, pirated material is becoming more common all the time, and so are the measures being taken to prevent copyright infringements. That's where the Pirate Party comes into play. Following its success in Sweden, the Pirate Party of Canada was formed in late 2009. Its goal is to reform the copyright and patent system to reflect changes in how the public consumes content, and to protect both our privacy and access to culture. Street Cred's Adam Bemma met for an interview with Daniel LaSalle, the Pirate Party's spokesman. Here's some of that conversation… “Getting a message out” is the theme behind the latest episode of Decoder – a new podcast put together by journalism students at the University of Western Ontario. For most people, conveying a message isn't something hard to do – we've got telephones, email, and even the classic face-to-face method, when you're feeling bold. But what about if you're behind the wheel of a big rig for hours at a time, alone on the road, with nothing to keep you company but ever-changing radio signals and your own thoughts? Well, it becomes more of a challenge. That's why there's a new community of truckers embracing the form of media you're using this very moment. Here's Curtis File's “big rig report” on how truckers are hitting the road – and the ears – through podcasting. We leave you with a song by Dramatik, a Montreal hip-hop artist who recently performed at the Artists for Haiti II concert there. The song, “40 Barz”, is the opening track off his album – “La Boite Noire.”